LUCCA: ETHNOGRAPHIC OBSERVATION

A group of seven others, including Gerald and I attended an Italian 9am mass at San Lorenzo Church last Sunday, August 28th. The church was located near a local fruit stand, mini cafes, a laundry shop, and the community fountain. As we walked in, I noticed that a glass bowl of holy water was placed near the main entrance of the church. As locals stepped in, they dipped their fingers in the bowl and did the sign of the cross. We eventually found two benches to the left, mid-way from the altar. Unlit chandeliers were hung in left and right rows from the ceiling. The main candles that illuminated the altar were electronic ones, perhaps to prevent fires from occurring. The only exception were the natural candles that burned brightly near the devotion wing to the left. During the weekdays, the parishioners present were mainly the elderly. There were also few people and no children nor young adults who attended the weekday masses.

The parishioners were mainly elderly Italians, perhaps around 40+ year-olds. We've only spotted one family with kids. Why were there not much young adults and kids? We initially thought that Italians encouraged their young to attend mass in order to carry on a strong Catholic tradition, but this was not the case at this particular church. Since it is vacation time also in Italy, perhaps young adults in Lucca prefer to be elsewhere than spend an hour at church. Are Italians are becoming more liberal, or maybe do they prefer to pray in their own time and personal place? They perhaps see the church as a place for those who seek to worship with the community. I noticed that majority of the parishioners were elderly Italians, aged 70+ that mainly sat at the front. True enough, less and less Catholic young adults and even children fail to attend mass in the United States, partly because the parents are not actively participating as well. I serve at two parishes, one in Tacoma and another at the UW Newman Center. I've noticed that majority of those who attend at St. Ann's Parish in Tacoma were elderly women and minority populations. Moreover, college students hardly ever attend mass and prefer to come only on special occasions such as Ash Wednesday, Easter, and Christmas. I wonder if this is true for Italians as well.

Confessions by the locals were done before mass and half-way through with a priest behind a sealed door. However, there wasn't much privacy, as anyone who wishes to confess may just kneel down at the site next to the priest. This was awkward, as everyone else could see and even partly hear the person's confessions! Perhaps this was created so that one may feel more aware of his/her sins and in a way forms an ambiance that he/she is confessing to the community. In the United States and the Philippines, some parishes or churches have totally closed confession stands. Though one may see another come in, hardly anyone would be able to hear what the person's confessing to the priest. Moreover, confessions are done often times before mass and others may even come in for an appointment.

There was a great sense of community, especially since the Italians did a great job singing in acapella and replying in unison. Like the San Lorenzo parishioners, the parishes I've attended encouraged parishioners to sing but often times with accompaniment, such as with a pianist and the choir.

The priest seemed to have connected well with the community. Though I could not understand Italian, I saw the parishioners listening to the priest attentively. Moreover, the priest had so much enthusiasm and did not read his homily; he spoke to the community, as if he knew each individual personally. In some U.S. parishes, priests tend to read off their written homily that sometimes young parishioners doze off after five minutes of the priest speaking. Nevertheless, there are a few eloquent priests who know how to catch the parishioners' attention and even give interpretations to the previous Gospel readings for the community to reflect on.

The Eucharist is an important aspect of the mass, as this is when bread and wine is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. The ceremony is very much similar to that done in the United States. However, I found it odd to have no wine during the Communion.

We said "Pace" for "Peace be with you," while shaking each other's hands. Italians behind us smiled as we exchanged such greetings. The same is done in the United States.

The "Our Father" was not sung but was stated orally by the community. The Italians simply raised their hands with their palms facing upwards. However, in America and the Philippines, some Catholic parishioners prefer to sing the "Our Father" and may even hold each others' hands.

How can the Catholic religion be tied to health? I've noticed that the elderly parishioners find company by simply attending the daily masses. Not only do they promote social health but also mental health. I greatly admire the spirit of the elderly Italian parishioners, which I hope the younger generation both in Italy and America should witness.