James
I attended the traditional Latin Mass today and was struck by the silence during the entire Eucharistic prayer. It was broken only by the sound of bells at the elevation of the Host and chalice. What a gift silence is, and how under-appreciated it is in our times. Even our liturgies nowadays all-too-often reflect and incorporate the modern demand for constant static and chatter. Certainly, greater awareness of the need for silence in prayer is one of the (many) ways the Vetus Ordo can help along the Novus Ordo.
“The great patristic tradition teaches us that the mysteries of Christ are linked to silence, and only in silence can the Word find a place to dwell within us”. ~Pope Benedict XVI