reform of the reform?

Your gift counts double until 5/31: $15,989 to go in our Easter Campaign. Please help now!

Click here to advertise on CatholicCulture.org

reform of the reform?

By Diogenes (articles ) | July 09, 2005 6:40 PM

From Our Store: Essays in Apologetics, Volume I (eBook)

Passages from the Instrumentum Laboris, issued from the Holy See preparatory to the Bishops' Synod on the Eucharist.

It is worth considering whether the removal of the tabernacle from the centre of the sanctuary to an obscure, undignified corner or to a separate chapel, or whether to have placed the celebrant's chair in the centre of the sanctuary or in front of the tabernacle -- as was done in many renovations of older churches and in new constructions -- has contributed in some way to a decrease in faith in the Real Presence. (§39)

In other responses some lamented the poor quality of translations of liturgical texts and many musical texts in current languages, maintaining that they lacked beauty and were sometimes theologically unclear, thereby contributing to a weakening of Church teaching and to a misunderstanding of prayer. A few responses made particular mention of music and singing at Youth Masses. In this regard, it is important to avoid musical forms which, because of their profane use, are not conducive to prayer. (§61)

Where some liturgical rubrics are treated with mistrust, others seem to be adopted to provoke changes inspired by ideologies or theological misconceptions, not a few of which come from movements and groups seeking changes in the liturgy. (§58)

The responses raise the concern that oftentimes the Church building is used for profane events, such as concerts and theatrical events which are not always religious in nature. The liturgy of the dedication of a Church recalls that the community offers the Church building entirely to the Lord. Therefore, it cannot be used for any other purpose apart from its consecration. (§63)

The altar is the most holy part of the Church building and is elevated to indicate that God's work is far superior to all human works. The linens which cover it are symbolic of the purity which is necessary to encounter the divine. Like the Church building, the altar is dedicated to the Lord only, and cannot be used for any other purpose. (§62)

Ain no one heah but us cardinal archbishops, boss! Abuses? Abuses? I see no "abuses" ... !

An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus:

Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you!

Easter Campaign:
Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($15,989 to go):

$80,000.00 $64,011.45

20% 80%

Read more from Off the Record

« Previous post

Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Show 7 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments

Posted by: - Jul. 10, 2005 7:11 PM ET USA
Once the cardinal finds his contact lens, he will finally be able to see the liturgical abuses which abound in his see and correct them.
Posted by: Fr. William - Jul. 10, 2005 2:44 PM ET USA
The photo shows his Eminence placing relics under the altar of the airport-hangar-type "cathedral" of L.A. that he built as a personal shrine to himself and the cult of personality & bad taste. He looks like he's trying to hide, however -- from the light of the statements in preparation for the bishops' synod on the Eucharist. I pray that Canon 401-2 will be applied to Cdl. Roger, for his good & that of the Church. Has anyone heard whether Cdl. McCarrick's retirement was accepted by fax?
Posted by: - Jul. 10, 2005 1:41 PM ET USA
I hate to have to keep pointing this out - but Pope Benedict XVI was head of the CDF for more than 20 years. What make anyone think that anything is going to change now? With Levada appointed to the head of the same congregation are you suddenly expecting it to develop biceps? Based on what evidence? Mahoney will continue, in place, uncorrected until he's finally forced out at age 75. Leading hundreds astray in the process. And Rome will do what it's always done - nothing.
Posted by: major - Jul. 10, 2005 1:32 PM ET USA
Should there be another item in the Synod-how to regenerate a spine in those who wear a miter?
Posted by: Fr. William - Jul. 09, 2005 10:29 PM ET USA
Ah, ah, ah, your Eminence, Cardinal Roger Mahony... you can't hide under there... although you might try... Pay attention, now, Cardinal Roger. His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, is calling you and all your anti-Church, anti-Pope, disobedient, agenda-ridden episcopal cronies: read the Church's instruction; correct every single one of your instituted abuses of Jesus Christ's Mass. Or, get ready for some cannon fire, as in Canon 401-2 (as in retire the traitors).
Posted by: normnuke - Jul. 09, 2005 9:23 PM ET USA
With the exception of item #58, which I find murky, all these bullets are bulls' eyes. But, just because they find their mark doesn't mean the Bishops will get the point or do anything about it.
Posted by: Vincit omnia amor - Jul. 09, 2005 8:22 PM ET USA
these passages aren't a joke are they? you mean there is hope for a reform of the reform? Alleluia!