Here is a call to priests who have implemented ad orientem worship in their parishes.
The renowned liturgical scholar Fr. Klaus Gamber – who influenced also the liturgical theology of Joseph Ratzinger – thought that perhaps more than any other change after the Council, the turned around versus populum Mass did the greatest damage.
His Holiness Pope Benedict has for years developed a liturgical theological view of Holy Mass ad orientem versus, turned to the liturgical (not necessarily geographical) East. WDTPRS has presented his thought many times in entries and PODCAzTs (for example here and here and here).
I found this interesting "pastor’s page" on the site Printed As Preached, by a Fr. Cávana Wallace in San Diego. Also, I was recently at a parish where ad orientem worship has been gently implemented on occasion in what was a real "AmChurch" style parish. It seems to be working well!
Brick by brick.
This got me thinking.
From time to time I have reported on WDTPRS about priests who have implemented ad orientem worship in their parishes. They have generally started some catechesis beforehand. They have had successes. They have had problems.
There are always bound to be people who don’t like something, no matter what it is that is done in a parish. They complain to the bishop or try to rouse people up against the priest (perhaps forgetting to be grateful that their parish has a priest).
I suggest that ONLY PRIESTS who have implemented ad orientem worship in their parishes, occasional or frequent or exclusive, share here their experiences… the obstacles and positives, the complaints and the kudos, together with the practical details of what they have done and what happened afterward.
I hesitate to leave the combox open on this. No matter how many times I say that I want to hear from priests, the whole world will start posting. Thus, I ask the Reverend Fathers to e-mail me with their comments, which I was post for them. You can request anonymity, of course.
I would like to get some meaty, focused information here, including practical tips and strategies for implementing ad orientem worship.
Once I get some offerings from priests, then I can open the combox for priests to discuss what the priests posted… if you get my drift.
From a priest reader (edited):
From a priest reader (reposted with permission):
From a priest reader:
Indeed, “Benedictine” arrangement refers to Pope Benedict.
From a priest friend:
This past Holy Week I celebrated the entire Triduum ad Orientem – Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Vigil, and two Masses on Easter. Previous to this I had celebrated ad Orientem just a couple of times. I debated about explaining this repositioning, and then opted to simply do it. I received no adverse comments, but rather received encouragement from a few, including a couple of high school students. I wonder though if the congregation really noticed the difference. Celebrating the Liturgy ad Orientem was irenic. I had this feeling of relief. I found myself undistracted and better focused, and felt intense liturgicalness (if liturgicalness can be a sensation). I had the sense that this was the proper stance. Reflecting later and in conversation with someone it came to me that because it was the right thing to do, it, in and of itself, was the best explanation that I could have made. It was experienced and the moment became the instrument of grace. The congregation I believe, if I would have asked them to express verbally the rightness or logic of what I had done would probably have been at a loss of words and perhaps even logic. They got it. They understood, with no word necessary or capable. One previous time I had celebrated ad Orientem, was last summer for my 25th Ordination anniversary. After Mass my Godfather told me that this was the first time in so many years that he had felt that he had been at Mass, and that Mass did not leave him disappointed or angry.
I would just like to encourage the priest-chaplain of that Dignity chapter. I get
a bit of an impression that he thinks we who frequent this blog wouldn’t approve of what
he is doing, but I for one, will be keeping him in my prayers.
To offer the perspective of a parochial vicar (seven years ordained), I am adopting the common orientation for the canon once each week, and always on a weekday. Frankly, this change has been suprisingly uneventful. I provided only one ferial homily addressing the matter. This is not a traditional parish, although there are several sympathetic and liturgically well-educated faithful here. The previous Parish Priest had a hard time here when he introduced the Latin Sanctus and Agnus Dei for all Masses, if that gives you an idea of the parish culture. I do hope other assistants will fill free to adopt this ancient practice, while finding a respectful balance between their desire to do so and a resistant Parish Priest’s authority. Oh, I should mention the minor matter of having to move the potted plants from in front of the altar each week. During Lent, it was a mound of canned goods for the poor.
From a priest reader (edited):
From a priest reader: