The Filipino Roman: Mass facing the People (Missa versus Populum): Implementing Vatican II

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Mass facing the People (Missa versus Populum): Implementing Vatican II

How interesting to see that even after Vatican II, the mind of the authorities implementing the changes regarding the orientation of the celebrant (whether facing the eastern wall of the church or facing the people) NEVER RECOMMENDED THAT THE WHOLE MASS BE CELEBRATED FACING THE PEOPLE.

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Latin: Utrum stabiliter extrui liceat altare portatile ante altare maius ad celebrandam Missam versus populum?

English: Whether it is allowed that a portable altar be constructed in a stable way before the high altar [the one facing the wall] for celebrating Mass facing the people? (my translation)

Latin: Resp.: Per se licet, sed non consulitur. Nam Missa ad normam novi Ordinis celebrata, optime participatur a fidelibus etiam si altare ita extruitur ut celebrans terga ad populum vertat. Tota enim liturgia verbi celebratur versus populum, ad sedem vel ad ambonem.

English: By itself, it is allowed, but not advised. For the Mass celebrated according to the norm of the new Order is best participated in by the faithful even if the altar is constructed in such a way that the celebrating (priest) turns (his) back to the people. The whole liturgy of the word however is celebrated facing the people, either at the chair or at the ambo. (my translation)

- Response to a dubium. Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, Notitiae 1 (1965), 251, n. 32.

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And that is why it is perfectly legal, even liturgically and theologically sound for a priest to celebrate Mass like this:

Which is why the brilliant mind of the earthly Vicar of the Church's Chief Pastor finds no problem in doing this:

1 comment:

Nowitzki TramontoJuly 26, 2011 at 1:30 PM
huwaw :)
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