Eastern Catholics - what do you admire about the Latin Rite?

[Polycarp86]

I'm a Latin Rite Catholic exploring the east more and more. I can't help but notice a trend for Latin Rite Catholics to admire the Eastern Rites for their liturgy, spirituality, etc. but I haven't found much of this coming from Eastern Catholics towards the Latin Rite. For the Eastern Catholics out there, is there anything you particularly admire about the Latin Rite (liturgy, saints, devotions, theology of the body, etc.)?

[RyanBlack]

While I prefer the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom to the Mass, I don't at all dislike the Mass. Same goes for saints and private devotions. When it comes to the tradition of sacred art and religious statues in the Latin Rite, I am adamantly opposed to their use in Eastern Catholic Churches. However, I do admire those western traditions, and I love traditional Roman Catholic architecture, sacred art, and religious statues, and I love to visit parishes where these things are on display. Also, while I do prefer eastern approaches to theology, I have great admiration for the Roman Catholic theological tradition.

[ByzCathCantor]

Originally Posted by RyanBlack

While I prefer the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom to the Mass, I don't at all dislike the Mass. Same goes for saints and private devotions. When it comes to the tradition of sacred art and religious statues in the Latin Rite, I am adamantly opposed to their use in Eastern Catholic Churches. However, I do admire those western traditions, and I love traditional Roman Catholic architecture, sacred art, and religious statues, and I love to visit parishes where these things are on display. Also, while I do prefer eastern approaches to theology, I have great admiration for the Roman Catholic theological tradition.

That nicely sums up my general sentiments, as well. As Ryan has noted, the "sensory" experiences of the Latin Church associated with classic architecture, sacred art and sacred music are surely appealing to Eastern Catholics.

That said, as my mom was raised (and her side of the family faithfully remains) Roman Catholic, me and my siblings were well exposed to both traditions in our upbringing and formation. I do feel strongly that my grounding in the teachings of the Church has been greatly enhanced by the experience in both traditions.

Specifically though, as St. Joseph is my patron saint, I do appreciate the particular devotion to St. Joseph that is more prominent in the Latin Church and tradition.

[Phillip Rolfes]

One thing I admire about the Latin Church is the HUGE diversity in spiritual/mystical traditions. Most people don't realize just how spiritually diverse the West is, but it is something that has always appealed to me. Among the writings of the great Western mystics I've encountered everything from the very legalistic to the very mystical and everything in between. Although my preference is, obviously, for Eastern/Byzantine spirituality (within which there is also a certain amount of diversity), I still have a deep love for Western spirituality, particularly since that is the tradition within which I originally grew up.

[TrueLight]

Anyone else?

[ConstantineTG]

St. Francis of Assisi

I think that says it all.

[archangelzx]

I would say Eucharistic Adoration except that St. Basil the Great instituted that when he set aside a part of the Eucharist in a golden dove so that he and his monks could adore the Eucharist so technically that would be an eastern innovation

However, that really didn't catch on in the East and we do not have services in general of Eucharistic adoration like they do in the West and I hope we can revive that one day.

[Friar David, O.Carm]

For me it's the vibrant active religious life.

In the East religious are monastics. The people go to the monasteries. In the West the religious goes out to the people, though they do have their monastics as well.

I think this is why I joined a Latin Order.

[Phillip Rolfes]

Originally Posted by ByzCath

For me it's the vibrant active religious life.

In the East religious are monastics. The people go to the monasteries. In the West the religious goes out to the people, though they do have their monastics as well.

I think this is why I joined a Latin Order.

[Phillip Rolfes]

Originally Posted by ConstantineTG

St. Francis of Assisi

I think that says it all.

Amen!

[Shiranui117]

Good old-fashioned Gregorian chant is godlike. And while I don't particularly like or connect with a lot of Latin devotions such as the Rosary or Stations of the Cross, they are useful for those who want to practice them or develop their own variations.

[babochka]

I like the opportunity to kneel in quiet prayer and reflection after receiving Communion.

[kitkatty]

I always loved some of the older traditional hymns of the Latin Church.

[smad0142]

I am jealous of the huge school system they have and post-Communion silence.

[Deangelo]

I have to say, the things that impress me the most about the Latin Rite, in no particular order, would probably be as follows.

The school system, (of which we Catholics invented the college system!)

The mass in general, the music in the US is astounding. I was at St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton for ordinations and the choir/musical ensemble was absolutely astounding.

The college seminary formation, of which is almost unheard of for Eastern Catholics in the US.

The sheer strength and size of the Catholics in the West that the Roman Rite did very well at evangelizing.

The further understanding (slow but steady) amount of Awareness that is starting to take a hold in the US of Eastern Catholicism. With the help of sites like this with an EC forum, I always see the most spiritual and inquisitive questions occupying the forum (for the most part )