F
Fr_Ambrose
Guest
I wonder if somebody can point me in the right direction for an answer to a present problem which involves friends of mine.
There was a new church consecrated two weeks ago and built at great expense to the local community.
The parish priest will not allow a statue of Mary in the church, nor in the separate room where the tabernacle is kept, saying that it detracts from the emphasis on the Mass as eucharist and gathering. It seems that he has the support of higher authorities in this matter.
Those who have attended this church (in its old building) for decades are feeling rejected and saddened that something which is an integral part of their devotional life is being withdrawn from them.
Question: Are there any liturgical instructions which would cover this matter? Does the priest have the right to decide to have no statue of Mary?
Has this sort of thing been covered already in another thread?
Any help and references appreciated.
There was a new church consecrated two weeks ago and built at great expense to the local community.
The parish priest will not allow a statue of Mary in the church, nor in the separate room where the tabernacle is kept, saying that it detracts from the emphasis on the Mass as eucharist and gathering. It seems that he has the support of higher authorities in this matter.
Those who have attended this church (in its old building) for decades are feeling rejected and saddened that something which is an integral part of their devotional life is being withdrawn from them.
Question: Are there any liturgical instructions which would cover this matter? Does the priest have the right to decide to have no statue of Mary?
Has this sort of thing been covered already in another thread?
Any help and references appreciated.