Where can a priest celebrate Mass?

[terp76]

Is it legitimate for a retired priest to celebrate Mass at a private home/estate? My understanding that a consecrated altar is required for a Eucharistic celebration. A couple of years ago I was at this person’s home and the priest was a guest at the home. I was invited to participate in the Mass celebration which took place with several fellow Catholics on the back patio, seated at a table while the entire Mass - liturgy of the word and liturgy of the Eucharistic - took place. In some ways it reminded me of the Seder meal but was a Eucharistic celebration. Was this legitimate? Or was it wrong to participate in it?

Thank you so much!

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Can. 932 §1. The eucharistic celebration is to be carried out in a sacred place unless in a particular case necessity requires otherwise; in such a case the celebration must be done in a decent place.

§2. The eucharistic sacrifice must be carried out on a dedicated or blessed altar; outside a sacred place a suitable table can be used, always with a cloth and a corporal.

A retired priest could say Mass in his private home since it may be a great inconvenience for him to otherwise find an available church. He should, in such cases, have an area appropriate for the dignity of the Eucharist and its celebration. However that does not mean Mass should be celebrated by him anywhere for any reason. It really comes down to prudent judgment. IMHO, Mass on the back patio for no extenuating reason is not appropriate.

That being said, what he did was still a valid Mass. Whether or not to participate is, once again, a matter of prudent judgment.