QUAERITUR: Priests acting as deacons in the Novus Ordo
From a priest reader…
QUAERITUR:
In light of par. 22 of the Ceremoniale which states that presbyters are not to wear diaconal vestments but also in light of the return of cardinal deacons and the Vatican’s explanation of it, what can be done? Can a priest friend help me with a Solemn Mass by vesting and functioning as deacon if a competent one cannot be found? Thanks.
I would like to say: given the vesting of cardinals (who are bishops) as deacons (albeit
with miters), and given the resurrection of the TLM, … to hell with CE 22.
Let dalmatics abound. And lots and lots of maniples!
On the one hand, one could claim that the Holy Father, by washing the feet of women on Holy Thursday, has not altered the liturgical law that restricts that washing to men. On the other hand, one could say that the Holy Father, by allowing Cardinals to vest as deacons, has abrogated CE 22.
I’m certainly sympathetic, but be ready for accusations of hypocrisy.
That said, “¡Vaya lío!” It’s what Pope Francis would want.
On an entirely different topic, having nothing whatsoever to do with what went before. One of these days we could discuss the development contra legem customs. You know, something done isn’t quite according to Hoyle but it is custom in a place. If the bishop (or higher authority) does not reprobate that custom when he becomes aware of it, all one has to do is keep it up for 30 years… and…
… what were we talking about again?
Oh, yes! Novus Ordo Masses with priests acting as deacons, and vesting in dalmatics.
