Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Vatican Issues Text on The Sign of Peace

Approve by Pope Francis.

Basically, it stays the same, but here's the gist of the abuses that are meant to be eliminated.


c) In any case, it will be necessary, at the time of the exchange of peace, to definitively avoid abuses such as:
-the introduction of a "song for peace", which is non-existent in the Roman Rite.
-the movement of the faithful from their places to exchange the sign of peace amongst themselves.
-the departure of the priest from the altar in order to give the sign of peace to some of the faithful.
-that in certain circumstances, such as at the Solemnity of Easter or of Christmas, or during ritual celebrations such as Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Sacred Ordinations, Religious Professions, and Funerals, the exchange of peace being the occasion for expressing congratulations, best wishes or condolences among those present.

I predict none of these abuses will be eliminated. They will continue to be widespread for at least the next ten years.

When it comes to Vatican documents, the attitude is "stop or I'll say stop again." Nothing changes because nobody puts their foot down.