Far and wide we should transition back to “ad orientem” worship
A reader sent two photos and a note. First, the note:
And…
>>>This is from Father Z's blog. He, of course, is a strong advocate for ad orientem, among other things.
>>>Some in the Church see this posture as the only acceptable way to celebrate the Mass.
>>>Some in the Church reject this and call it "going backwards" or rejecting the reforms of Vatican II.
>>>What say you? Would you like to see this in Mass at your parish?
***Of course what we like or don't like is not the point; we do what the Church tells us to do! I'm just asking for perspective.
This morning EWTN televised Mass celebrated by the ordinary, Bishop Robert Baker, at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. The occasion was the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the community of Poor Clares (Mother Angelica’s order) in Birmingham. Of particular note is that Bishop Baker celebrated the Novus Ordo Mass ad orientem. This is standard practice at the Shrine, but the fact that it was televised globally makes it newsworthy, especially given the whole EWTN ad orientem debacle some ten years ago. The Mass re-airs on EWTN at noon and midnight ET, if you’re curious to see.The photos:
And…
>>>This is from Father Z's blog. He, of course, is a strong advocate for ad orientem, among other things.
>>>Some in the Church see this posture as the only acceptable way to celebrate the Mass.
>>>Some in the Church reject this and call it "going backwards" or rejecting the reforms of Vatican II.
>>>What say you? Would you like to see this in Mass at your parish?
***Of course what we like or don't like is not the point; we do what the Church tells us to do! I'm just asking for perspective.
I love watching this Mass offered in Ad Orientem.
ReplyDeleteBut I saw two things which annoyed me.
Growing up in the Philippines where I have been fortunate to see ultra-traditional Tridentine Masses, the priest ONLY turns around when he says "Dominus Vobiscum" to the people.... and he only faces the people during Homily, or Gospel reading. Bishop Baker kept turning around so much! This was unnecessary.
2. Upon consecration of the Wine & Host, he turned around again and offered the chalice and paten to the people... he must be probably "getting used" to the posture... but the traditionalist priest whom I know only offer it in ONE direction----towards the Tabernacle in front of them.
Nevertheless, it was a wonderful watch. The Hypocrite Bishop Foley was even a concelebrant, after banning Ad Orientem many years ago back in 1999. Maybe he is like Obama.... "He is Evolving".
And of course, the overwhelming tone of piety and mantillas were a delight to watch. You will never see this type of ritual in the Los Angeles Archdiocese or any other Catholic modern masses that look like a 1970's discotheque.