How did ‘ad orientem’ worship go in the Diocese of Lincoln?
Do you remember that in the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishop Conley decided to celebrated Holy Mass ad orientem versus during Advent? HERE
The blog Corpus Christi Watershed has a follow up on how that went. Sample:
A number of other parishes in the Diocese—probably on the order of 15 to 20—adopted the same practice of facing East during Advent. This was accompanied by explanation & catechesis, and the practice was met with considerable welcome. Multiple priests confirmed that the response was largely positive. Numerous parishioners apparently requested that the practice be continued beyond Advent.
One pastor enumerated some of the reasons his parishioners gave for their appreciation:
1. The posture seems “logical”
2. It makes sense to face the Person to Whom you are speaking
3. Facing East gives the high altar a purpose beyond simple wall decoration
4. It feels very sacredThese are interesting observations on the part of the actively participating faithful.
Another priest told me that his parish seriously considered adopting the initiative in their Advent Masses. Because Bishop Conley’s letter came out only two weeks before Advent, though, they felt there was not sufficient time to offer proper catechesis. Thus, they ultimately chose not to adopt the ad orientem posture. Nevertheless, there was a great openness among the priests.
[…]
There’s always next year.
Fr. Z kudos to Bp. Conley and to the priests who followed his lead.
We urgently need (have urgently needed for decades) a revitalization of our liturgical worship of God. This revitalization includes ad orientem worship.
Fathers, take the step. Begin the catechesis and DO IT.
