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Views from the Choir Loft

Pope Francis Celebrates Mass “Ad Orientem”

Jeff Ostrowski · November 2, 2013

243 Pope Francis Ad Orientam Pope Francis “ad orientem” EVERAL YEARS AGO, someone did the world a beautiful favor by creating a Facebook “fan” page for Msgr. Guido Marini, who entered the national spotlight when he became Papal M.C. during the pontificate of Benedict XVI. Msgr. Marini is one of the “cooler heads” carefully evaluating the post-Conciliar liturgical reforms and observing that some went beyond what the Council fathers wanted.

Those who follow his FB page were recently shown pictures of Pope Francis offering Mass according to the traditional arrangment: ad orientem (a.k.a. “versus apsidem”). In the past, we’ve spoken about ad orientem many times, for example, here, here, here, and here.   (By the way, I very much doubt that Msgr. Marini personally maintains this “fan” page, although he’s probably aware of its existence.)

Pope Francis celebrating in this manner was a bit of a surprise, since members of his generation aren’t usually accustomed to ad orientem. On the other hand, it’s possible that Cardinal Bergoglio was serving on the Congregation for Divine Worship when it issued a famous ruling (25 September 2000) saying Mass should not be offered versus populum (“facing the people”) if a High Altar be present. [Can anyone confirm the dates Cardinal Bergoglio served on that Committee?] I would suggest that, while his ad orientem celebration is encouraging, it does not merit the frenzy observed in certain circles.

Finally, I would like to point out that the correct spelling is ad orientem — not “ad orientam.” This can be a deadly trap, since we have words in English like “orientation” and “orientate.”

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Ad Orientem, Mass Facing The People Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Los Angeles.—(Read full biography).

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PDF Download • Trinity Sunday (22 pages)

Feel free to download this Organ Accompaniment Booklet for Trinity Sunday (Second Vespers). Notice how the modes progress by number. Psalm 1 is mode 1; Psalm 2 is mode 2; Psalm 3 is mode 3; Psalm 4 is mode 4; Psalm 5 is mode 5. I am told by an expert that other feasts (such as Corpus Christi) are likewise organized by mode, and it’s called a “numerical office.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
10 June 2022 • “Official” rhythm of plainsong

I continue to search for the most beautiful way to present the “pure” Editio Vaticana scores. (Technically, the “pure” rhythm of the official edition is what everyone is supposed to use.) You can download my latest attempt, which is the Introit for this coming Sunday: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. Because this is not an ancient feast, the Introit had to be adapted (perhaps around 750AD). Prior Johner says the adaptation is “not an entirely happy one.”

—Jeff Ostrowski
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From Chelan, Washington: “CCWatershed is a God-sent resource that I can’t function without! Such great work by the team to bring beauty back to our liturgy!” From Gainesville, Florida: “I am so appreciative of the work, of my brothers and sisters in music!” From Troutman, North Carolina: “Keep up the excellent work in service of the Liturgy!”

—Jeff Ostrowski

Random Quote

Like all other liturgical functions, like offices and ranks in the Church, indeed like everything else in the world, the religious service that we call the Mass existed long before it had a special technical name.

— Rev. Adrian Fortescue (1912)

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