Safeguarding liturgy
As the Vatican is preparing to root out liturgical abuses, it is encouraging to learn that the draft document on the subject, which has received much coverage in the secular media, has reportedly been rejected.
The document is being prepared at the request of Pope John Paul with the aim of curbing abuses in the celebration of the liturgy and the adoration of the Eucharist.
This is a noble objective which needs to be handled with sensitivity and circumspection.
If the reports of the draft document are true (and the source, a Catholic magazine, seems credible), then some Catholics may well feel that its authors have been excessively enthusiastic in proposing liturgical amendments. Such Catholics may feel indebted to the cardinals heading the congregations of Divine Worship and Doctrine, who apparently have rejected the draft.
Liturgical reform is a delicate and highly subjective subject. Any form of debate on it is bound to be emotionally charged. It needs to be approached with understanding and even a measure of detachment.
While every Catholic indeed has a right to report liturgical abuses to the local ordinary (and should be treated with respect), the draft document’s explicit encouragement of such interaction could cause more problems than it would solve.
Quite possibly, bishops would have to mediate in all sorts of minute details of alleged liturgical abuses, real or imagined, detracting from their already overburdened ministry. More worryingly, disgruntled Catholics may even feel roused to denounce priests they dislike, citing “liturgical abuses”. One fears a bureaucratic quagmire.
The draft document seems to turn its back on some liturgical innovations which have become commonplace since Vatican II. Is the question of central gates in altar railings of such compelling import that it requires new legislation? Would our Lord, the most approachable of men in his human incarnation, really welcome a shutting of the doors from his Table?
Likewise, what good purpose would be served by denying the faithful Communion under both species, or by proscribing the reception of the host in the hand?
Most alarming is the draft’s evident intention to discourage the function of girls as altar servers. Where would this leave dioceses where altar girls are already active?
Ironically, the draft prohibits “applause and dance inside a sacred building, even outside eucharistic celebrations.” As our report this week points out, many liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father include applause and liturgical dances.
Surely discreet applause at appropriate moments (perhaps when welcoming a visiting priest) and decorous dance in praise of God neither violates the sacredness of a church nor detracts from the solemnity of the Mass. If the pope could tolerate it, so can the faithful.
Cardinals Francis Arinze and Joseph Ratzinger have been right in rejecting the draft document. It may be hoped that the final version will offer wise guidance instead of the subjective clampdown the draft suggests.
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