Actually, there is nothing to debate.
The very fact that different provinces have different approaches indicates there are prudential decisions to be made.
Thank you Father. The bishops have the power to bind and to loose. What the Church has once bound (say the date of Epiphany) can certainly be “loosed” by the same authority. We aren’t speaking of precepts of divine law here. Personally, I am all for the transferred feasts the Canadian bishops have mandated. What is the greater good- celebrating on the traditional day for the sake of the few (who attend daily mass or who have flexible schedules) or allowing the entire community to celebrate on Sunday? It may not be ideal, but it is pragmatic. I work and have a family. If i celebrated Corpus Christi on a Thursday rather than on a Sunday, I would be forced to work all day and, maybe, squeeze in a quick evening Mass on my way home. Celebrated on the nearest Sunday, as it is in Canada, there is time for even working people to participate fully in the processions, a solemn Mass, and personal devotions.
Again…the church sets these things and since they are disciplinary they can be adjusted accordingly. Nothing stops anyone from attending Mass on a holy day with or without an obligation, but the real Tradition is one of obedience to the church…so when they do something like this we don’t whine and gripe…we go to Mass and the sacraments and live a Catholic life.
Personally, I don’t understand why anyone gets upset when an obligation is lifted or relaxed.Again…the church sets these things and since they are disciplinary they can be adjusted accordingly. Nothing stops anyone from attending Mass on a holy day with or without an obligation, but the real Tradition is one of obedience to the church…so when they do something like this we don’t whine and gripe…we go to Mass and the sacraments and live a Catholic life.
That’s how it was in the first century church and I’m good with that…
Because some people think they know what is best for everybody else.
For the record, my post wasn’t necessarily to get agreement on that statement. I too have questioned the theological implications of celebrating Ascension Thursday on a Sunday. From a spiritual benefit standpoint I can understand why one can attend or not attend Mass on a certain day of the week. The only problem with saying, “Well, you can still attend Mass on that Thursday if you wish” is perhaps more to do with how many Masses will not offer on certain days because the obligation is removed. On one hand, it’s more convenient to have the obligation removed, whole on the other hand, it’s less convenient for those who still wish to attend Mass on that day.I agree with you guys.
Yah but you are taking that from one of the Epistles of Ignatius. I am not undermining him I am currently reading the collection of the Apostolic Father’s and enjoy so very much as you can learn a lot about the early Church and a lot of them were considered scripture at one point. In fact the Codex Senaticus which I believe is the oldest extant Bible we have from the early fourth century contains the Epistle of Barnabas and The Shepard of Hermas. What I ask is this, are we supposed to take these writings as Canon or as authorative as The New Testament Epistles? I mean who and what does the church decide is an important enough source to base doctrine on?
That’s an apologetics question. Post it over there and not here in TC.
I understand the concern about conforming overly much to the world and losing the sense that the calendar is punctuated by holy feasts, but I think it important to note that Our Lord Himself said exactly the opposite when it came to the very serious Sabbath obligation of His era – “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The rules and disciplines of the Church exist for a purpose, and that purpose should be upheld, but that purpose is not “to be followed because they are the rules.”
As she has from the very beginning, the Church adjusts herself to every age and to every people and nation. The expectations – be they devotional, penitential, ascetical or other – of the 21st century are significantly different from what they were in the 1st century or the 4th century or the 13th century or the 19th century…both in terms of what has been lessened and in terms of new and innovative practices.
MY friend, have you considered WHY our Bishops choose to do this?
Walking to mass would force it to be local
I understand your irritation. And while I don’t say it is wrong, perhaps it is time to “let go and let God”. Life is full of irritations. We can either let them go (with the attendant change in attitude), or let them get under our skin - with the unnecessary result too often of being a grouch around others.
Father can you speak on the practice of “External Solemnities?” I’ve heard this is a practice where a feast occurs during the week, but for pastoral reasons it is repeated on Sunday when more of the faithful can participate. Have I understood correctly? Thanks!
Hello,