Amen, but we must remember that the Church has spoken clearly and repeatedly about the liturgy as an encounter with holy mystery, not our agitated emotions. Fr. Rossi's model of liturgi-tainment makes worship a personal achievement. There are plenty of ways this dynamic priest could use his energy to win souls for Christ outside the liturgy, so why should he take it upon himself to change liturgy to which the faithful are legally entitled? The message here is that it's because he knows better: he can exercise his private judgment because he's acting in obedience to a higher law. Haven't we heard all this before?
Sorry if this is snarky, but I wonder if he's been spotted on the beaches? He's something of a cutie, isn't he?
Media stardom has spoiled more than a few priests.
Agreed! This is not a model that appeals to me either but I do acknowledge that in a country where Catholics are being pulled towards other churches, his approach is bringing them back. From the original article ...
At the moment, work is underway on a gorgeous new sanctuary to replace the dilapidated factory, which will be named for Mary the Mother of God. The new sanctuary will have a capacity of 60,000 inside, with room for another 40,000 outside. It's expected to be ready sometime in 2010.
Will this endure? Only God knows.