Throughout the course of the past two weeks, the Lumen Christi Missal has been arriving on the doorsteps of parishes and homes around the country. Some had pre-ordered a single copy, and some reserved as many as 700 copies for the pews in their parishes. All of these were fulfillments of orders that were made in anticipation of the release of this new resource for the pew.
(You can order it HERE)
I’ve been receiving notes and even a few pictures from people around the country after they had laid their eyes and hands on the book for the first time.
Here are a few first reactions:
“Just got my copy this afternoon. Initial impression: VERY classy publication. Exemplary of the noble simplicity and dignity of the Sacred Liturgy. […] The book is a splendid publication and huge step forward for the Reform of the Reform.” (John M., MusicaSacra Forum)
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“I have just received my copy of the Lumen Christi Missal, and I want to congratulate you on the spectacular job you have done on this project. It truly is a treasure, and I am looking forward to showing it to the pastor of my parish.” (Christopher Brown)
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“Our first weekend with the Lumen Christi Missal went off wonderfully. We got almost exclusively positive comments about it, particularly about its beauty. The parish is very excited and very satisfied.” (Adam Schwend, Director of Music, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton, WA)
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“What we have here is the the first English-language, fully liturgical pew resource for the sung Mass in the ordinary form of the Roman Rite.” (Jeffrey Tucker, ChantCafe)
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“The shipment of the Lumen Christi Missal to Holy Trinity Parish arrived today in excellent condition. The workmanship is beautiful and I thank you for your hard labor to produce this liturgical work of outstanding quality and value. P.S.: The book is not too heavy!” (Fr. John Mikalajunas, Pastor, Utica, NY)
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“Our 200 copies of the LCM arrived this morning – on my feastday (SS Cosmas & Damian) and my birthday. What a great gift to receive! The books look beautiful. We will begin using the LCM this coming Sunday.” (Br. Damian, St. Gregory Abbey, Shawnee, OK)
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“I received my copy a few days ago. The book cover/binding is of high quality. The design is very tasteful and dignified–worthy to be placed in a church. The content, print size (of the text), and music is splendid. The Psalm antiphons are singable on first hearing and have that “Gregorian” sound. […] Make no mistake about it.: This is a significant publication of the highest importance.”
“EVERYONE said they would be proud to have such a book in the pew. “It would show more respect for the Word of God”. […] Every musician/liturgist needs to see this book.” (Joseph Michael, MusicaSacra Forum)
Here are some pictures sent from Our Lady Star of the Sea, in Bremerton, WA, one of the eight “Charter Parishes” who pre-ordered bulk copies of the Lumen Christi Missal in the Fall of 2011.
