Nihil Obstat Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I was at my home parish this Sunday and, just like last year, [url="http://irenaeusgsaintonge.blogspot.com/2011/03/case-of-veiled-crucifix.html"]the priest has decided that throughout all of Lent our crucifix will be covered[/url]. Long story short: It's both incorrect and spiritually inappropriate before Passiontide (at the earliest) or Holy Thursday. I can quote to you the GIRM, Paschale Solemnitatis, the CCCB (my episcopal conference), the USCCB, and EWTN. When I have to deal with a covered crucifix throughout all of Lent, I believe that it seriously damages my experience at Mass. The worship itself seems directionless. While the tabernacle is in an appropriate place, it is unadorned, and the crucifix should act as a more visual reminder of Christ's presence. I believe it really changes the tone of Mass. At least it does for me. [url="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lex-Orandi-Lex-Credendi-Lex-Vivendi/204280372918404?ref=ts"]Lex Orandi Lex Credendi[/url]. I believe that the covering of the crucifix also adds, intentionally or not, to the common theme these days which makes the priest the centre of the Mass. This is most clear through the common versus orientem posture of the priest that has become the de facto norm, as well as the situation of priests putting their own personal touches to the text of the Mass. By removing the crucifix, my priest seems to be directing attention away from that part of the Sanctuary, and towards himself. It becomes "his Mass", no longer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In my perfect parish, the Altar, tabernacle, and crucifix would all be placed in the same part of the Sanctuary, but certainly not one of these elements can be removed without serious damage to the Mass. The decision to move tabernacles to side chapels is just as damaging, and just as obviously harmful to us, the faithful. We need to be able to focus our devotion on Christ, and those three elements both work together to help us do so visually. The crucifix reminds us of His crucifixion, the tabernacle of His True Present, and the Altar of His sacrifice of Himself. Lacking one of these elements, we are all impoverished. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I agree with most of what you said but.... There is no perfect parish, unless you meant just the physical setup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 [quote name='Lil Red' timestamp='1300062219' post='2220541'] I agree with most of what you said but.... There is no perfect parish, unless you meant just the physical setup [/quote] Yes, in context that's what I meant. A perfect parish does exist in my mind though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil Red Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Well. It does not exist because we are sinners. The "perfect" parish exists through imperfect people. Sorry if this is disjointed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chamomile Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I can understand why you're upset. I often glance toward the crucifix during Mass There are some parishes I have problems just being in because I'm really sensitive to my surroundings and their influence on the spiritual atmosphere. Are you going to bring up the issue with the priest? Can you go somewhere else for Mass? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 [quote name='Chamomile' timestamp='1300064360' post='2220549'] I can understand why you're upset. I often glance toward the crucifix during Mass There are some parishes I have problems just being in because I'm really sensitive to my surroundings and their influence on the spiritual atmosphere. Are you going to bring up the issue with the priest? Can you go somewhere else for Mass? [/quote] There are a few other Masses I could go to, most notably the Traditional Latin Mass, but my family goes to this one, and they want me to go too. I could take it up with the priest, but being a student I'm extremely pressed for time, and besides that I don't think it would be a good idea to ruffle his feathers. I think my parents would be really annoyed with me for doing that. It's not a good reason, I know, but I'm in a tough situation that's hard to explain. I have to be very careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Contact your bishop. The crucifix should not be covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 [quote name='Brother Adam' timestamp='1300068052' post='2220560'] Contact your bishop. The crucifix should not be covered. [/quote] Would you write to the priest first? Maybe write to the priest and CC the bishop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dUSt Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Out of respect and courtesy you should go to the priest first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Adam Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Sorry I thought you already went to the priest. Yes, talk to him, but you don't want to look like a "liturgical nazi". Inquirer "why is the crucifix covered?" Tell him how detrimental it is to your experience of Mass. Then explain that you looked up church teaching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 Ugh. I guess it's kind of my responsibility, isn't it? Still, that puts me in a hard situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luigi Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Can you make it a Lenten sacrifice? One Sunday down, four to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 [quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1300076060' post='2220587'] Can you make it a Lenten sacrifice? One Sunday down, four to go. [/quote] What, give up disliking liturgical abuses? No thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luigi Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Not give up disliking - patiently endure. If you gave up disliking, there would be no suffering involved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 [quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1300076636' post='2220590'] Not give up disliking - patiently endure. If you gave up disliking, there would be no suffering involved. [/quote] I endure liturgical abuse every week that I go to that Church. This one happens to be particularly egregious. Right on par with the army of E.M.H.C.s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now