Catholicism is International
by: Courtney List
While in Florence, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a Catholic Mass at the Basilica di San Marco. I learned that Catholic Masses in Italy differ greatly from those in the United States. This article will compare and contrast the two Masses from my first-hand experience.
The Basilica of St. Mark was located in a touristy area of Florence. It was founded in 1267 by the Silverstrine monks to serve as a monastery, and it became a religious complex, including a convent, according to its website. Nowadays, attendees can go next door to the Museum of San Marco. Frescoes by Florentine artists are on display in remembrance of St. Mark.
Of the 35 attendees at the Basilica of St. Mark, many were dressed differently, but all shoulders, midriffs and knees were covered. There was not a written rule stating that these body parts must be covered, but it is understood in Italian culture. Some women even covered their heads for additional modesty.
The basilica was designed in such an elaborate way. The decorations surrounding the altar were almost distracting from the Mass. There were so many intricate designs and artwork to observe.
Many churches in Italy are designed beautifully and with great detail. Due to this, tourists come in and out to take pictures in churches where and when this is allowed. This has become such a normal occurrence for those who participate in Mass that speaking to other attendees, cell phone use, and entering or exiting frequently has become a norm. It is actually encouraged by the churches because there are seats set up in the rear of the church behind the pews for people who only want to sit briefly and not participate.
The first ritual I noticed that was different was the procession. A few notes of an opening hymn played followed by some chimes and whistles. Then, the priest entered from stage right to greet the church-goers. In the United States, priests enter the
church from the back and proceed down the aisle while a song played. I assumed the church was just informal and quick, but after doing research, I found that this is a common ritual during Italian Masses.
The biggest difference between the two styles of Catholic Masses is the language, of course. During Mass, I could not understand anything that was being said because it was in Italian. I only realized when the Gospel was being read because everyone stood. That being said, there was never a clear indication of when to kneel.
Some people would remaining sitting while others stood. In America, everyone stands, kneels and sits simultaneously unless you are physically unable to do so. Church-goers in Italy are free to stand or sit as they please, and kneeling is not common.
The lack of kneeling is surprising because the kneelers of pews are permanently lowered. In America, churches squeeze as many pews as possible into the facility. To accommodate for this, kneelers are able to be lowered and raised as necessary. In
Italy, there is much more space between seating, and the kneelers are attached to the pews while sitting horizontal to the ground. This made it much easier to pray and kneel.
A ritual that remained the same during this Italian Mass was the collection. During Catholic Masses, volunteers called ushers collect monetary donations to assist the church in staying open. There was a second collection just like in the United States, as well.
Catholics believe that when receiving the Communion Host one is receiving the body and blood of Christ. To receive Communion in the United States at least two lines are formed down the middle aisle of the church. The first row goes up to the priest, and the remaining rows follow. At the Mass I attended, there was no order. Everyone stood up and marched toward the priest, creating a disorganized line. Once Communion was received, participants turned around in the aisle to find their pews. This is different in the United States because church-goers walk around the outside of the pews to return to their seat after receiving the Communion Host.
Following the 45-minute Mass, the priest exited the church as quickly as he entered. The processional hymn played for about eight seconds and then the priest left stage right instead of greeting guests at the door on their way out. After about 20 seconds of the priest leaving, the lights around the altar and part of the church turned off. The dim lighting made it clear that it was time to leave.
Italian Masses are much more relaxed and less personal from what I could tell. All guests were very nice, and the priest did an excellent job with the service. If you ever have the chance, I highly recommend attending a foreign church. Experiencing Mass in a different language and culture was a very refreshing and enjoyable opportunity.