Why Photograph the Liturgy?
Inspired by Catholic photojournalist Amy Proctor, I’d like to share some basic reasons to photograph and document the Traditional Latin Mass:
For documentation and historical evidence
In a time when the Traditional Latin Mass is being limited after Pope Francis' motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, released in July of 2021, it is important to show the world the beauty, the reverence, and the spiritual impact of the Tridentine Mass.
According to traditioniscustodes.info, a website that keeps track of the implementation of the motu proprio, 257 dioceses around the world have responded to the pope’s instructions, and 10% of them have completely suppressed the Traditional Latin Mass in their jurisdiction, while 21% have implemented some kind of restrictions.
In 2022, however, the Holy Father signed a decree exempting the priests of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP) from the provisions of his motu proprio.
Fr. Michael Passo, FSSP, celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass (2023) Phoenix, Arizona
To promote and bring back traditions
New generations have discovered the Traditional Latin Mass through social media. Many young people have seen beautiful photographs which show the contrast with today's modernist society and reveal the unique and timeless beauty of the Tridentine Mass—the Mass of the ages.
After discovering the Traditional Rite, many people have been fascinated by the rich elements of the traditional liturgy—from Gregorian chants to altar rails, veiling, and even Communion on the tongue. Interestingly enough, the suppression of these and other liturgical elements in many modernist parishes in the United States has been a contributing factor to a shocking fact—as of 2019, 70% of self-identifying Catholics in the U.S. deny the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
First Holy Communion in the Traditional Rite | Bishop Emeritus Thomas J. Olmsted (2023) Phoenix, AZ
In support of Church promotionals, advertising, websites, and social media, and to enhance the well-being of the parish
With the permission of your pastor, it's a great way to showcase parish ministries, church information, activities, and other relevant details of parish life, including the celebration of the sacraments in the Old Rite.
Corpus Christi Procession, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church (2023) Phoenix, AZ