Too many young Catholics are abandoning Christ and joining other religions or simply being absorbed by secularism.
Archbishop Cordileone understands that there is no more important issue in the Church than the liturgy. Therefore, he has made two improvements in his cathedral.
More and more people were kneeling for Holy Communion, creating logistical difficulties. So the rector of the cathedral placed long kneelers for eight people each in front of the sanctuary: "When the option of kneeling to receive is offered, many people naturally do so," Archbishop Cordileone noted.
The second step was to start celebrating Eucharists ad orientem, so that the priest at the altar faces the same direction toward God does the people in the pews.
The rector of the cathedral started on weekdays. Next, he brought it to the Sunday Eucharist in Spanish, because the devout Hispanics were more likely to be understand such a move.
Finally, he implemented the change at the other two principal Sunday Eucharists. Two remaining Sunday Eucharists are currently ("at least for now") being presided facing the congregation.
The result: "The furor some people would think that this would cause never materialized."
Archbishop Cordileone explains that the phrase "the priest with his back to the people," is emblematic of the loss of the understanding of the sacred because it misses where the focus should be: not on the priest, but on Christ.
"A priest celebrating the Mass ad orientem is no more turning his back on the people than a teacher leading her students in the Pledge of Allegiance is slighting them by turning her back on them and facing the flag with them."
Conclusion: "To me, it is heartening how many young people are drawn to Catholic practices that so effectively express transcendent realities. What is Catholic works."
#newsPgmdkyrxby