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YinYangMom
Guest
John Lilburne:
These specific instructions are for ‘usual’ situations, not for the ‘exceptions’. There may be, perhaps, some supplemental document between the bishops and the priests which expressly allow a glass of water on the altar for medicinal purposes. You and I don’t know that there isn’t, and I trust that the priest is following the guidance of his bishop.
Well in true GIRM fashion, it also doesn’t prohibit a glass of water on the altar for medicinal reasons.I do not have a problem with drinking water in Mass, canon 919 says abstain an hour before the Eucharist “with the exception of only water and medicene”.
But he is breaching the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) by placing the cup on the altar.
According to 2002 GIRM:
"306. Only what is required for the celebration of the Mass may be placed on the mensa of the altar: namely, from the beginning of the celebration until the proclamation of the Gospel, the Book of the Gospels; then from the Presentation of the Gifts until the purification of the vessels, the chalice with the paten, a ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the corporal, the purificator, the pall, and the Missal.
“In addition, microphones that may be needed to amplify the priest’s voice should be arranged discreetly.”
It talks about altar clothes, not having flowers on the altar, candles and a crucifix in the 304-308.
The Ambo (i.e. lecturn) does not have such specific instructions, but 2002 GIRM 309 does discuss the “dignity of the ambo” and that is should be blessed. The 2002 GIRM can be accessed at romanrite.com/girm.html
These specific instructions are for ‘usual’ situations, not for the ‘exceptions’. There may be, perhaps, some supplemental document between the bishops and the priests which expressly allow a glass of water on the altar for medicinal purposes. You and I don’t know that there isn’t, and I trust that the priest is following the guidance of his bishop.