Traditional "Asperges" in Novus Ordo Mass?

[Exsurge_Domine]

I would like to know, if it’s possible to have the traditional “Asperges” (with sprinkling the Holy Water) before every NO principal Sunday Mass, and then simply use the normal penitential rite in the Mass?

According to Fr. McNamara (professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university):

*Even though the asperges was not formally part of the Mass, it was mandated to be held in association with Mass and formed part of the missal. It cannot, therefore, be considered as a simple pious practice.

The fact that it was not continued in that form but rather replaced by the new optional rite is clearly the result of a deliberated choice by Church authority.

For this reason I do not believe that it is a legitimate possibility to simply restore the old rite before the principal Mass every Sunday.*

zenit.org/article-18909?l=english

If this is correct, it’s a pity.

 

[Chatter163]

Agreed.

 

[brotherhrolf]

I don’t agree. I’ve been a member of a cathedral choir for the last 24 years. For the first two years we sang the Asperges and the Vidi Aquam before Mass. Our pastor passed away and was replaced. For the next 8 years we used the 1940 Episcopalian hymnal since they had translations of all the chant, sequences, etc. that we used. In 1992 we celebrated our 200th anniversary. The Cardinal Archbishop of Lyons, France departed from script and gave the Apostolic Blessing in Latin. I was one of the few in the choir who knew the response.

My choir does not sing the Asperges but during Easter we do sing the Vidi Aquam in Latin.

 

[MarthaMartha]

When I was a child, pre-Vatican II, the Asperges was always sung before Mass – Vidi Aquam during Lent.

 

[BobP123]

The fact that it was not continued in that form but rather replaced by the new optional rite is clearly the result of a deliberated choice by Church authority.

So what is this new optional rite that is so clearly chosen by Church authority? Did I miss something?

 

[brotherhrolf]

When I was a child, pre-Vatican II, the Asperges was always sung before Mass – Vidi Aquam during Lent.

No, Vidi Aquam is sung for the first time on Easter Sunday. “I saw water, flowing forth from the temple, from the right side Alleluia, and all those to whom that water came, they shall say Alleluia, Alleluia.” It’s a reference to Our Lord being pierced by the spear from which blood and water flowed - a reference to Baptism. It is sung to the end of the Easter season and only sung during Easter.

 

[Sure]

So what is this new optional rite that is so clearly chosen by Church authority? Did I miss something?

From the GIRM:

51… …On Sundays, especially in the Season of Easter, in place of the customary Act of Penitence, from time to time the blessing and sprinkling of water to recall Baptism may take place.

 

[Exsurge_Domine]

So what is this new optional rite that is so clearly chosen by Church authority? Did I miss something?

Fr. McNamara:

The present rite is more closely tied to the Mass itself as well as designedly recalling baptism. Its full title is the “Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling Holy Water.” As the title indicates, it does not just involve sprinkling with previously blessed water but the actual rite of blessing itself.

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In this revised rite the priest enters vested for Mass and greets the people in the usual way. After this he introduces the rite with a brief formula and after a brief silence blesses the holy water using one of the formulas proposed in the missal. Where customary, salt may also be added to the newly blessed water, and a brief prayer said.

The priest then sprinkles himself, the ministers and the assembly while an antiphon or other appropriate song is sung.

When he returns to his place the priest says the following prayer: “May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the Eucharist we celebrate make us worthy to sit at his table in his heavenly kingdom.” The people respond “Amen.”

This prayer suits the new setting of the ceremony, which substitutes the penitential rite, more than the former prayer. The prayer is followed by either the Gloria or the collect of the Mass.

Asperges BEFORE every Sunday Mass vs. Asperges IN Mass (not every Sunday).

 

[Exsurge_Domine]

No, Vidi Aquam is sung for the first time on Easter Sunday. “I saw water, flowing forth from the temple, from the right side Alleluia, and all those to whom that water came, they shall say Alleluia, Alleluia.” It’s a reference to Our Lord being pierced by the spear from which blood and water flowed - a reference to Baptism. It is sung to the end of the Easter season and only sung during Easter.

Yes. I think In “Asperges” Holy Water is used in sprinkling, but in Vidi Aquam, Babtismal Water is used. This is really beautiful.