Monday, September 19, 2005
3. Sacred Vessels[117.] Sacred vessels for containing the Body and Blood of the Lord must be made in strict conformity with the norms of tradition and of the liturgical books.[205]The Bishops’ Conferences have the faculty to decide whether it is appropriate, once their decisions have been given the recognitio by the Apostolic See, for sacred vessels to be made of other solid materials as well. It is strictly required, however, that such materials be truly noble in the common estimation within a given region,[206]so that honour will be given to the Lord by their use, and all risk of diminishing the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharistic species in the eyes of the faithful will be avoided. Reprobated, therefore, is any practice of using for the celebration of Mass common vessels, or others lacking in quality, or devoid of all artistic merit or which are mere containers, as also other vessels made from glass, earthenware, clay, or other materials that break easily. This norm is to be applied even as regards metals and other materials that easily rust or deteriorate.[207]
With this in mind, I beg your thoughts, dear reader.
There is a certain priest I know who really is a wonderful man. Very concerned about each person in the congregation, extremely apt at connecting with people, an extraordinary homilist, etc. etc. However, the chalices and other vessels which he uses for Mass are nearly always either glass or clay. This has always bothered me, and when it has been mentioned to him before, he responds by saying that there is not sufficient money for such chalices, or that these are what Jesus would have used, and it makes the atmosphere more like it was at the Last Supper (or something like that). Really, I think it's ridiculous. If this priest wanted to get gold/silver chalices, he would be able to. I've always believed that where there's a will, there's a way, and when it's God's will and God's way...well...things happen. However, I am not sure how to bring this up to him, as it was recently discovered that the clay chalices were made by some friends of his who are nuns (good ones, too!). Clearly they mean a lot to him. But that isn't reason enough (for me, or anyone else I've asked) to use them at Mass. Especially when the document clearly states that they are reprobated. So, the question now is whether it is my place to talk to him, and if it is, how I am to go about it. I am not alone in this - nearly everyone I've spoken to (being those educated enough to understand the difference between using Rubbermaid, clay, glass and gold), say that they strongly dislike the use of the clay. Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Caritas et veritas.
With this in mind, I beg your thoughts, dear reader.
There is a certain priest I know who really is a wonderful man. Very concerned about each person in the congregation, extremely apt at connecting with people, an extraordinary homilist, etc. etc. However, the chalices and other vessels which he uses for Mass are nearly always either glass or clay. This has always bothered me, and when it has been mentioned to him before, he responds by saying that there is not sufficient money for such chalices, or that these are what Jesus would have used, and it makes the atmosphere more like it was at the Last Supper (or something like that). Really, I think it's ridiculous. If this priest wanted to get gold/silver chalices, he would be able to. I've always believed that where there's a will, there's a way, and when it's God's will and God's way...well...things happen. However, I am not sure how to bring this up to him, as it was recently discovered that the clay chalices were made by some friends of his who are nuns (good ones, too!). Clearly they mean a lot to him. But that isn't reason enough (for me, or anyone else I've asked) to use them at Mass. Especially when the document clearly states that they are reprobated. So, the question now is whether it is my place to talk to him, and if it is, how I am to go about it. I am not alone in this - nearly everyone I've spoken to (being those educated enough to understand the difference between using Rubbermaid, clay, glass and gold), say that they strongly dislike the use of the clay. Anyway, your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Caritas et veritas.
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I can think of one non-threatening method of bringing up disobedience with an otherwise faithful priest.
Emphasize that he is your father, and you are his daughter, and you love him, and you hope that he loves you.
Explain that you know the chalices mean a lot to him, but they are causing worry and pain for his children.
Remind him that Christ Jesus did not want to be crucified, but he was obedient to the Father for the sake of the children.
Suggest to this priest that he consider how important it is for him to obey his Fathers-in-God in Rome, and crucify his own will, out of love for the children.
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Emphasize that he is your father, and you are his daughter, and you love him, and you hope that he loves you.
Explain that you know the chalices mean a lot to him, but they are causing worry and pain for his children.
Remind him that Christ Jesus did not want to be crucified, but he was obedient to the Father for the sake of the children.
Suggest to this priest that he consider how important it is for him to obey his Fathers-in-God in Rome, and crucify his own will, out of love for the children.
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