Rites: Roman, Etc.

[jmjtina]

I am only familiar with the Roman Rite. What are the different kinds of Rites? Why are there different kinds of rites? Are they in union and loyal to the Pope?

[Pio Nono]

JMJ

2/7 - Vigil of the Fifth Sunday

jmjtina,

I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. Here goes.

1.) There are a number of different rites, or rituals, within the Catholic Church. All in all, I believe that there are 28 or 29 different rites. These rites are not "denominations" as modern Protestants would have them - rather, they hold the same beliefs as all Catholics do while having their own liturgical practices and rituals. There are two different "types" of rites - Eastern and Western. The West, for historical reasons, has five rites - Pauline (what you see at Mass on Sunday), Tridentine, Dominican, Carmelite, and Anglican. The East, also for historical reasons, has 22 or 23 different rites, and I couldn't even begin to name them all.

2.) A different number of rites exist for a number of reasons. They are usually established due to an ancient tradition (small "t") within their local community. For instance, the Liturgy (Mass) was celebrated differently in Rome than it was in India in the 500s AD because geographically, one could not transmit small-"t" traditions easily. Therefore, the "Syro-Malabar" and "Syro-Malankar" rites formed in India. They have the same beliefs, however, they have different rituals expressing those beliefs.

3.) Yes; all the different rites of the Church are in union with the Holy Father. There are some who would call themselves rites (i.e. the SSPX, the SSPV, the Greek and Russian Orthodox, &c.) who do not enjoy full communion with Rome for various reasons. But that is for another time. I hope this answers your questions.

Yours,

Pio Nono

[Pio Nono]

JMJ

2/8 - Fifth Sunday

jmjtina,

Someone brought to my attention a good distinction which needs clarification.

1.) By "rite" I mean a liturgical tradition of a community of believers. This is more than just a parochial or diocesan thing, but more along the lines of a liturgy approved by Rome. Under this definition, there exist a plethora of rites, mostly Eastern, but a few Western, in the Church.

2.) When I speak of the "Anglican Rite", I do not mean the Anglican and Episcopalian ecclesial communions. These are officially split off from Rome. There are a small group of believers, though, who have come over from the Anglican communion and have kept their liturgical tradition, or "rite", and therefore make up the very small Anglican Rite in the Church today. I hope this helps.

Yours,

-PN