The sanctuary as a place of confusion

From the ever-admirable and excellent Kreuz.net.


A Curial bishop has specified the causes of the current ecclesiastical crisis : Hand Communion, the abolition of Communion benches and kneelers , the removall of Tabernacles to another part of the Church and laity at the altar.

The secretary of the Congregation Roman liturgy, Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith, is currently giving a spate of interviews. On 16 November, he spoke with the missionary news service 'Fides'.


He said that the Papal Motu Proprio for the liberation of the Old Mass opened the way to a "complete integration" of the followers of Archbishop Lefebvre. This was an important, "as in the past often incorrect judgements were thought necessary, which now have lead to almost insurmountable divisions in the Church." The Archbishop sees the freedom of the old Mass as an explicit attempt of the Pope, to correct views that the Council was a break with the past and as a complete fresh start.

Msgr
Ranjith also sees the release of the old Mass as a result of a "growing demand" for the old Rite.

In connection with the Motu proprio, the Archbishop specifies a crisis of obedience towards the Holy Father. There were some among the clergy-even in the highest ranks church- who have taken a "position of autonomy ". He cites the example of the Bishops adopted in certain countries implementing provisions for the Motu proprio which has gone against or distorted the intention of the pope . Such action is contrary to the dignity and majesty of the the Episcopal vocation.

Msgr Ranjith admits, that some directives of the post-Conciliar liturgical reform damaged parts of the liturgy But that was not the intention of the council.
The former Cardinal Ratzinger, referred to the so-called "spirit of the council" as a true "pernicious Conciliar ideology;"

The conclusion of the Archbishop: "Progress is good, but not at the expense of history or without history." Nevertheless, the Archbishop was clear that the post-Conciliar reform was "not on the whole" negative : There were many positive aspects.

Misused hand Communion

As a negative example of Archbishop cited hand Communion. . It was introduced so as to be an abuse. Now despite harmful effects on the faith, it is maintained.
The hand Communion, "in a certain way" has helped ensure that the belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist had waned:

"This practice, and the abolition of Communion benches before the sanctuary and kneeling benches in the Churches and the introduction of practices, which the faithful force during the consecration to sit or stand, diminish the true meaning of the Eucharist."

The Archbishop also regrets that the Church is misused as a hall for fraternal meetings, concerts or interfaith celebrations :

"In some churches, the Blessed Sacrament is almost hidden or banned to a barely visible and meanly decorated chapel ." All this overshadows the central beliefs of the Church of the real presence of Christ in the sacrament.


As a further error designate Msgr. Ranjith specified the blurring of the specific roles of the clergy and laity at the altar: "The sanctuary will be a place of confusion."

The introduction of dances, musical instruments and singing , with little liturgical sense belong to the liturgy and the church interior "in no way".

Finally, the archbishop criticized "certain sermons, of a political character, and often poorly prepared."

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