Stop Holding Hands At Mass

I have to say that I loved reading this Decree, issued by the Bishop of Covington, the Most Reverend Roger J. Foys. I have little doubt that this Decree will push up the blood pressure of the modernists, to levels dangerously close to causing a stroke. So, if you’re one of those modernists, who finds obedience to the Church so insufferable, and you also happen to suffer from blood pressure problems, either don’t read this or take your blood pressure medication first.

 Bishop Foys begins his Decree by reminding the reader that:

“Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends SOLELY on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See and, as laws may determine, on the bishop.

In virtue of power conceded by the law, the regulation of the liturgy within certain defined limits belongs also to various kinds of competent territorial bodies of bishops legitimately established.

Therefore no other person, EVEN IF HE BE A PRIEST, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.” [1]

This bishop has clearly been around the block and I think he shows great wisdom in his decision to remind his priests, at the implementation of the third Edition of the Roman Missal, of who has authority regarding sacred liturgy. In light of the fact that there are dissident priests, who have been quite vocal about their dislike of the new translation, it may in fact be reckless for bishops not to remind their priests of who has authority regarding sacred liturgy.

Bishop Foys goes on and directs that, “The text of the Roman Missal be used exactly as it is written. As stated in the citation from the Second Vatican Council none of us has the authority to change the text for any reason.”

That certainly puts any priest who thought he would manipulate the texts to his liking, squarely into place. Sorry for you, father, but you certainly cannot pull a quick one on this bishop.

The Decree by Bishop Foys really makes my day when he directs further that, “The gestures for the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful be strictly carried out in accord with the rubrics of the Roman Missal…” He reminds the reader that “the rubrics for the Roman Missal, those actually in the Missal as well as others in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and Redemptionis Sacramentum specify what gestures the priest, deacon and lay faithful make.”

At this point, as I am reading this Decree, I already have visions of blood pressure monitors reaching the 180 mark. Alas, dear modernist, there is more to come. So, breathe deeply and brace yourself.

“Special note should also be made concerning the gesture for the Our Father. Only the priest is given the instruction to “extend” his hands. Neither the deacon nor the lay faithful are instructed to do this. No gesture is prescribed for the lay faithful in the Roman Missal; nor the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, therefore the EXTENDING or HOLDING of hands BY THE FAITHFUL should NOT be performed.”

Ouch. That’s got to hurt.

Bishop Foys then really puts the cherry on top. Please could more bishops and priests say this and stop pussy footing around this issue of silence:

“Sacred Silence be observed in our churches prior to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy to allow the clergy AND THE FAITHFUL TO PROPERLY PREPARE and dispose themselves for the Sacred Mysteries to which they are about to participate.”

“Silence following the Mass is also encouraged…”

How did the Disney cartoons use to end? That’s all folks …

Now, how’s the blood pressure?

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[1] Sacrosanctum Concilium, 22

Any text, which is underlined, bold or in capitals, is my emphasis.