This is a sort of letter to the editor from the National Chismatic Reporter (NCR) on a Bishop ‘s decision to have Mass celebrated ad orientem at his cathedral. What do you think of it?
Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico, announced in a July 22 letter that he would begin celebrating Mass in his cathedral ad orientem, that is, "toward the east," with his back to the people. "I know this can be a contentious topic. To make changes to the way we pray can be difficult, especially when it comes to liturgical prayer," he wrote. NCR published reader responses a couple of weeks ago, but received many more responses. Letters have been edited for length and clarity.
At a first reading of the article reporting Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico, and his decision to offer Mass in his cathedral, ad orientem, I was upset and angry. But after a long walk, a reread and some serious reflection, I can understand his decision (though I do not support it).
As a bishop in the United States, he has finally mustered the courage to model liturgically, what in fact many, if not most bishops have been doing to the people for several decades — that is turning their backs on them.
When it comes to the abuse of children, enforcement of their own charter, the exclusion of women in church leadership, LGBTQ Catholics, the treatment of divorced Catholics and the Eucharist, the annulment process, their tolerance for two unjust visitations from the Vatican on women religious, the abysmal translation of the New Roman Missal and its required rubrics, they have constantly "turned their backs" on members of the flock.
When our political leaders persecute migrants, compromise the future of the planet by removing environmental protections, and relentlessly attack programs to protect the poor and vulnerable, the bishops say nothing. Even when Pope Francis speaks with apostolic authority about these issues sometimes in encyclical letters, the bishops of the United States have, for the most part turned their backs on him, too.
I have been priest for over 42 years and have served in many pastoral positions in high schools, parishes and the chancery. The state of church episcopal leadership in the United States is shameful. Our people are hungering to be fed and are willing to work with leadership that respects them. But the numbers of bishops today who face their people and welcome them to share ministry is minimal.
Yes, keep turning your backs to the people. One day, when you decide to turn around and say, "The Lord be with you," there will be no response because the people will have accepted your message, and no one will be in the pews.
(Fr.) KENNETH E. MILLER
Niles, Ohio
Niles, Ohio
4 comments:
“As a bishop in the United States, he has finally mustered the courage to model liturgically, what in fact many, if not most bishops have been doing to the people for several decades — that is turning their backs on them.”
Most of the bishops and priests are already modeling liturgically exactly what they have been doing for several decades — that is turning their backs on God.
The priest is a leftist political operative masquerading as a priest - total fraud. Time to get off the planet and face the consequences
42 years. That is a longtime to suffer for his poor parishioners. Clerical reactionary!
Marc, truer words have not been spoken.
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