Log in to hire Michael

Michael Shain

Photographer and reporter
 
Mass in Latin, Like it Used to Be
Nationality: American
Biography: Lives in Queens, N.Y.        
Public Story
Mass in Latin, Like it Used to Be
Copyright Michael Shain 2024
Updated Sep 2020
Topics Community, Documentary, Photography, Photojournalism, Religion
The only weekly pre-Vatican II mass in Queens — wholly in Latin — has been held in a small chapel on the grounds of St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village since 2004.
The old-rite mass draws 60-to-80 people each week, with some coming from as far as New Jersey and Long Island. It is a throwback to a time when women wore mantilla to mass and communion was given only by a priest’s hand.
“It’s not for everybody,” said Bishop James Massa, who oversees the unusual rite.
The prayerbook used is from 1962, a relic of the year the Vatican ordered churches to say mass in the local language.
The congregation has its fair share of older worshippers but, surprisingly, most are young parents who weren't alive when the old mass was changed.  

LinkedIn Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
1,728

Also by Michael Shain —

Story

IKEA in the city

Michael Shain
Story

Mass vaccines

Michael Shain
Story

North Channel

Michael Shain / Array
Story

Elmhurst Hospital, Home of a Pandemic

Michael Shain
Story

The Vote

Michael Shain
Story

Big Dig

Michael Shain
Story

Food lines

Michael Shain / Queens, NY
Story

Indie Wrestling

Michael Shain
Story

Backstage at the Chinese Opera

Michael Shain
Story

Diwali, Parade of Lights

Michael Shain
Story

Empire Valley Railroad line

Michael Shain
Story

Bocce Champs

Michael Shain
Mass in Latin, Like it Used to Be by Michael Shain
Sign-up for
For more access