[NYer]

[netmilsmom]

I pray that this becomes a ruling before we begin construction on our new church. A nice high altar can be moved from one of our downtown parishes set to close!

[steadfastconservative]

This is good news. The current practice of the priest facing the people while he says the Eucharistic prayer tends to make the priest the focus of this part of the Mass, not God. It is way too easy for the people to focus on the priest's gestures, facial expressions, and the way he recites the Canon. And, indeed, too many priests act as though they are "on stage" during this part of the Mass. The simple truth is that Vatican II did not say anything at all about the priest having to face the people. The first instruction on the implementation of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy said only that it should be possible for the priest to celebrate Mass facing the people. It's unfortunate that a permission was turned into a mandate.

[SoothingDave]

I think it would be a good idea to reintroduce this idea into the liturgy little by little, without a great revolution

By my reckoning, you'd lead at least half a revolution.

SD

[goodform]

It's nice to hear this, but will I ever see this happen in my lifetime? I'm 39 and I'm not holding my breath.

[Zetman]

Things done in a hurry tend not to give the hoped-for results," he said.

Above all, the archbishop said, Catholics must engage in study and discussion in a calm, respectful and prayerful atmosphere "without labeling each other" as traditionalists or radicals.

Archbishop Patabendige Don said he does not necessarily agree with people who call for a "reform of the reform" of the liturgy, but he thinks Father Lang's book contains a valid call "at least for a further perfection of the reform."

They are a little late to the game with this. Where were they back in the 1960's, when the old Mass was completely scrapped overnight, and replaced with the Pauline Liturgy?? These people were not talking about going slowly then. We were simply told that this is the way it is, and don't even THINK of using the old Rite, or you are guilty of disobedience (or worse). Now, all of a sudden, when they are on the other end of the stick, we all must "go slow", "not rush into anything", and we all must be "respectful of each other's opinions". Where was all of this "moderation" when they were carrying the day?? Oh no, when they were in control, it was their way, or the highway. No dissent allowed.

Funny, the domocrats in the U.S. Congress (and their willing accomplices in the news media) said almost exactly the same things when the Republican Party won control of Congress back in 1994. In order to be "fair", the Republicans were told that as the majority, they must abandon their beliefs, and do as the minority democrats told them. The Republicans were told they must "share" their power, always listen to what the dems had to say, and not be "heavy handed" in enacting legislation. The democrats had been in control for the previous 40 years, and had never once even thought about listening to anyone who disagreed with them (unless forced to do so). In fact, they were quite belligerent and vindictive to anyone who even tried to go up against them. It is sad to see the same two-faced marxist tactics being employed within the Church too. I hope the Pope and all the Christian Consevatives/Traditionalists don't fall for it. These people who are now asking Conservatives for "moderation" have a history of not practicing the same thing themselves when they have "control". Satan does not "play fair".

[iluvlucy]

1962

[RKBA Democrat]

An interesting thread, but y'know I just can't get myself all excited up about it. Headed east and lost my dog in the fight.