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Illinois bishop orders kneeling during Eucharistic Prayer
December 22, 2009
Bishop Edward Braxton of Belleville, Illinois, is receiving criticism for asking at least three parishes to follow the Church’s norm on kneeling during the Eucharistic Prayer. Among the priests asked to begin to follow the Church’s discipline in this matter is Msgr. James Margason, who served as diocesan vicar general when Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta was Bishop of Belleville.
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Posted by: Bill in IL -
Dec. 23, 2009 12:06 PM ET USA
For my one time only Mass in Canada I found that they stood for the Canon but knelt at the epiclesis through all the words of consecration. It was my understanding that this is common in Europe as well.
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Posted by: Athelstan -
Dec. 22, 2009 11:16 PM ET USA
Why has Bishop Braxton asked only three parishes to follow the Church's norm in this matter; why does he not simply make it the rule for his whole diocese? In the Belleville News-Democrat story, nameless "Theologians" and someone from St. Louis claim it is the custom in Europe for Catholics to stand during the Eucharistic Prayer. In recent trips to Malta, Italy, including Rome, and Germany, I encountered no such a "custom." Why would any Believer not want to kneel before the Real Presence?
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Posted by: -
Dec. 22, 2009 7:46 PM ET USA
Standing at that point of the Mass is disrespectful. Kneeling is a sign of respect. There is no good reason to stand. I also believe that standing to accept the host in hand is also disrespectful. There is no excuse for not showing proper respect by kneeling at times such as the those referenced above.
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Posted by: BobJ70777069 -
Dec. 22, 2009 5:59 PM ET USA
I've been hearing for years that, "in Europe, they stand during the Eucharistic Prayer". I've been to Mass in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and Germany and have yet to encounter anything but kneeling during that time.
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Posted by: -
Dec. 22, 2009 5:27 PM ET USA
Prof.Flinn is wrong to say that "Da Vinci got it right"-the disciples, as per Jewish custom at the time,would have reclined alongside a low table,resting their head on one hand & eating with the other.Does he propose that we do this at the Holy Mass?To me it's a 'no brainer' really-if we truly believe that Christ comes among us in the Eucharist during the Consecration,how could we NOT fall to our knees?In Ireland we always kneel after the Sanctus.I hope more bishops follow Bishop Braxton's lead.
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Posted by: -
Dec. 22, 2009 10:43 AM ET USA
In San Jose, I had to switch parishes because the pastor expressly FORBID kneeling at the consecration. I wish more bishops would act like the OVERSEERS they are.
