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The Bishop of Little Rock has sent a letter (14 July 2016) forbidding his priests to celebrate Mass “ad orientem.”
“…and that Thou mayest grant their desires to them, make them ask only for things that please Thee…”
“Dear Fathers, we should listen to the lament of God proclaimed by the prophet Jeremiah: «They have turned their back to me» (2:27). Let us turn again towards the Lord!”
Most Rev’d Serratelli says the current rubrics “reflect the real possibility that the celebrant might be facing away from the assembly.”
A very wise and compassionate Jesuit priest kindly exhorted me to avoid writing such missives. I quickly heeded his advice. So should you. Here’s why:
Three common misconceptions about the Mass and “ad orientem” worship.
Without question, the most popular piece I ever “wrote.”
If Cardinal Nichols had simply sent a letter saying why he prefers “versus populum,” I believe that would have been a better choice.
Perhaps a better phrase would be Bishop Gracida’s version: “Renewal of the Renewal.”
“No preference is expressed in the liturgical legislation for either position.”
Pope St. Pius X wanted this decree to be read each year from the pulpit by all Catholic priests.
As surely as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, someone will be unhappy. Displeasure does not discriminate.
Breathtaking statements from the Vatican’s chief liturgist who—while on retreat—goes 72 hours without food or water.
We’ll be singing this piece a lot because our priest has a special devotion to St. Joseph.
Highlights from Cardinal Sarah’s Lecture at Sacra Liturgia UK 2016
