The NCR, now get this, the NCR criticizes Pope Francis for not using the ancient form of the Chaldean Rite this past Saturday. Why? Because the older form, along with the Assyrian Eastern Rite (or was it the Orthodox, not clear in the article) does not have the words of institution to consecrate the bread and wine, but the Vatican has made clear that these ancient rites, despite this, have a valid consecration. It was Pope St. John Paul II’s magisterium that clarified this.
Yet, the NCR goes berserk when the ancient rite of the Latin Rite Mass, also known now as the Extraordinary Form, is celebrated. And keep in mind, the words of institution as well as most of the ancient Roman Canon are prayed silently or at least in a very low voice. You would think that that would be an equivalent to “no words of institution” in some Eastern Rite and Orthodox Rite Divine Liturgies.
To be honest with you, the Chaldean Rite Pope Francis celebrated was unique to Latin Rite Catholics in many ways, but not knowing this Eastern Rite, I could tell it had been westernized. The music was horrible and not fitting to this rite. I would have loved to have heard traditional Chaldean Rite chants in this Mass, but the music sounded like Folk Music to me along with the sugary accompaniment.
So, I don’t know what to make of this NCR’s critique of Pope Francis celebration of the Chaldean Rite. Press the sentence for the NCR diatribe:
Pope Francis' Mass in Iraq could have followed older rite
Chaldean church shows consecration doesn't need words
3 comments:
Zagano is an old crank
Phyllis Zagano? Say no more.
Could the Mass of the Roman liturgy without the Narration of the Institution (Words of Consecration) be offered validly (although illicitly) in either Form (Ordinary or Extraordinary)?
Re: The Extraordinary Form whose Offertory has prayers which imply that the Eucharistic elements of bread and wine have been trans-substantiated): No explicit language stating a consecration of the elements (as the Vatican instruction says of the ancient Chaldean liturgy) except possibly implicitly in the Veni, Sanctificator prayer: Come, almighty Santifier and everlasting God, and bless this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Your holy name (translaiton from the 1962 Saint Andrew Daily).
Re: The Ordinary Form (in which the Offertory prayers were replace with "Presentation" prayers): Not in the final form): An earlier draft form of the Presentation prayers had different conclusions than those in the final form:
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. Blessed be God for ever.
An earlier draft had "... It will become the Body (or Blood) of Christ. Blessed be God for ever." Source: Rev. Anthony Cekada, Work of Human Hands: A Theological Critique of the Mass of Paul VI.
That would satisfy for the Vatican instruction's "The words of Eucharistic Institution are indeed present ... not in a coherent narrative way and ad litteram, but rather in a dispersed euchological way, that is, integrated in successive prayers of thanksgiving, praise and intercession"
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