The Pope incenses an altar that displays a crucifix
Posted on 01/13/2010 10:43:08 AM PST by NYer
Monsignor Guido Marini, Benedict XVI’s master of ceremonies, this week strongly underlined the Pope’s recommendation that when Mass is celebrated facing westwards, the priest should place a crucifix at the centre of the altar. This was to make clear that the celebrant was not “facing the people”, but facing Christ.
The Holy Father could hardly have made himself clearer on this point. So why do the Bishops of England and Wales allow the vast majority of their priests to ignore his wishes? Why do the bishops themselves routinely ignore the recommendation?
Perhaps someone will ask the bishops when they make their ad limina visit to Rome at the end of this month. One hopes that Archbishop Vincent Nichols, president of the Bishops’ Conference, will be able to reply that the bishops have drawn up plans to introduce this reform universally – and also to make it easier for the faithful to receive communion kneeling and on the tongue, which is the preference of the Pope. (At the moment, too many parish priests treat anyone wishing to receive the Sacrament in this way as an oddball, rather than a Catholic following the example of the Holy Father.)
Below are some extracts from Mgr Marini’s address to the Year for Priests Clergy Conference in Rome, organised by the Australian Confraternity of Catholic Clergy. Hat-tip to that incomparable resource, The New Liturgical Movement website.
Here is Mgr Marini on the question of orientation. Note that he, like the Pope, supports eastward-facing celebration where it is appropriate:
Without recourse to a detailed historical analysis of the development of Christian art, we would like to reaffirm that prayer facing east, more specifically, facing the Lord, is a characteristic expression of the authentic spirit of the liturgy.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.telegraph.co.uk ...
The Holy Father is right here! God bless him!
One of the proofs of the lunacy of Islam is their requirement to pray with their head facing a certain direction.
God Bless B16! He speaks truth to power. The bad news is that will there be any priests who will listen?
**The bad news is that will there be any priests who will listen?**
Our priest changed the ugly “Hanging Cross” over the altar with a beautiful life-size one in wood. It is beautiful.
He is really playing chess here, with his episcopal appointments, and his pronouncements on liturgical matters, and his splendid weekly homilies.
I wish him Per Cent'anni!
Good for that priest.
I agree with the Pope. But this is an uphill battle in most US parishes. The priests just don’t like facing the wall.
Agree completely.
>>One of the proofs of the lunacy of Islam is their requirement to pray with their head facing a certain direction.<<
I guess I’m missing how this has anything to do with the article.
Are you posting on the right thread?
My little sister got married this past Saturday at a traditional Catholic church, Latin mass, etc.. My father, a Baptist minister, was not elated. I was a groomsmen and participated in the genuflecting out of respect for their tradition. For a Baptist like myself it was an interesting experience. The important part is that my sister found a wonderful guy and I approve of him regardless of his religion.
Anyone know what’s the story behind the Catholic split in terms of traditional Latin mass, head coverings, etc. vs. today’s more progressive mass? I was told the sect was actually excommunicated.
With all due respect this thread was not caucused, i.e. it was open for discussion.
THANK you! Why on EARTH does it matter which direction an altar is facing? JESUS IS RISEN, He ain’t in Jerusalem!
ARGH!!
Colonel, USAFR
What about my parish’s southward-facing alter? ;-)
Now THERE’S an essential doctrine of Christianity./sarc
Was it with the Society of St. Pius X?
It was never claimed to be an essential doctrine. This concerns worship. What’s your point?
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