Here’s a switch. usually I write about my experiences as an expatriate, either in Italy, where I truly am one, or in Arizona, where I mostly just feel like one. Our friends Elena and Michela arrived from Italy yesterday, and now I get to see our country through their expatriated eyes.
Being practicing Catholics they went to mass this morning at the closest appropriate church, the Church of the Holy Cross in Mesa which is a half hour’s drive away. Now if only they were Mormons, Methodists, Baptists or Lutherans I could have accommodated them in a matter of a few minutes. Don’t let the photo above fool you – the place was mobbed for 10 a.m. mass. I had to go to a nearby shopping center to find a parking place while I waited for my friends. There are two churches, and there was standing room only.
How was it different? I asked. In lots of ways, it turns out. First, in Italy going to church is mostly women’s work. If you see a solitary man in church he is very likely a recent widower, according to Elena. Here you see many couples and families worshipping together; it is more the rule than the exception. And it is beyond rare in Italy to see the church packed to the gills and overflowing for Sunday mass.
In Italy the congregants are offered only the host. Here they are offered both host and wine, either for sipping or dipping.
The wafers are thinner and yellower than those in Italy, but Elena opined the caloric value was probably about the same.
Going to the altar for communion can be very disorderly in Italy with everyone getting as close as they can as fast as they can. Likewise, people come and go at will, frequently not remaining for the whole mass. At the service today Elena observed that everyone formed a line to take communion, and each person patiently awaited his turn. No one left early.
She was enthusiastic about the music, which was almost like a concert. Everyone sang! In Italy only a few wurbley-voiced matrons participate, but here the singing was hearty and heart-felt.
So what were the impressions she came away with in general? She was impressed by the number of people and the active and orderly participation in all parts of the service. But she found herself wondering if there was the same spirit of joy in today’s mannerly congregation as she frequently sees in the smaller masses of her home church in Italy. She couldn’t say yes, or no, but it was an interesting question for all of us.
An Ex-Expatriate 
After twelve years in rigid Catholic schools with the nuns, I can only say that many of us were too scared to do anything remotely “disorderly”. We were taught – and I have forgotten – exactly what parts of the Mass were mandatory to count as the required attendance so arriving late and leaving early were not options. Lining up, in an orderly fashion, became second nature to all of us.
To this day, I have scars on my knees from kneeling on oyster shells in the garden, as penance, for some transgression. Hanging the clothespins on our earlobes was another favorite “reminder” of how naughty we were. I’ll bet I am one of the only people you know who can stand on one leg in a trash can, eyes closed and arms outstretched with gum on her nose and recite the Hail Mary in french! Hmmmm, this likely explains why you didn’t see me at that Mass …………….. my current “church” is Our Lady of the Backyard.
And to think… I always envied the girls at parochial school because they got to wear uniforms! It sounds like you went to a particularly harsh school. But certainly the discipline you describe could account for orderly mass-goers here.
How many years have you been doing this blog? And yet again, I am amazed at the variety of the subject matter. This was so interesting! I’m not a church-goer but I know all about Catholic Masses. I think I might enjoy the more disorderly kind of Mass. I mean, if I were to go a Mass. … Which I wouldn’t.
I won’t go with you, okay? And since you ask, 2.5 years, 214 posts, 1253 comments (make that 1254 after I click ‘submit’) and a stunning 107,812 visits (tongue firmly in cheek – that’s nuthin’ for a blog). Thanks for asking, and for visiting and for sitting with me a cafe on Sunday morning…
Very interesting question indeed! Is it the American work ethic/duty that marches good Catholics into church services or is the lack of displayed joy the deeply personal and individual way most Americans live? Also, many of us grew up taught by the acronym “NPDA,” “no public displays of affection.” That attitude carries over into all areas of life. Cultural differences are fascinating!
Give my love to Elena and Michie and tell them I hope to see them in the not too distant future! Happy Travels!!
Good questions – and as you know, I have no answers (only more questions).