10 October 2006

Liturgical Abuse - Pouring the Blood of Christ

CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTINSTRUCTIONRedemptionis SacramentumOn certain matters to be observed or to be avoidedregarding the Most Holy Eucharist....Chapter IVHOLY COMMUNION105.] If one chalice is not sufficient for Communion to be distributed under both kinds to the Priest concelebrants or Christ’s faithful, there is no reason why the Priest celebrant should not use several chalices.[193] For it is to be remembered that all Priests in celebrating Holy Mass are bound to receive Communion under both kinds. It is praiseworthy, by reason of the sign value, to use a main chalice of larger dimensions, together with smaller chalices.[106.] However, the pouring of the Blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another is completely to be avoided, lest anything should happen that would be to the detriment of so great a mystery. Never to be used for containing the Blood of the Lord are flagons, bowls, or other vessels that are not fully in accord with the established norms.
This is reinforced in the CCCB statement:
Observations on Redemptionis Sacramentum5. Abuses indicated....– The pouring of the Blood of Christ after the consecration from one vessel to another, which is completely to be avoided (n. 106);
My pastor breaks this every Sunday.
At the preparation of the Gifts, Wine is poured from a glass/crystal lidded decanter into the Chalice and water is then added, but then he pours some water into the decanter, and closes the lid. The decanter remains on the altar thoughout the Eucharistic Prayer, and although the chalice is elevated, there is no doubt that the wine and water in the decanter has also transmutated into the blood of Christ. Then at the Fractioning, during the Agnus Dei, the Lord's blood is poured from the decanter into smaller chalices for distribution to the faithful. Communion is under both species.
further in the
Redemptionis SacramentumOn certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy EucharistChapter VIIIREMEDIES6. Complaints Regarding Abuses in Liturgical Matters[183.] In an altogether particular manner, let everyone do all that is in their power to ensure that the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist will be protected from any and every irreverence or distortion and that all abuses be thoroughly corrected. This is a most serious duty incumbent upon each and every one, and all are bound to carry it out without any favouritism.[184.] Any Catholic, whether Priest or Deacon or lay member of Christ’s faithful, has the right to lodge a complaint regarding a liturgical abuse to the diocesan Bishop or the competent Ordinary equivalent to him in law, or to the Apostolic See on account of the primacy of the Roman Pontiff.[290] It is fitting, however, insofar as possible, that the report or complaint be submitted first to the diocesan Bishop. This is naturally to be done in truth and charity.So, how do I go about and lodge a complaint. Should I complain to the archdiocese about him, if so, to whose attention. what's the address, etc etc. Should I have more than one person sign the complaint. What about the other priests in residence, including one who works at the Archdiocese itself. He sees it and has apparently done nothing.Also, do I inform the pastor? He is also my confessor and it would just be weird telling him he is doing something wrong. I don't think he would listen to me, anyway. According to the Vatican, my duty is clear, my question is the logistics of performing my duty.For access to either of the two documents from which I quoted above click here:
for the Vatican document click here or for the CCCB document click here

No comments: