A Semi-Comprehensive Guide to Surviving an International Mass Experience

One of the things I love about the Catholic Church is our Internationality. All over the world at any point there are devout Catholics participating in the same Mass. Even if it is in an unfamiliar language, you can always know what is going on. Speaking as someone who has traveled to multiple countries, wherever there is a Catholic Church I can find a home.

Now that said if you’re like most people and have lived in one area your entire life, you are used to a certain rhythm of Mass. Is Mass celebrated with the same parts, readings, and teachings throughout the world? Yes. But there are little differences that can throw us off or even bother us if we do not see them coming.

This is where I come in.

I am going to describe a unique experience I’ve had in Mass in different regions of the world. While there can be discussions on whether some things I’m going to write are right or wrong or liturgically correct, I am writing more for awareness. I am writing so that when you travel to this area in the world, you might not be caught unawares and can focus on the important point of the Mass: Jesus.

Dallas, TX: Sometimes nothing is more foreign than what goes on in our own back yard. The biggest thing I know is controversial here and in many other southern states is that we hold hands during the Our Father. If you are opposed to this, fine. But if you are just visiting from the weekend, just be aware that this will likely happen at a church down here. You do not have to participate, simply fold your hands the way you have been taught at home.

Wichita, KS: This is the first place I went where I observed any small differences in Mass. Not only do they not hold hands, but they tend to keep the kneelers down all throughout Mass. I grew up putting the kneelers up and down depending on Mass part and use. If you’re traveling from South to North, it may take a conscientious effort to blend in.

Birmingham, England: My Mass experience here was a bit odd because most Sunday Masses consisted of me, the lady in charge of campus ministry, and the priest. As most places in Europe, the kneelers are built permanently on the floor so don’t try too hard to life them up (please). They do not hold hands in the Our Father if you are used to that, and the Hail Mary is prayed after the petitions. Last but not least, just because the church is called “Saint” something DOES NOT MEAN IT IS A CATHOLIC CHURCH! The biggest church there is the Anglican Church, and they recognize a lot of Saints too.

Krakow, Poland: This is probably the most traditional Mass I have been to. The priest’s vestments were of an older style, so if the priest comes in with vestments are not flowy as most of the ones in the United States, it does not necessarily mean you’re not in a Catholic church (I actually had this fear). Furthermore, communion was from behind a rail so you go, take a place, kneel down, and receive on the tongue.

Rome, Italy: Brush up on Latin if you go to Mass at the Vatican! But also be prepared to receive communion on the tongue. When I went up the priest did not give it to me when I held my hands out. And you are supposed to book tickets for most Papal Masses. They’re free. Go to the Swiss Guard.

Limerick, Ireland: Like England, Ireland also says the Hail Mary after petitions. However, they say it in the native language of the country: Gaelic. Unless you speak Gaelic, do what I did: silently say it in English. Nobody will think any less of you.

San Salvador, El Salvador: Disclaimer: the Mass I am referring to here was the Beatification of Archbishop Oscar Romero. It was outside with crowds squeezing in to get as close as they could, so as you can imagine Communion was hectic. However, I think from a foreigner’s perspective this is more typical of Central America. You go up whenever, and “Amen” is an internationally recognized word.

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala: Like San Salvador, you go up for communion if you are receiving, not necessarily after the pew in front of you. However, one thing I noticed during Mass is the people repeat “My Lord and My God” with the priest (Señor mío, Díos mío). If you don’t understand Spanish and are confused as to why the church gets so loud after consecration… that is why.

As I said, there are many little details that are different in Mass throughout the world. I personally find them fascinating. But no matter what, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are gathering together as one celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We are nourished through the same scripture readings and the same Eucharist each Sunday. That is the most important thing.