The Sign of Peace: A response to Fr Z's Opinion Poll

In response to Fr Z and the myriad of opinions expressed regarding the sign of peace at Ordinary Form Masses, I thought I would contribute something from Dr Tracy Rowland, commenting on Pope Benedict’s thoughts on the matter.

In chapter 7 of her book Ratzinger’s Faith : The Theology of Pope Benedict XVI Rowland, Dean of Melbourne’s John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies says this:

"Another common disruption of the solemnity of the Mass is the sign of peace before Communion.  At the time when this custom was introduced in its current form concern was expressed at very high levels about how it would operate in practise.  It was suggested that in the case of a closed and educated community, such as in a seminary or convent, there would be no problem, but if several hundred or several thousand people are attending a Mass, and not arranged in an orderly manner, then it had potential to become ridiculous.**  Ratzinger has suggested that the sign of peace would be better placed before the presentation of the gifts if it is to be retained at all, so as not to disrupt the contemplative preparation for the reception of Communion.*  In Sacramentum Caritas, as Pope Benedict XVI, he pleaded for ‘greater restraint in this gesture which can become exaggerated and cause a certain distraction in the assembly before the reception of Communion’.***"

* A. Bugnini, The reform of the Liturgy, 1948-1957 (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1990), 337

** Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy, (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2000), 170.

***Sacramentum caritas, (2007), para. 49.

Personally, I would love to see the custom of the sign of peace relocated in the liturgy to a point that would cause less distraction, like for example before the presentation of the gifts as suggested by then-Cardinal Ratzinger.  This happens to good effect at Neocatechumate Way liturgies where, for good or bad, the sign of peace takes on a greater emphasis within the liturgy itself with a greater expression (which generally includes the entire congregation).

For now though, when attending the Mass in the Ordinary Form I generally bow reverently towards Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament before exchanging the sign of peace with those around me.  It does seem to be somewhat disjointed as this occurs right at the high point of the liturgy itself.  For those of you who may ask I answered “I tolerate it” in Fr Z’s poll.

Ave Maria!

Interview with Cardinal Raymond Burke

I recently stumbled across this interview with the unstoppable Cardinal Raymond Burke.  It seems the good Cardinal is experiencing a somewhat meteoric rise in all things ecclesial, despite his outspoken and fearless preaching on a range life issues and other 'uncomfortable' topics.
As always, he pulls no punches, stating clearly the Church's teaching and providing the faithful with a sure example to follow.
Here, amongst other things he speaks candidly about his affinity for the extraordinary form of the Holy Mass, otherwise known as the Tridentine or Latin Mass.
In the near future I hope to publish my thoughts on this topic and the Pope's 2007 Motu Proprio as, following my muse, my reading has delved into this subject of late in some significant detail.
For now though, I leave you with this 20min piece, which is well worth a watch.

Ave Maria!

My Top Reads of 2010

So, I figured I put up a list of my top reads for the year.
It's was kinda difficult to narrow the list down to the few that were for me the best and most worthy of a recommendation.  I spent a good portion of the year reading the irrepressible GK Chesterton, but I can't single anything out of his works to write here, (my suggestion is to read anything of his).  Astute readers of this post will no doubt notice a certain 'Ratzinger-ian' theme to my reading of late - this is something I certainly will be continuing in the new year.

The Secrets, Chastisement, and Triumph of the two Hearts of Jesus and Mary – Dr Kelly Bowring

Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words – Sr Lucia

The Spirit of the Liturgy – Josef Cardinal Ratzinger

Sacramentum Caritas – Pope Benedict XVI

Ratzinger’s Faith – Dr Tracy Rowland

The Ratzinger Report - Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger & Vittorio Messori

The Meaning of Christian Brotherhood – Josef Ratzinger

Light of the World – Peter Seawald & Pope Benedict XVI

The Old Mass and the New: Explaining the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of Pope Benedict XVI.  - Bishop Marc Aillet

Life and Holiness – Thomas Merton

A Rabbi Talks with Jesus - Jacob Neusner

The Christian Imagination: GK Chesterton and the Arts – Thomas C. Peters

Gift & Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of my Priestly Ordination - Pope John Paul II

The Jewelers Shop - Karol Wojtyla *Fast becoming a yearly read - just beautiful!

There were some others that nearly made the list, but I really should limit it to my solid recommendations.

That's it for now!

Ave Maria!

Book Review: The Old Mass and the New: Explaining the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of Pope Benedict XVI

(This is but a short write up on the book I just finished reading.  It is brilliant - not polemical, but just a wonderful catechesis on the liturgy.  A longer more in-depth analysis will be coming shortly)


I cannot recommend this enough to anyone who is interested in liturgy and the thought of Pope Benedict XVI. The Bishop has done a superb job of placing the reforms of VII in the context of the entire liturgical movement and has been clear in pointing out it's excesses and flaws. He has outlined the tremendous value of the pope's 2007 motu proprio as the springboard for a collective examination of conscience with regards to how the liturgy is celebrated an how it informs put lives.
Continuously harking back to the documents of the second Vatican council Bishop Aillet proposes a thorough blueprint for the reform of the reform, the likes of which has the potential to transform theChurch and in turn the world.
His eloquent tackling of commonly misunderstood notions in the council documents (particularly those referring to 'fully active, conscious and fruitful' participation in the liturgy are a clarion call for all involved in liturgical formation or planning tocarefully and humbly reread the documents of Vatican II in light of Pope Benedict XVIs hermeneutic of continuity.


You can read it online here but I suggest buying it here.  Actually get two, one for you and one for your favourite seminarian!


Ave Maria!