Can a priest alter the ecce agnus dei?

[TheMc]

SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM

vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html

III. The Reform of the Sacred Liturgy

A) General norms

1. 1. Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See and, as laws may determine, on the bishop.
2. In virtue of power conceded by the law, the regulation of the liturgy within certain defined limits belongs also to various kinds of competent territorial bodies of bishops legitimately established.
3. Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.

The Apostolic See, the Bishop and the ‘competent territorial bodies of bishops’ have authority to regulate the Sacred Liturgy. Then, ‘no other person’. This is what it says.

However, it says “regulation” of the sacred liturgy. It mentions nothing of the bishop changing the liturgy. I mean he has some authority, such as a few places it mentions in the GIRM, like kneeling (or not) after the agnus dei.

I believe that “regulation” means that he makes sure the liturgy is being celebrated well, but I’d be open to other interpretations if someone can either make a convincing argument, or show me more documents.

 

[TheMc]

vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20030317_ordinamento-messale_en.html

GIRM

1. When the prayer is concluded, the priest genuflects, takes the host consecrated in the same Mass, and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, while facing the people, says, Ecce Agnus Dei (This is the Lamb of God). With the people he adds, Domine, non sum dignus (Lord, I am not worthy).

Which parts of the ‘Ecce Agnus Dei’ are fixed and which are not? The GIRM is not clear on this. Which parts of the Mass does the Bishop have authority? I don’t know, but the Bishop knows and I trust his judgement.

The whole thing is fixed. What you are not understanding is that this is how the GIRM refers to specific prayers. It tells you the first couple words in latin (then english), and then if you want the whole prayer, you go look in the missal.

But here’s one thing for all of you who think the priest was ok:

Show me a document where it says the priest can change the “Ecce Agnus Dei”.