The following reflection by Dr. Janet E. Smith originally appeared as a post on her Facebook page. It is reprinted here with her permission.

My experience at the TLM yesterday was extraordinary. I seem to occupy a deeper place of prayer and adoration the more I attend.

Before Mass I find myself quite immediately plunged into the joys of silence. And as I pray the prayers of the Mass I experience much profounder contrition for my sins, great concern for my soul and the souls of others.

And then I marvel at the grand movements on the altar to prepare for the sublime moments of consecration. The chant seems to banish all anxiety from my being. I experience virtually no distracting thoughts.

I believe I am just beginning to experience what the Traditional Latin Mass offers.

Prior to her recent retirement, Dr. Smith held the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. She is also the author of several acclaimed books, including “Humanae Vitae: A Generation Later”. Over a million copies of her recorded talk, “Contraception, Why Not” have been distributed the last twenty five years. Recently Dr. Smith has started attending the Traditional Latin Mass and has been sharing her journey with friends on social media.