Good Morning
You may have seen the name of our diocese come up in a few news articles over the past few weeks.
If you’ve been subscribed to our newsletter for a while, you’ll know we published an article responding to Bishop Rice’s request to an end to ad orientem worship in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. I’ve heard from a number of our readers and many other faithful Catholics throughout the diocese on this topic and most echo the same question: why call for an end to a completely valid posture of worship?
Well, now many people outside of our diocese are starting to ask the same question. The Pillar is quickly becoming one of the most popular Catholic news sources in the country and they’ve mentioned our own diocese in their recently published article:
Michael Haynes wrote a similar article on lifesite.com titled “Another American bishop forbids priests from celebrating Mass ad orientem”.
To some, this may sound like making a mountain out of a molehill. Versus populem, ad orientem, who cares? To them I would offer three thoughts:
Most every Saint you can think of attended Mass with the priest facing ad orientem.
Despite what you may have heard, Vatican II did not ban ad orientem.
On April 10, 2000, Jorge A. Cardinal Medina Estévez, who served as the Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship, addressed the matter of ad orientem worship. He clarified, “No preference is expressed in the liturgical legislation for either position. As both positions enjoy the favor of the Law, legislation may not be invoked to say that one position or the other accords more closely with the mind of the Church”.
It’s important to support our bishop. It’s important to be obedient to our shepherds. But I think it’s just as important to call into question actions, such as these, that are simply confusing and alienate so many faithful Catholics who find comfort and reverence in ad orientem worship. If it was good for Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Claire, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Saint Josemaria Escriva, and so many others… it’s probably good for you too!
Bishop Rice has yet to respond to any of this, so we’ll continue to pray for him and for our diocese.
Articles From This Week
Father
, a retired priest of our great diocese, was gracious enough to submit an article to our op-ed section this week.In honor of our many Marian feast days this month,
has provided an enlightening meditation on “mulier fortis” and the strong example of Mary’s faith.Make sure to frequent our website so you don’t miss anything, including the latest homily from
.Articles Coming Next Week
This week we look forward to the beginning of another series here at The Rubric. Gideon Barr, founder and professor at The Aquinas Institute for Catholic Studies, will take us through an introduction to Catholic Anthropology. This series will explore a Catholic understanding of the human person, especially as a preface to understanding the moral life. His first article will hit your inbox Monday morning.
On The Calendar
SAT Sep 9 (TODAY) - Saint Peter Claver, Priest
WED Sep 13 - Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
THU Sep 14 - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
FRI Sep 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows
Join Our Community
Stay connected with us on Facebook to stay up to date with everything going on at The Rubric. Follow our Facebook page to be notified of all our articles, leave comments, and don't hesitate to express your differing viewpoints – we value diverse perspectives. Everyone is invited and encouraged to take part!
Recap The Rundown
If you've come this far, a special thank you is in order!
Keep praying for our Church. And if you’re wondering why we care so much about this ad orientem business, maybe read up on the subject, watch a video, or attend a Mass celebrated that way. You might like it!
Check back frequently to catch all of our articles.
Join our social media - Facebook - Instagram - to be more involved in our community.
Send us an opinion article at therubricnews@gmail.com
Be assured of our prayers for each one of you. Have a blessed week.
A compelling point… “If it was good for Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Claire, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Saint Josemaria Escriva, and so many others… it’s probably good for you too!”