Pope celebrates Mass ad orientem in renovated Vatican chapel
December 01, 2009
Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass ad orientem on December 1, in the Pauline Chapel at the apostolic palace. The chapel had been renovated earlier this year, with the altar moved to allow the priest to celebrate Mass either ad orientem or versus populum. The Holy Father chose the former option as he presided at the Eucharistic liturgy for members of the International Theological Commission. In his homily the Pope warned the theologians against taking undue pride in their scholarly work. He noted that many renowned thinkers have been "unable to see the mystery in itself, the central nucleus: that Christ truly was the Son of God." By contrast, he pointed out, simple believers like St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Damian of Molokai have plumbed the depths of the faith; they were "little people who were also wise." The Pontiff cited the attitude of St. Paul, who "became blind and thus truly came to see."
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Further information:
- Papal Mass with International Theological Commmission (VIS)
- Pope Celebrates Ad Orientem in the Pauline Chapel (New Liturgical Movement)
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