Can the Catholic Church in the US get the Genie back in the bottle??
With the focus on the revival of the 1962 Rite and the revision of the Good Friday prayers, a lot of people have a lot of hope that a Liturgical renewal is on the way. The realist in me does not necessarily see it. I know that when the Extraordinary Rite is brought up, even to some of the retired priests, some almost apoplectic.
Now, it was noted in Catholic News Report online ,that Archbishop Ranjith, of the Congregation for Divine worship wrote in a book introduction that it is time for the Church to revisit the idea of communion in the hand. He would like to see reception returned to being on the tongue only. Here at the Seminary, I know that the majority receive the Lord on the tongue. However, would it be a good idea for the Church to mandate again communion on the tongue only? I don’t know. It is not because I think communion in the hand is a good thing, but because once something is given, it is very hard, if not nearly impossible to take it back.
Here is whatI think is a good example: The GIRM and Sacramentum Caritatis mandates that only metal chalices be used in the distribution of the precious Blood of Jesus. However, how many places have you gone where glass/crystal is still being used? I recently received the Church goods catalogue from Meyer-Vogelpohl here in Cincinnati, and besides the very ugly iron work stuff they are trying to pass off as suitable for the liturgy (ne gustibus), they make this statement in regard to their MV glassware: Meyer-Vogelpohl continues to serve the liturgy with glass vessels meant exclusively for sacred use; they are not easily broken and they do not easily deteriorate. Over the years, these glass vessels have enabled the assembly to see the Eucharistic elements as food and drink for the journey of faith. MV glass has become an important part of the liturgical custom of the Church of the United States today and we will continue to offer quality glass that is worthy of the Eucharist. (emphasis mine)
It appears to me that in light of the highlighted statement, the Congregation for Divine Worship will have to clear any emendations of liturgical vessels with Meyer-Vogelpohl in Cincinnati. I doubt that Archbishop Ranjith knows this. I doubt that he even cares.
Have we reached a point in the US where the Church goods business determines the kind, syle and material of vessels used in the liturgy more than the documents of the Church? What do you think?
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