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It has been interesting to me to notice the minor differences in the way the Catholic Mass is celebrated in Puerto Rico (for one thing there is a lot less kneeling here in PR!) but one thing confuses me. Right before Communion most of the congregation sits down while some remain standing. Are the people who are standing supposed to be those intending to receive Communion or does it signify something else?
I'll say yes. I've been to several churches in the mainland, and people line up for communion in an orderly manner, beginning with the first row, then the second, and so on. In most churches in PR, people just get in line right away and those not receiving communion sit down.
In an unrelated note, if I remember correctly, the Stella Marie Catholic Church in San Juan has English mass every Sunday, if you don't mind the drive. Their phone number is (787) 723-224, according to masstimes.org.
I believe this goes back to the cafeteria catholic debate. Many Catholics, specially Hispanics like myself, feel free to decide when to kneel, or stand up or sit. I for one, when I don't participate in the communion, I kneel and pray, because we are in the presence of the body and blood of Christ. Others sit and pray, others, unfortunately, sit and chat. The Catholic mass is resembling a protestant service more and more with the passage of time.
By the way, is there any church in PR that celebrates the tridentine mass? That is the traditional Latin mass. God Bless!
It has just been confusing to me because some of those who sit down still go up to receive Communion along with those who were standing.
I'm not aware of any Tridentine Masses here in PR but maybe someone else will have better information. I was always taught that you should be kneeling or standing in the presence of the Eucharist so, like you, prefer to kneel if I am not receiving Communion. Thanks for the response!
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