What is the difference between the Roman rite and the Maronite rite?

Answer 1

Catholic AnswerThe Maronite Rite is the only Eastern Rite in the Church, of which there is not "Orthodox" spliniter group. Although there are many differences in the rite, they are probably the closest of the Eastern Rite to the Latin rite:

from A Catholic Dictionary, edited by Donald Attwater, Second edition, revised 1957

The Maronite Rite The system and forms of worship and administration of the sacraments used by the Maronites; the only Eastern rite used by Catholics only. The Eucharistic liturgy is the Syrian St. James, in Syriac and Arabic, much modified, especially by way of "Latinization." Maronite churches are in appearance indistinguishable from those of the West, and Roman vestments slightly modified are worn by priests; bishops, lower clergy and servers have Syrian garments. The Liturgy begins with the preparation of the elements (unleavened bread) and a sort of Confiteor; a server reads the epistle which, with the Gospel, is in Arabic; there are eight printed anaphoras; the words of consecration are said aloud, the people answering "Amen"; the ancient epiklesis is reduced to a prayer for the communicants; there is an elevation of each species, with genuflexions, before the priest's communion; the communion of the people is in one kind; the Liturgy ends with a long blessing. The prayers prescribed for the West by Pope Leso XIII are said after low Mass, and the "sanctus bell" is used. There is a regular equivalent to low Mass, but at which incense is normally used; the people kneel throughout the Liturgy. The Divine Office, founded on that of the Syrian rite, consists of seven "hours", with relatively few psalms but a large number of hymns. Baptism is by infusion as in the West. Confirmation is administered only by a bishop or his delegate; the indicative form of absolution is used; there are three minor orders, singer, reader, and subdeacon. Parts of the "Rituale Romanum" are used in Syriac and Arabic with but little alteration. General Western feasts (e.g., Corpus Christi) and Benediction, rosary, stations of the cross, devotion of the Sacred Heart, etc., are more in use than among any other Catholics of Easter rite except the Malabarese.