it’s a long story, i can pm you the gist of it if you want.
That would be great, if you don’t mind. I would be interested in knowing more about just what happened.
basically he was saying some of the things which they do, which is not traditional and not mentioned in the GIRM, are ok. of course each needs to be scrutinized carefully for approval. this is the opposite of what extreme traditionalists claim, that if it isn’t in the GIRM, it can’t be done, e.g. clapping.
Well, I think there is some place for common sense in these things. Obviously, if we maintain that not being in the Missal does not mean one shouldn’t do it, then things can get a bit crazy pretty quickly. For instance, nowhere in the Missal does it say I cannot juggle in the pews. Or that I cannot do cartwheels through the aisles. So, how far should such actions be allowed? And again, even if the Pope allows strange things during a Mass said in a community of some sort, does that really transfer over to what parishes can do? I don’t think that such is likely.
And I think the most important thing to keep in mind is the relative merit and legacy of the Charismatic “renewal.” I have been going to Mass in this town, an area with what appears to be a very strong Charismatic presence, for just about twelve years, and in that time have never heard a word of Latin. I have never heard a single Gregorian Chant. I have seen incense used, I believe, eight times, and have heard the confiteor used perhaps five times. But, on the good side, I
have had the pleasure of hearing the Exultet during the Easter Vigil played on a tape deck. I have been physically assaulted by people who have clawed at my arms to force me to pray the Our Father their way more often than I can count. It has gotten so bad that I sometimes get up and leave the nave just before that prayer. I also get to hear everybody shout out names of sick relatives during the prayers, and get to see EMHC self communicate several times a year.
I can tell you from my own experience that the legacy of the Charismatic movement is abuse. It is uncharitable, pushy, and judgmental and will not tolerate that anyone associated with any parish it is strong in have the opportunity to worship in any manner other than theirs. The traditionalists around here may have faults, but they merely want one Mass a week done in the traditional way, and never seem to fight to stop all others from happening. But, these Charismatic types insist not only that they have access to their awful and ugly circuses but that every Mass be done that way too. I know I probably seem harsh, but I see this mess every week and am trying to raise three young children surrounded by it, and I will admit it does make me angry.
Patrick