John F. Kennedy's Requiem Mass and Burial Rite (INTACT VERSION) 11/25/1963

Requiem Mass and the rite of interment at Arlington Cemetery with the blessing and lighting of the Eternal Flame Memorial.
(This is the full funeral Mass of JFK without the jump cut found in the versions already posted online. I tracked down the original 8-hour video coverage, edited down and uploaded it in the highest quality possible.)
This is the Pontifical Low Requiem Mass said for the repose of the soul of the late John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America, celebrated on November the 25th 1963.
Mass was said at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington D.C. The Archbishop of Boston, His Eminence, Cardinal Richard Cushing, a family friend of the Kennedy's, was the presiding minister. LIVE spiritual commentary during Mass was given by the now late, Msgr. Leonard Hurley. The eulogy was given by Bishop Philip Hannan
This Mass has been noted to be the worst televised Mass ever as it shows Cardinal Cushing's infamous barking of the Low Mass and extreme laziness during the whole ceremony. Even during the final commendation at the church and the cemetery, which he chose to say in the vernacular.
May the soul of John F. Kennedy, rest in peace Amen.

[@thedon978]

Beautiful Latin Mass. How deeply sad, yet proud and united under God we Catholics felt during those tragic days.

[@tonyharden7159]

@thedon978 This might not be relevant, but I felt the need to share is because of what you said about how untied under God, "we Catholics felt during those tragic days." As these words are typed, I am almost 57 years old. I Converted to Catholicism and almost two years ago (April 16, 2022) I came into the church. I am legally blind and have always been regarded as a misfit and a dork. I have never found anything or anywhere that I have been accepted for what and who I am like the Catholic Church. I was yet to be born when JFK was assassinated, but the Catholic Church is the best friend on this earth that I have found. It should go without saying that our very best friends are The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[@Awakeningspirit20]

@@tonyharden7159 I am Catholic since birth and I wish I could find that Church. It hates me. I want to live a full, Catholic faith but it is very hard to. Be grateful you live in a place that has a good Catholic community and found a home; I never have. I am young, though. I won't stop looking. I just hate how it's going to have to not be Catholicism. Or it will be a solitary faith I may only be able to share with a wife one day.

[@torchbearerSN]

@@Awakeningspirit20 Why is it that you could not find it in the Catholic Church? You said that the Church hates you, I can assure you it does not.

[@lloydknighten5071]

John Fitzgerald Kennedy, requiem aeternam dona eis Domine. Et lux perpetua, luceat eis. Dona eis requiem in paradisum. Requisecat in pace.

[@pinedelgado4743]

Show-off. :) :)

[@reneedaughter]

Or maybe he went to a Catholic High School where you had to study latin.

[@reneedaughter]

@Diego Alvarez personally I do not know of one catholic HS the NY tri-state area that does not offer Latin. Now in 70's and prior to that it was more than an offer, it was a like a "papal bull".

[@reneedaughter]

@Diego Alvarez That's what I wrote.

[@reneedaughter]

Except that I typed: offer, not " oiffer " . But I understand your intent.

[@dme1016]

I stood in front of that church today for a few mins, for the first time. It's an odd feeling. I was 6 in '63, & have of course, seen the film many times. Jackie & the Kennedy brothers following the casket down the center stairs, is a vivid memory. Of course, the spot where little John saluted his murdered Dad from is where I really wanted to stand, and I did.

[@thomast9736]

I attended St Matthews Cathedral while going to school in DC. There is a marble engraved marker just before the sanctuary where JFK’s casket remained during the funeral.

[@JamesEaton-x3m]

What a solemn and beautiful mass. I could only think of what a great honor it must have been for the servicemen to carry the fallen president's casket into the church.

[@christopherthorkon3997]

For those wondering about Cushing's voice -- he did have a speech impediment however here he is adopting a cadence which was very common for that era. It was full volume in terms of projection and inflected to a certain extent, but also purposefully devoid of emotion or what one would interpret as a regular voice. It was a bit of a melodramatic and yet emotionally devoid way of leading prayer at that time. It comes across as being loud and yet rather emotionally barren. Many many priests of the era led prayer in this manner.

[@Michaelbos]

Christopher Thorkon , My Cardinal.

[@urbanviii5103]

He sounds like he doesn't even have a soul. Just some Catholic robot, or alien creature. Just absolutely vile.

[@stevebrown8368]

That's the way it was done. Personality doesn't enter

[@kevint7288]

@@stevebrown8368 Compared to the way most people read Latin *silently* today, +Cushing has as much personality in his voice as a priest saying the OF in the 80s and 90s. (That's not a good thing lol)

[@KmwAmg]

that is not true - I grew up with the Latin Rite and when I heard this back in the day we all thought he was drunk ! No Priest ever barked the latin - in fact ,the Mass was all spoken in a low whisper while the choir or soloist sang over him . In a low Mass the prayers were always said in a whisper . The High Mass was the only time the Priest chanted certain parts - Oh well , that was the past . Thank God the Tridentine Movement brought the correct way to say a Mass. At any rate it still had great music compared to the funeral Mass of today !

[@juliabajaro3463]

Yes Latin Mass to me is very solemn, the vestments of the Priest and the service are appropriate, the choir’s singing sounds so heavenly as if the Lord is going up to heavens, and womens dressed up appropriately.

[@aronsanchez6999]

Cardinal Cushing graduated with Honors in Greek and Latin from high school, despite a speech impediment. Two this is a low mass and you can tell this is an experimental Mass because the Celebrant using a microphone at all times and there are no silent prayers being said.

[@JacobSnell1998]

Graduating with honours in a second language means nothing as to whether you are fluent in it. Cardinal Cushing admitted himself he couldn't speak nor understand Latin. That is why he left the Second Vatican Council after the first session.

[@florian8599]

It's 1963. The Modus Novus was still in development.

[@lordjesuschristhavemercyon3251]

@@florian8599 JUST SAY NOVUS ORDO! This jib jab "Modus Novus" bullshit is annoying.

[@briandelaney9710]

He certainly didn’t celebrate it reverently

[@francisheperi4180]

@@lordjesuschristhavemercyon3251 Good heavens!

[@stephenkolarac5305]

The first song that is played by the band is a beautiful and Majestic Catholic funeral hymn which is rarely heard anymore. It's called "Pray for the Dead".

[@haynangtamhonlen]

Thank you su much 😮😮😮😮

[@jamesgordon2255]

I played it at my mothers funeral mass. It’s heartfelt.

[@jamesgordon2255]

I think it was the meditation hymn.

[@stephenkolarac5305]

Very nice to hear. Thank you!

[@mikeveis6393]

I think that hymns were sung at RFK's memorial service.

[@CharlottePrattWilson]

Despite some criticism I read here, the Latin Mass is still preferable to the Novus Ordo.

[@remycallie]

Not the way this guy does it.

[@kwesmasman598]

@@remycallie I noticed that the Low Mass my local priests celebrates is better than how he celebrates it.

[@jacintogomesdesaleal5752]

Muito mais superior

[@Valkyrie00]

The priest was Saying zkvkslfkdngkejgkwnfbejf.

[@thamesdarwin1749]

Sure, I mean who doesn’t love a ceremony in which the celebrant has his back to you and you don’t understand a word? The mass was changed so that the vast majority of Catholics, who lacked a Catholic education and thus knew no Latin, could understand it. Sure, the Latin mass is beautiful, but it lacked utility. The post-V2 mass addressed that issue well, and if you want to hear a Latin mass, you can do that now too. A win-win.

[@xam091]

The good cardinal presiding the Holy Mass in Latin, the sacred language of the traditional mass, in a sacred ritual worshipping the Almighty God, appropriately facing the altar in praise, adoration and reverence, so unlike today's rites. 🙏

[@john-el9636]

Unfortunately the Cardinal had no skill in actually speaking Latin.

[@MarkEliasGrant]

a really great example of why liturgical reform was needed: I saw a disengaged laity staring off into space, and a horrible Liturgy in mumbled mushy mouth Latin.

[@zr3755]

​@@MarkEliasGrant If I could like this more, I would

[@patriciajones4761]

I am still sad about this. He was a good president well-loved and a great father. It was such a terrible thing to happen for our country and I don't think we ever really healed

[@andrebond678]

And someone want to do that inexcusable act for taken someone life for no reason. And every American was very fond of him and he was young and. Young family and two innocent children without a father and he didn't get a chance to see them grow up and attend their school activities and attend their high school and college graduation and their weddings and get a chance to play his grandkids and that person had did that if you don't disagree his policies don't vote for him in the next election (1964 election) don't take that person life away for stupidity or hate reason and that how I feel about that. Those assassins going to paid for what they done to JFK.RFK,MLK Medger Evers,Malcolm X they all have young wives,young children's and that had to deal with that scar for the rest of the life for the assassins stupidity and inexcusable act and even Dwight D.Eisenhower was outrage of JFK passing and call it indispicable act. To the assassins you all days will come by God. Inexcusable

[@russellsmith-ik4uf]

A vivid memory, November 1963. Requiescant in pace

[@janeburton2557]

Grateful to you that you posted this Mass as I wasn’t able to view it at that time. Thank you so much! RIP Pres Kennedy. 🌹🌹

[@psono429]

Hi My father helped in a big way the reform of FDA as result of thalydomide that killing and maming babies. He was JFK's agency Rep to capitol hill. Thank you for being so understanding of what they were trying to make the country and the church better and the world.

[@richardhutchison3123]

56 years ago today this took place. I remember it like it was just yesterday!

[@victorcross5949]

I was 9 years old and remember it vividly. My family were glued to the TV that weekend and Monday.

[@Justinian506]

@Diego Alvarez lol still more reverant than Evangelicals

[@moclips1]

Thank you for sharing this post of a historic and tragic period in the American Experience. The video quality is exceptional and does not have that jump cut found in other copies.

[@mikeveis6393]

Modern technology 60 years later

[@l.antoinetteanderson3736]

Thank you for presenting this. I was in early high school at this time. Deeply moving to see this after so many years. A man, a president, a country, a world never to see the likes of it again! But seems very needful to view and ponder.

[@pietrochiaranz3854]

As a connoisseur and scholar of the ancient Christian liturgies, after seeing this video ... I am amazed !!! How is it possible that already in 1963 there was this miserable lack of liturgical sense! The sloppy "Ave Maria" sung in place of the entry chant of the Requiem Mass, the parts in Gregorian chant that the people also knew in Italy, here no one seems to know them, the final "Libera me Domine" responsory recited in a stentorian and monotonous voice from the celebrant, instead of being sung! This was not the funeral of a head of State but the funeral of the last Catholic of the last mountain village !! Here it is understood that the traditional Catholic liturgy visibly began to give way.

[@lloydknighten5071]

Pietro, I heartily concur. They should have used the Introitus from either Mozart or Verdi's Requiem as the President's coffin was brought down the aisle of Saint Matthew's Cathedral. It would have made the Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of John Fitzgerald Kennedy more solemn. The whole Mass just seemed so rushed. The President of the United States deserved better than that. And Jackie should have gotten a celebrant other than John Cardinal Cushing. His monotonous voice is almost painful to listen to.

[@swaingles]

You have to bear in mind that this was before the Vatican Concilium II. Being of an anglosaxon mother tongue explains the cardinal's articulation. It seems that English speaking people find Latin languages harder that those learning English.

[@user-uu5zv9qw1y]

This is a low mass, hence the celebrant didn’t have to sing as the rubrics direct.

[@Michaelbos]

Pietro Chiaranz , another expert analyzing.

[@peterpluim7912]

Pietro Chiaranz I don’t understand what they did with the music. The music they played when the president leaves the church is the German version of the Te Deum: Grosser Gott, wir loven dich. Has this music the same connotation in the USA please?

[@2ndRatePetronius]

Whichever priest decided to allow the "Ave Maria" and the next song to be sung over the entirety of the Mass of the Catechumens was on some crack.

[@arrysortanez]

The Ave Maria was specifically requested by Jackie but I agree it was not appropriate

[@2ndRatePetronius]

Arrys Ortanez Which is why I blame the priest who allowed it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@DNSKansas]

@@2ndRatePetronius Cardinal Cushing kissed the Kennedy's asses and wasn't going to do anything to make Jackie cry more than she already had. If Jackie wanted The Twist performed at the funeral mass, it would have been performed.

[@oledocfarmer]

At least no guitars/Praise Band.

[@VinylToVideo]

This is merely a Low Mass with musical accompaniment.

[@rafaelwilks]

7:18 Mass begins. 40:28 Mass ends. 29:18 when the Agnus Dei is being sung here, Unfortunately, is precisely the sort of theatrical thing that Saint Pius X expressly prohibited in Tra le sollecitudini. It really is quite unfortunate that this melody was used instead of the Gregorian Chant.

[@urbanviii5103]

@@patrickstevens9083 Well I guess she didn't have as much class as I thought she did.

[@spilkafurtseva1918]

Can you point me in the direction of where I can read about the mass immediately prior to Vatican II? How it stood? I just read “Tra le sollecitudine” after your comment and wow, we need to dogmatism that motu proprio at this point lol.

[@trillline4563]

What was the communion hymn sung during the distribution?

[@marcelstephens8683]

its from st Matthews passion by Bach towards the end of the score@@trillline4563

[@angelacharin636]

You can tell that everyone is in shock and was still trying to come to grips with what had happened just 3 days before. Bobby looked absolutely devastated.

[@abudia6403]

The John F Kennedy Highway and the Kennedy Subdivions are evidences of the positive impact this beloved US president had on the Commonwealth of the Bahamas🇧🇸🇺🇸💯❤️. May he continue to rest in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

[@CJCappella]

This was awesome! So much better than the current mess!

[@alwellus]

Of course, there was no "barn dance liturgy" foolishness like today. The beauty of the old Mass shows forth in this Requiem.

[@kevint7288]

lol are you kidding? This is my go-to example for bad, irreverent EF Masses

[@alwellus]

@@kevint7288 Please define "EF"

[@alwellus]

@@kevint7288 Please define "EF"

[@rdeli9121]

Extraordinary Form of the Mass

[@tambrosia]

Interesting to see that in USA the Presidents casket is carried by the guard only for a short bit most of the time it is on the casket roller. In the UK, those poor guards are carrying a casket close to 500 lbs (they are carrying a wood outer coffin, then a lead filled coffin and then the body of the King or Queen), that is a lot of weight for the 6 guards of honor and they carry it all over, no casket rollers. I think I read one of the guards either died or was quite ill from carrying the Queens casket,

[@johncassani6780]

I’m sure that’s true about the Queen’s funeral. Bear in mind that this funeral took place three days after the assassination, and the day after Oswald was killed. There was no “Operation London Bridge” in place for this. Jackie intended for it to follow President Lincoln’s funeral procession, and it was her wish for it to be a Pontifical Low Mass. Anyway it is the only Catholic funeral of a US President, and I hope it stays that way until there is a real Catholic President again (though I know Biden will get whatever he wants, so spineless are bishops today).

[@kashu66]

As a Roman Catholic Mass used to be celebrated prior to the ROT of Vatican II - may it soon return post-haste, as there are one or two glimmers of hope which lie with the new congregations being formed. Regretfully, many generations have now been lost!! Our Lady of Fatima Pray for Us.

[@ClavesCoelorum]

Oh the rot is clearly visible here...

[@Leocomander]

Jeez dude. Vatican II was poorly implemented yet poor implementation does not mean that that wad the council fathers or V2 intended. It very ironic that you make this comment considering this right here is an example that regardless of what mass is being celebrated liturgical abuse can still happen considering this was the 62. BTW I attend the TLM at an FSSP parish and believe it to be better than the Novus Ordo, but we can’t be reactionaries man that gets us no where.

[@CalebCasanova]

Vatican II’s guidelines for developing a new Mass weren’t bad. The only problem is that Paul VI put a manic (Fr. Bugnini) in charge of writing it. If he actually abided by Vatican II’s mandates the Mass would still be ad orientum, still be in Latin, still use Gregorian chant, would still use a one year lectionary for the reading of scripture in the Mass, etc.

[@annfrost3323]

I love the Mass in Latin but Cardinal Cushing was nasty. Never saw anything like this. He was rushing and acting as if he was angry, didn't want to be there. How terrible and disrespectful. A horrible example for non- Catholics attending.

[@jamesreilly606]

It was like every mass I remember from the era. High mass in my home parish started at 10:15 and was over, including Benediction, by 11:25 to let the 11:30 Mass crowd in. Note, the pastor was an Auxiliary Bishop and High Mass was often a Pontifical High Mass.

[@andreacarminati2610]

@@jamesreilly606 Oh I thought that priests were more spiritual. My grandma (she's from Verona) sais that...

[@jamesreilly606]

@@andreacarminati2610 well, it was very common in my experience. I personally think priests then and now are no more spiritual than the general public.

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

The speaking cadence he uses was very common in the era. It’s supposed to convey strength and orators we’re educated to talk like that. If you listen to old speeches of American politicians you will find a similar voice.

[@victorcross5949]

It was amazing that the funeral was arranged and completed just three days after the assassination.

[@shawnmichaelduncan5951]

Generally they have the funeral arranged when they become President. So this was planned out spread

[@patriciabarkley735]

Victor Cross , If this happened now, they would have stretched it out for weeks.

[@georgestevens1502]

@@shawnmichaelduncan5951 Baloney. Jackie had to push for all of this. She insisted on every step taken from the 23rf through the 25th.

[@shawnmichaelduncan5951]

@@georgestevens1502 wasn't aware of that. I remember from news outlet generally when elected they ask the President how he wants it planned because if he should die in office. Never knew Jackie planned this

[@georgestevens1502]

@@shawnmichaelduncan5951 Whether she planned exactly how the Mass went, I don't know; having been an altar boy, I would think the church was probably just told that she wanted the shortest funeral Mass, hence the Low Mass. The church might have presumed a High Mass and then had to change things which may account for an apparently haphazard event and so many negative comments on this site. As for the way all the other things went from the 23rd through the 25th, that is where Jackie came in. The movie with Natalie Portman as Jackie, based on noted hisitorian and Kennedy administration member Arhtur Schlesinger's work with her, shows how government officials tried to basically push her aside after she returned to the White House from Bethesda Medical Center and she refused to let others take care of any ceremonies and asserted herself and planned the events and many particulars. Jackie's finest hours.

[@terrapinsturtles1230]

Man! The Cardinal's terrible latin articulation was totally distracting.

[@stephenmcmullen7600]

.....er.....u aint heard his English, have you?

[@johnsaintvincent8406]

Absolutely.

[@m-hayek1985]

terrapins turtles actually it’s not any more worse than typical English accented Latin. It’s a Irish accent rather than standard English.

[@reglementme6321]

Is this Latin?? This was just unworthy

[@ljones436]

So what??????????????????

[@mtregi]

Cardinal has a voice for sports casting

[@DominicusMagnus]

How strange (!!!) to sing the Gounod's Ave Maria at the beginning of a Requiem mass

[@MichaelBurmy]

1. It was actually by Schubert. (The Bach-Gounod Ave Maria sounds different) 2. Jackie specifically requested it, and Cardinal Cushing acquiesced. (As Archbishop of Boston, he gave the Kennedys whatever they wanted)

[@markgraczyk5600]

Reciting Latin with that raspy Boston Irish accent. Classic Cardinal Cushing.

[@zestotemp]

It is good to see a living Pontifical Low mass. This form was so common, second most common next to the regular low mass.

[@johnvrabec9747]

I remember my Mom crying when they broke in on the TV to report on the shooting at 12:30. I was 5 and didn't understand why she was crying. I also remember the TV being on all day and late into the evenings that weekend, culminating with Monday's services and interment. I also remember reading the National Geographic issue my Uncle had with the pictures and story of that weekend, later on. A sad, devastating time when the Deep State stole our country from us in broad daylight.

[@pianoman551000]

How did this man ever become promoted to the rank of cardinal with his slaughtering of the Latin Mass or anything else that requires knowledge of the Latin language???

[@stephenmcmullen7600]

Relax buddy. He butchers English as well......

[@giovanniserafino1731]

Mike, aren't you just a wonderful person !

[@DNSKansas]

@Mike Carnegie You're a beacon of religious tolerance I see!

[@pianoman551000]

@Elizabeth Brower I like/appreciate your analogy!!

[@logicallyfallacious4151]

Mike Carnegie demonic

[@julianmeek2156]

At first I described this as "The worst mangling of the Roman Rite I have ever heard." I have since learned Cardinal Cushing had a speech problem and apologise.... I am truly sorry.

[@frodriguez023]

Julian Meek yes the Cardinal had a speech problem.

[@johnsaintvincent8406]

Mr. Julian, I was beginning the destruction of the Second Vatican Council at that time. An era that marked great changes in the Church and in the structure of society. Today, disasters are seen. Yes, totally agree with you. The movements of the Cardinal leave much to say but I tell you, he was a modernist. I forgot to mention the Ave Maria that is out of place. Disastrous.

[@johnsaintvincent8406]

@RapidDecisions Yes unfortunately for him but he was a modernist that worked in the destruction of the Church.

[@m-hayek1985]

Actually the pronunciation was fine. It’s the sloppy guestures that are the problem.

[@Michaelbos]

Julian Meek , apologized.

[@PC-lu3zf]

Always wanted to see the service in full.

[@nativegerry335]

Where was bishop Fulton sheen during all of this , he would have been a better celebrant

[@kevincorcoran6493]

I was kinda hoping for a eulogy from Revered Billy Graham.

[@ljones436]

Seriously? Cardinal Cushing was from Boston. The Kennedys are from Boston. He was a personal friend of the Kennedy family. He officiated at the marriage of President Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy. His Emminence was the logical choice.

[@imanacer]

He just doesn't stop honking at the cemetery. Every time they think he's finished, he starts with something else. And a good portion of this is NOT from the Roman RItual (English or not). I pity those poor military men who had to keep taking off their hats. Gotta love the sprinkling coinciding with the "Wonderful. Man. We. Bury here. Today" at 1: 25. Also, the use of "Jack" in the liturgy in lieu of his Christian name? Ugh.

[@lmbscriptsharcs2044]

Besides being probably the highest profile Cardinal in the U.S. at the time, he was a personal friend. He’d married the Kennedys, baptized Caroline and John Jr, and buried their son Patrick only months before.

[@trillline4563]

Why does Cardinal Cushing sound like Charlie Browns teacher!?

[@christopherthorkon3997]

This is the regular cadence of many clergy of the era. Sounds very odd, but it was not unusual for the Mass and the Rosary to be prayed with this kind of voice.

[@pinedelgado4743]

He doesn't. He sounds more like Howard Cosell.

[@reglementme6321]

It should be recited in a rather simple tone

[@trillline4563]

Can someone repost this in color?

[@DNSKansas]

@@trillline4563 It wasn't recorded and transmitted in color to begin with. Very little was televised in color in November 1963, with what little that was confined to sporting events and theatrical movies.

[@giovanniserafino1731]

There was nothing wrong with the Latin pronunciation of the late Cardinal Cushing of Boston, other than the fact, that it "was rapid fire" and spoken in the Boston Irish accent. It was, however, grammatically correct. He generally followed the rubrics of the Mass, although in a sloppy non-ceremonial way . Most priests of the time were not " liturgists" and adopted a " get them in, and get them out" pro forma approach to the Mass which meant that Sunday Mass with a sermon could be less than 20 minutes. This is one reason , in my opinion, that the vernacular celebration of Mass caught on so quickly.

[@m-hayek1985]

The liberal cardinal also attacked Fr Feeney.

[@m-hayek1985]

Robert Rough the Cardinal was a pre Vatican 2 liberal

[@itsnando20]

@Larry Dreiling I think not understanding it adds to the great mystery and acts as an inconostasis

[@briandelaney9710]

That kind of thing got us to the awful point we are today

[@pinedelgado4743]

This Low Requiem Mass for President Kennedy sounds like it's being celebrated by Howard Cosell!! Seriously!! That's who Richard Cardinal Cushing sounds like in this footage!! OMG!!

[@urbanviii5103]

I LOVE IT. You're right. Total garbage.

[@jamesmoninger1982]

I became a Catholic in 1985 and would never have joined the church if the mass was like this. This is uninspiring, and I think I would feel the same about it if I were conversational in Latin.

[@SamScott99]

Why?

[@jamesmoninger1982]

@@SamScott99 I don't understand a word of it, and the cardinal's sing-song intonations are not inspiring.

[@SamScott99]

@@jamesmoninger1982 I agree that this priest is celebrating the mass weird, it seems like there is a strange overlay. This mass sustained the life of all of the canonized saints. If one says it’s uninspiring, yet this mass inspired the church for 2000 years, maybe it’s you? Kindly speaking

[@jamesmoninger1982]

@@SamScott99 We are on the same side here. I converted to the Catholic Church in 1985.

[@SamScott99]

@@jamesmoninger1982 amen we are! I was curious though. Merry Christmas my friend

[@whatterrisees6246]

What is going on in these comments? You can't see the forest through the trees. No one has anything to say about the grief of Jackie or Robert that is so readily apparent on their faces? The then very young children who had to grow up without a father. The terrible knowledge that within a few short years Robert would be assassinated as well and all of his children would also be without their father. Ethel having to go through the same devastating loss? Would Jesus be focusing on the aspects and details of the mass or in giving comfort and wisdom to those who are suffering? All of you have missed something here.

[@DNSKansas]

Lady, if Jackie wanted Ave Maria sung that badly, then it should have been done at an ecumenical memorial service at Washington National Cathedral, not in the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, DC. This was a LOW mass, and singing did not have a place in a LOW mass under the missal in effect at the time. Just because this was the deceased President of the United States did not give Mrs. Kennedy and Cardinal Cushing the right to significantly alter the mass. JFK was not a member of the clergy and thus was entitled to the same requiem mass as any other Catholic lay person. No more, no less.

[@whatterrisees6246]

@@DNSKansasI am sure you are correct in what you are saying but that was not my point. I just hope you would look with better eyes. Even though this happened decades ago perhaps we could practice empathy and forgiveness. Maybe it might make us learn about suffering and just how fleeting life is. When it is our time to go we won't be focused on these details and I am sure Jesus forgave Mrs. Kennedy for any missteps she made regarding her husband's funeral. Sending best thoughts to you.

[@iwpoe]

Jesus did focus on the details of the Mass. People have been and were of course concerned with the feelings of the family, but they are all long dead and what we have here is a relic of bad liturgy.

[@whatterrisees6246]

@@iwpoe What I said was would Jesus be concerned with the details of the mass in that moment or in giving comfort and wisdom to those who suffer? What would be his priority in the moment? Many of these rituals came long after Jesus. The song Ava Maria/Hail Mary in its present form or a high mass vs low mass did not exist at that time. There were no cathedrals then. Someone here mentioned the Cardinal was in poor health/dying. Perhaps some empathy could be shown in his case too? Yes, people have shown concern for their family, I just wish it was reflected more in these comments. God sees us everywhere and all the time in each interaction with each other. We must be careful to worship God only. You all know much more than me regarding the liturgy for sure. I'm just a regular person that happened to click on this video making an observation from the outside looking in. Yes, many in the video are long since past but so too is the liturgy that was performed on that day.

[@whatterrisees6246]

@@iwpoe Who is blynder than he yt wyl nat se.

[@ItsAboutTV]

Superb video, Arrys. May I ask, where you were able to track down this video? I ask because I've seen many videos relating to the assassination over the years, and this is not only extremely clear but it lacks some of the "bugs" such as CBS appearing in a lower corner.

[@tambrosia]

You would think the National Archives would have many of these videos and to find out they do not is just amazing!

[@janehartman917]

Oh my goodness, these subtitles are horrible and hilarious. How very sad! I was 10 when this happened. My heart is still broken.

[@stevebrown8368]

And this is what I remember

[@bernicecurtis7952]

I was 13, agree.

[@remycallie]

OMG, If anything would turn you off the Latin mass and make you understand why they created the Novus Ordo (and I'm not saying you should be turned off at all) it would be this. I've heard conductors calling out train stops with greater reverence. Sounded like he was reciting his grocery list, in his sleep and while snoring. The guy interpreting/translating sounded better.

[@THEJET52]

Yes- the English was given beside the Latin naturally.

[@lesleymaner2851]

Please remember no matter how the mass sounds, it was for a recently assassinated president.

[@robertbarry4115]

This is a lovely mass . Simple Funeral mass for a president who didn’t exactly practice his religion and would not have liked a High Mass and clearly his family wanted a low mass as they called it then. The mass was said a loud as was often the case on Sundays / special occasions and the mass was slowly becoming a little ad-lib even then .

[@DNSKansas]

sir, Ave Maria did not have any place in the LOW mass. NONE. If Mrs. Kennedy wanted Ave Maria so badly, then the service should have been at Washington National Cathedral, where there would not have been the constraints of the Roman Catholic missal in effect at the time. Instead, Mrs. Kennedy and Cardinal Cushing chose to butcher the LOW mass so badly I don't know what this is. Is it a High mass missing many signing parts, or a low mass with extra singing parts?

[@briandelaney9710]

The Mass was not “as lib “ in 1963!

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

Who thought singing Ave Maria through the intriot and prayers at the foot was tasteful?!?

[@mackdog832]

It’s wasn’t unusual to sing during Mass like this ….usually it was Gregorian chants

[@dianneklemmer9381]

“Ave Maria” was performed at Mrs. Kennedy’s request, as it had been sung at her and the President’s wedding.

[@chuckclark2009]

My understanding is that it was a low mass with hymns instead of a high mass because Jackie was so distraught and wanted it that way. She was really grieving and didn't want it to be very emotional. She couldn't take it.

[@urbanviii5103]

This is a pontifical LOW MASS! The choir sings the Sanctus before the Offertory has even finished. What a liturgical travesty!

[@stevebrown8368]

Have been to many masses just like this

[@itsnando20]

Just the fact that the choir is singing the sanctus at a low mass makes this a travesty.

[@bobaphat3676]

it's not a travesty, show some respect for the deceased you fool.

[@JLofthenorth]

Not a solemn mass, its sloppy, the cardinal is like in a hurry no reverence at all.

[@Marcus-78]

Cérémonie poignante après la mort d'un grand président. Si un Kennedy retrouve un jour le bureau ovale de la Maison Blanche, ce sera une revanche sur le destin. Quel dommage que John-John ait trouvé la mort dans un accident d'avion en 1999 ...

[@itsnando20]

Why is the Roman Canon so loud? Isn't supposed to be a whisper or at least inaudible?

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

This whole mass was very liturgically tasteless

[@taymur0804]

Very touching service, I watched this in a similar version which was low quality, but this is the best one, and by the way, was this version you found from a master tape or film negative?

[@DanielBondarev78]

Святыи великомучениче правителю Иоанне моли Бога о нас!

[@sarto2010]

Is Cardinal Cushing properly vested? There is no pontifical tunicle or dalmatic as far as I can see. Had the violent changes of VII already crept in in 1963?

[@arrysortanez]

For Pontifical Low Mass , the bishop does not wear the dalmatic or tunicle. Also since we mostly see his right side and the maniple is on the left, also that he is wearing a gothic chasuble, the maniple is hidden from view.

[@arrysortanez]

The maniple was never abolished it just doesn't appear on the vestments list.

[@sarto2010]

+Arrys Ortanez Yes, you're right.

[@robertbarry4115]

He was vested correctly for a low mass and could have also worn other vestments. Times were changing and things were getting lazier then but I still think this was a beautiful mass said by a Cardinal who was probably at the end of his life and clearly I’ll .

[@VinylToVideo]

@@arrysortanez He is wearing a maniple; it is seen at 25:30.

[@benedictchinweuba5820]

Aren't the prayers at the foot of the altar supposed to be said in an inaudible voice? It's almost like he's shouting the prayers.

[@kalel0192]

I think because it's supposed to be heard by the servers and the altar is so huge and there were so many, he had to say it quite loudly

[@benedictchinweuba5820]

Matthew Mangiaracina Perhaps

[@ItsAboutTV]

Alternately, it could be because the television microphones near the altar are picking up the sound and making it seem more audible than it actually was to the congregation. I do agree, however, that Cardinal Cushing sounds as if he's speaking them more loudly than normal.

[@FranzValer]

Yes but only when the Mass is chanted

[@francisheperi1127]

No wonder the Church finds herself in the situation we are in today.

[@Crabbypino]

Thanks for posting.

[@handel1111]

The abuses in the TLM back then were horrible, good thing we have priests now that takes care in the celebration of it.

[@a.c.6192]

What abuses of the TLM?

[@handel1111]

@@a.c.6192check John F. Kennedy Requiem mass

[@a.c.6192]

@@handel1111 This is the video

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

Yes

[@gtofto]

I am curious why there wasn't more solemnity, 3 sacred ministers, incense etc?

[@arrysortanez]

It was a Pontifical Low Mass, it was mainly done because the funeral was on a strict schedule and the full Solemn Mass would take 2 hours

[@2ndRatePetronius]

@Arrys Ortanez So ridiculous considering he will probably be the only Catholic President whose state funeral includes an actual Requiem Mass and not a Novus Ordo abomination.

[@robertbarry4115]

Because it’s a low funeral mass and the family wanted it this was . It was not a high mass . I think it was beautiful.

[@oledocfarmer]

Grahame Thompson The Kennedy Family tradition is to have Low Mass fir funerals. Several months later Cardinal Cushing offered an orchestral Solemn Pontifical Mass in Boston.

[@josephpearson2230]

I can’t understand why anybody would think this form of Christian liturgy is in any way beautiful and worthy. And I understand all the Latin too. No wonder they needed to change the Mass in 1965.

[@joslez7573]

Hereje

[@karlheven8328]

I find it profoundly beautiful

[@robminmonaca]

I’m not a catholic but I cant hear anything he is saying that much even in Latin. The picture quality is high but the mass was not high quality.

[@Michaelbos]

rob mush , 1963.

[@franckranaivo666]

💞💮🇻🇦💒🇻🇦💮💞DIEU PROTÈGEZ💞🌺✒📃🌼 TOUS VOS VICAIRES AUTHENTIQUES 🌿💐🇻🇦💒ET UNIQUES💮🇻🇦💒💞🌺 SUR LA TERRE🌺💞🇻🇦💒🇻🇦💞🌺, LES SOUVERAINS🇻🇦💮🇻🇦 PONTIFES ROMAINS🇻🇦💞🇻🇦 LES PAPES🌿💐🇻🇦💮💞✒📃🌼🫂🌺💒🥰🌿🇲🇬🙋‍♂️ !!!

[@patrikmatyasek2892]

Who was responsible for the liturgical music? It was completely wrong. And moreover it was horrible!

[@Twentythousandlps]

People should be aware that priests are not expected to PERFORM the liturgy like an actor (unless they're gay).

[@larryjohnwong]

Six candles for low Mass said by a pontiff? I think it should be four candles instead.

[@urbanviii5103]

Considering the hip out of joint, the barking twang of the prayers, there should have been NO candles lit!

[@mattaustin2128]

Ah, the classic ‘Cushing Honk”.

[@urbanviii5103]

What a cultural Philistine he was!

[@giuseppelentini7925]

Perché l'Ave Maria di Schubert?

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

This footage should be used to show seminarians how NOT to say mass

[@booksteer7057]

What is the time stamp for Cardinal Cushing barking? 😮

[@JulieAnderocci]

Our grief was unbelievable 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@nielcapasso8229]

what terrible pronunciation of Latin. Americans always were noted for bad pronunciation of Latin.

[@Josito301]

¿Alguien sabe cuál es el cántico de comunión que comienza en el minuto 33.33? Gracias. Does anyone know what the song of communion begins in minute 33.33? Thank you

[@brigitfarley4813]

O esca viatorum

[@Josito301]

Muchas gracias!!!!!@@brigitfarley4813

[@darrenbuskirk3532]

Could anyone please tell me what version/composition of "Agnus Dei," is being sung by the tenor in the background...it's beautifully convicting!

[@DNSKansas]

And it has no place in the mass.

[@BRL1611]

Agnus Dei starts at 28:30.

[@trillline4563]

Bizet

[@trillline4563]

@@DNSKansas What are you talking about?! The agnus dei is sung during the mass proper regardless of the composer.

[@stevebrown8368]

@@trillline4563 it’s hair splitting, but was inserted during the Middle Ages during the black plague

[@enriquemontes8465]

What is the name of that beautiful Sanctus? Who is the author? It is special for requiem mass?

[@timfox6462]

It’s the Santcus from Dom Lorenzo Perosi’s Requiem.

[@user-uu5zv9qw1y]

No idea why they made this a low mass.

[@lordjesuschristhavemercyon3251]

Should've been a Solemn High Requiem Mass.

[@tenorlove]

According to John H. Davis, Jacqueline Kennedy's cousin, this was at her specific request. Also according to Mr. Davis, who was there, Cardinal Cushing abandoned the Latin for the In Paradisum because he was overcome with emotion.

[@patrickstevens9083]

@Александр Αθανάσιος Jackie Kennedy specifically requested that the Mass would not be a High Mass but a low mass, I don't why this was.

[@urbanviii5103]

Laziness.

[@stevebrown8368]

Probably time The committal was.after sunset

[@Thurifer2005]

I don't endorse criticing someone's funeral, however, this is the most sloppiest TLM I have ever seen in my lifetime. This was most likely Bugnini's abuses creeping into America first. Fulton Sheen says it. I would have rather prefrred a reverent Novus Ordo over this if there was no other option. The FSSP and my Diocese has great TLMs.

[@jamesreilly606]

This is very much the style of mass from that era. As an altar boy if you didn’t say the responses fast enough you’d get admonished to go faster - or you’d get left behind. My pastor growing up was an auxiliary bishop. We had Solemn High Mass at 10:15. Often a pontifical solemn high mass. It was always followed by benediction. It had to be over no later than 11:25 to get the 10:15 crowd out and the 11:30 crowd in. It was all done at lightening speed every week. If you read along with the cardinal you’ll see he actually says everything. I’ll admit as a server I often slurred the responses. As for his voice, it’s weird, not any Boston accent I ever heard and he was widely parodied for it. Google his recitation of the Rosary in English.

[@karlheven8328]

​@@jamesreilly606People make fun of it but I find this very beautiful despite it sometimes being hard to hear what he says

[@milliefernandez3143]

Rest in peace JFK & JBK

[@lukei4655]

I've read all of the comments and am curious. It has been said that the Low Mass was requested by the family, etc. Is there a source that I can find that documents the requests. It's very odd to me that the Low Mass would be offered for JFK's funeral even with the explanations provided.

[@victorcross5949]

Go to William Manchester's "Death of a President". It describes the actual discussion with the cardinal about the funeral rites and the decision on a Low Mass.

[@lukei4655]

@@victorcross5949 Thank you

[@mackdog832]

How about time restrictions

[@notnek202]

Oh god this bishop is horrible he should be ashamed.

[@Maggiolone85]

A Catholic funeral for an American president was unprecedented in 1961. "Hail to the Chief" followed the (amazing) requiem chant? Oof. I so relish the somber tone of "Holy God We Praise Thy Name." Cushing sounds like a carnival barker.

[@johncassani6780]

He once described himself as sounding like a fish peddler, so you’re not far off.

[@dennispearson871]

As The Military Band of Honor Intoned The Holy God , we Praise thy Name , Their Wasn't A Dry Eye In The Nation , or On The Planet !!!.....

[@JayJay-lu4et]

Shouldn't a president have a Missa Cantata or High Mass? Why did they choose the low Mass?

[@arrysortanez]

It was decided by Jaqueline Kennedy. She had full reign over the funeral planning

[@JayJay-lu4et]

@@arrysortanez : O wow. Being a Catholic who almost became a nun, I'm surprised she went with the express package.

[@pipsasqeak820]

Can anyone ask, why was his Requiem mass a low pontifical mass?

[@ivanenrile]

It was the request made by his wife Jackie Kennedy

[@dinamarques3858]

Dia triste que ficou na minha memória

[@thoma57]

Why is the Ave Maria sang during the prayers at the foot of the altar?

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

No clue very tasteless MC

[@trillline4563]

Because Jackie picked all these hymns that they had to figure out where to fit them into the mass. Its not proper the requiem shouldve been sung there.

[@user-oh3tl7je1q]

What a beautiful Pontifical Low Requiem Mass. It’s too bad Pres.Kennedy didn’t have a High Mass but from what I understand, a Low Mass was requested by the family. Who was singing the Ave Maria at the beginning?

[@DNSKansas]

Luigi Vena fucked up the mass with his singing of Ave Maria. This had no place in the mass.

[@KmwAmg]

No, it was Richard Tucker

[@JB-hh3tk]

@@DNSKansas I think it's awesome!!! All that Latin mumbling

[@abudia6403]

His singing was a destraction from the Latin prayers. It was too loud but this was in the 60s and sound technology was not as advance as it is presently.

[@briandelaney9710]

The Cardinal’s terrible and droning Latin pronunciation

[@onyono5761]

1:15 march? Name?

[@jeffscheiner1553]

“The wonderful man whom we bury here today.”

[@davecanoy3248]

The Cardinal wiped his brow and eyes after the holy water as the casket went to the caisson.

[@timothyfreeman97]

Man, this Carinal was just ITCHING for all the novus ordo abuses to manifest. I wouldn't be suprised if he just eventually threw out the latin in the middle of the Mass and started praying in a very vulgar vernacular Boston sounding accent.

[@tomkelly4336]

I happen to live in Boston Ma. the only thing vulgar is the denigrating fashion in which you speak about people's speech.

[@joslez7573]

​@@tomkelly4336 Cómo decir que estás ardido sin decir que estás ardido:

[@bradleychampagne9103]

Call me crazy, and I know it’s not Cdl. Cupich but does the narrator not sound just like Cdl. Cupich?

[@michaelryan3960]

was it a low mass? Why was nothing chanted? I thought a lot of the prayers were said quietly by the celebrant?

[@southronpapist]

It was a Low Mass. The widowed Kennedy asked for it, and for that inappropriate use of the hymn Ave Maria during the procession. Cardinal Cushing was a notorious modernist, hence the irreverence with which he said Mass here. This video's description even says that this was "the worst televised Mass ever".

[@dmmchugh3714]

Was the American flag kept on the casket for the whole mass ? Usually for Catholic funerals , the white pall is put on once the casket is brought up to the altar. What is the music at 2:00 - and why is the newsreel so dark ?

[@johncassani6780]

There were no white palls back then. If a pall was used, it would have been black. As far as the use of the flag goes, it’s not used in the US because the bishops’ conference issued norms against it, in the ‘70s or ‘80s.

[@sxyslyvxn]

I was born approximately 14 months after the death of JFK. My late parents and many friends I spoke to had many fond memories of the man, often making me wish I was there to share such memories as this. My mother told me she was at home looking after my older sister and brother (who were about the same ages as John Jr and Caroline) as they watched the parade and whole tragic incident on TV. My father, who was at work at the time rehearsing for an upcoming concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, was oblivious to what happened until he came home on a lunch break, Mother had to break the news to my dad. About 3 yrs earlier, they, along with several friends and neighbors were volunteering for JFK's presidential campaign, doing mailings, making phone calls, even driving people to the polls. According to my older sister, mom was so distraught she didn't feel like cooking anything so dad went to the grocery store and bought TV dinners for everybody. Mom said she relayed all that happened to dad until dad came home early from work that day after the conductor announcing the news from the podium and thereby cancelling the upcoming concert. Mom said they cried off and on for days, with an occasional pause. The tears came to a head when they saw John Jr. saluting his father's flag-draped bier being loaded onto the caisson. They stayed glued to the TV set and we suspect churches must have been packed that day of the funeral while others watched on TV. My maternal grandmother, was in NYC in the garment district purchasing clothes for her children's store in Atlanta and took a break for lunch when she heard the news from a cab driver's radio. She then called my mother, making sure she and her family were okay. Other memories from friends followed...some were at school and were dismissed early from their classes; A cabbie friend told he he was there when it happened. He was a streetcorner vendor in downtown Dallas selling candy, cigarettes, etc a few blocks away and remembered what he thought to be a tire blowout or firecracker and panic hit the streets. When I asked him what he thought of JFK, he broke into tears as he said he was, in his opinion, the best president ever. I was also astonished to hear even his own political rivals mourned him. The late US senator from Arizona Barry Goldwater, who spoke of running against him in 1964 said, "Even though we strongly disagreed on a number of issues, he was one of the few people who would take time to listen with great enthusiasm and fairness as if he were of the same party as I was...He was, in effect, my best friend!" I never attended a Latin Mass before until I was in Holland, celebrating Easter Monday. I was born in the final months of the Vatican II councils and yet I often browsed through my mother's old missal with half of the liturgy in Latin and English. Luckily, I knew a good bit of the anthems well enough to sing along. Mom, who was a convert, said the missal came in quite handy as a soprano soloist both in a church choir and on demand elsewhere for weddings and funerals. When you think about it from a church history angle, both John an his brother Robert experienced the changes the Church had made, albeit in short order. With Jack they had the traditional Latin Requiem Mass and for his brother the solemn Requiem Mass was done in English, a liturgical changing of the guard, so to speak. Both Masses, both Latin and in the vernacular, when said properly, definitely exude an air of holiness and the one said here for JFK stirs the heart and soul into profound depths of being, leaving one in tears of mixed emotions...from sorrow to joy, uncertainty to faith in a merciful and ever-loving God who will, in due time as He sees fit, call us home to share eternal joys in His Kingdom that cannot be matched in this world.

[@balboahigh1999]

It was his voice.

[@hansrichardnohrer2834]

Ruhe in frieden gutes video danke

[@LateinmitLinks]

7:23 - introibo ad altare DEI

[@noblesseoblige7112]

What's the music played at the start ?

[@zr3755]

Evidently, the first hymn of the video is called "Pray for the Dead"

[@josephpeed2002]

Im seeing a lot of litugrucal abuse here

[@catholickid4575]

Like what

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

Yes

[@democracyisajewshill3341]

@@catholickid4575 Ave Marcia sung during the intriot, prayers being said in the loud voice at the wrong time, Sanctus at the wrong time…etc etc

[@karlheven8328]

​@@democracyisajewshill3341Who cares. It is srill profoundly beautiful. i think you have an agenda if you do not see the beauty in this