AD ORIENTEM - JUST DO IT
There has been much discussion about "ad orientem" celebration, far too much in fact. Everything has already been said on the issue in the main, but has anything really changed? Yes. Three things:
1. The issue is actually being discussed for the first time in 2 generations.
2. The liberals have responded vigorously and coming out of the closet as complete rubricists (rigid and unbending in fact -all the things they have accused traditionalists of for years) and have made themselves look utterly ridiculous by relying on an erroneous english translation of a section of the The General Instruction of the Roman Missal(GIRM) relating to the building of freestanding altars - pretty poor show if your entire case can be dismissed by a quick glance at the latin original whose grammar and meaning are clear.
3. The head of the Congregation of Sacred Rites (SCR) has clearly expressed his view and encouraged clergy to use introduce "ad orientem" celebration, not over night, but as a gradual, well prepared process in which the laity are catechised and prepared for the transition.
Now before complacency sets in, especially amongst the clergy, fearing reprisals from the local bishops or hostility from other clergy and all the same stuff that has pertained for years - there will not be a "next time" on this issue. It is important to support Cardinal Sarah the head of the SCR by implementing his suggestions beginning the process in Advent is a good place to start.
It's time for more laity to promote and discuss 'Ad orientem"celebration with their clergy. Let's have a "Just do it" campaign - perhaps a personal commitment only to attend "Ad orientem celebration from first Sunday of Advent on (Other rites such as the Malakara and Ukrainians still continue to use "ad orientem" celebration). Put prevarication aside - like I said before it's now or never:
IT'S TIME
LETS DO THIS!
