[ebb tide]

But from the link you provided, and GIRM 299 and the USCCB took it even further:

However, GIRM 299 (as well as the USSCB Guidelines for church buildings Built of Living Stones which references this article) does state clearly that “[t]he altar should be built apart from the wall, in such a way that it is possible to walk around it easily and that Mass can be celebrated at it facing the people, which is desirable wherever possible.” emphasis mine

[vladimir998]

“But from the link you provided, and GIRM 299 and the USCCB took it even further:”

Your comment, as so often is the case, makes no sense in regard to the comment I posted. I pointed out that the New Mass was written with Ad Orientem in mind; it was assumed. The link shows ad orientem is not foreign to the New Mass. If you ever read the 1970 Missal you would know what it says. I guess you didn’t do your basic homework yet again, huh?

[piusv]

Based on the link, it seems to me that there was an option to have either versus populum or ad orientem (in which case vladimir's point is taken). However, it is clear that versus populum was favored and the reason why new churches were built to accomodate it (ebb's point taken as well).

It gets back to "preference" which has no place in the Catholic Mass. There should have never been an "option" to face the people (vs. God) in the first place. It was not required but was obviously encouraged and preferred by those in positions of authority and the liturgical history of the last 50+ years proves it out.