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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

The Vatican Has Already Responded To Cardinal Nichols Regarding “Ad Orientem”

Corpus Christi Watershed · July 11, 2016

“It should be borne in mind that there is no preference expressed in the liturgical legislation for either position. As both positions enjoy the favor of law, legislation may not be invoked to say that one position or the other accords more closely with the mind of the Church.”
—Congregation for Divine Worship (10 April 2000)


338 Pope John Paul II AD ORIENTEM 1999 Poland ODAY in the Catholic Herald, an article appeared by Madeleine Teahan about the Archbishop of Westminster. Specifically, the article says Vincent Cardinal Nichols has cited a mistranslated rubric—instead of the official Latin—to discourage his priests from celebrating Mass “ad orientem.” This is being done even though the current 2000 (2002) GIRM and Missal both presume the celebrant and people will face the same direction at certain times, while still allowing for the possibility of “versus populum” celebration.

An examination of the rubrics is necessary, during which it must be borne in mind that English relies heavily on word order, whereas Latin almost never does. On 26 September 1964, INTER ŒCUMENICI said the following in Paragraph 91:

91. Praestat ut altare maius exstruatur a pariete seiunctum, ut facile circumiri et in eo celebration versus populum peragi possit.

91. “Preferably, the main altar should be constructed freestanding, to permit walking around it and celebration facing the people.”

The 1969, Paragraph 262 of the GIRM eliminated the words “praestat ut ” but otherwise copied verbatim:

262. Altare maius exstruatur a pariete seiunctum, ut facile circumiri et in eo celebratio versus populum peragi possit.

The 2000 (2002) GIRM added several words, in an attempt stop people from damaging altars that had already been constructed:

299. Altare maius exstruatur a pariete seiunctum, ut facile circumiri et in eo celebratio versus populum peragi possit, quod expedit ubicumque possibile sit.

299. Where it is possible to do so, the main altar should be built separated from the wall. This allows for the possibility of Mass “facing the people” and also walking around the altar.

That translation is correct according to Latin scholars, who point out that the “QUOD” phrase cannot modify “celebratio versus populum” since “quod” is neuter while “celebratio” is feminine. Specifically, Dr. J. W. Hunwicke of Lansing College (Sussex, England) wrote in 2001:

QUOD clearly refers to the preceding sentence as a whole, where the crucial term is POSSIT. Throughout the GIRM, this verb is commonly used for things which are genuinely optional—as in the preceding two and following two paragraphs.

THE VATICAN HAS ALREADY RESPONDED to this controversy. Specifically, Jorge A. Cardinal Medina Estévez on 10 April 2000 (Protocol No. 564/00/L) settled the question of “ad orientem” in the 2000 (2002) Missal:

Cardinal Medina wrote as Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship, the final authority on rubrics in the current Missal, and the document was signed by CDW Secretary, Archbishop Francesco Pio Tamburrino. Moreover, the current Prefect, Robert Cardinal Sarah, made public statements on this subject.

Some, however, cite an erroneous English translation:

Incorrect Translation: The main altar should be built separated from the wall, making it possible to walk around as well as celebration “facing the people.” Celebration facing the people is desirable wherever possible.

This faulty translation contradicts a 25 September 2000 letter (Protocol No. 2036/00/L) sent by the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship:

The word “expedit” does not constitute an obligation but a suggestion that refers to the construction of the altar a pariete sejunctum (“detached from the wall”) …

Other examples demonstrate Latin rubrics being translated incorrectly for official liturgical books. For example, the rubric “quando celebratur Baptisma” was translated correctly in the 1970 Lectionary but incorrectly in the 1998 edition. A more famous example was an American GIRM adaptation which so mangled the rubric it became incomprehensible.



NOTES FROM THIS ARTICLE:

Fr. Antonio Spadaro, editor La Civiltà Cattolica, recently attempted to discredit Cardinal Sarah’s statement by means of a tweet comment. He was immediately castigated on his twitter account for making reference only to where the Missal says “facing the people,” while ignoring where it says to “turn back and face the Altar.”

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

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Ad Orientem, GIRM Paragraph 299 Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “21 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 21 September 2025) discusses some theological items—supported by certain verses in ancient Catholic hymns—and ends by explaining why certain folks become delirious with jealousy when they observe feats by Monsignor Ronald Knox.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
    It’s always amusing to see old diocesan newspapers—in huge capital letters—advertising the Cheapest Catholic Paper in the United States. The correspondent who sent this to me added: “I can think of certain composers, published by large companies in our own day, who could truthfully brag about the most tawdry compositions in the world!” I wonder what she could have meant by such a cryptic comment…
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Dom Murray Harmonies
    Along with so many others, I have deep respect for Dom Gregory Gregory Murray, who produced this clever harmonization (PDF) of “O SANCTISSIMA.” It’s always amazed me that Dom Gregory—a truly inspired composer—was so confused when it came to GREGORIAN CHANT. Throughout his life, he published contradictory statements, veering back-and-forth like a weather vane. Toward the end of his life, he declared: “I see clearly that the need for reform in liturgical music arose, not in the 18th and 19th centuries, but a thousand years earlier—in the 8th and 9th centuries, or even before that. The abuses began, not with Mozart and Haydn, but with those over-enthusiastic medieval musicians who developed the elaborate and flamboyant Gregorian Chant.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“By a decree of the synod of the diocese of Exeter in 1284, no one should claim any seat in a church; but whoever first entered a church for the purpose of devotion, might choose at his pleasure a place for praying.”

— A work by Fr. Husenbeth (d. 1872)

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