Ottawa's archbishop has ordered all Catholics to conform in how they kneel during mass, despite widespread grumbling that uniformity doesn't equal sanctity, or even unity.
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast circulated a letter recently asking that everyone kneel for the entire Eucharistic prayer from "Holy, holy, holy" to the conclusion "Let us proclaim the mystery of faith" -- about five minutes in all.
Currently, some congregations stand for most of the prayer, kneeling only as the priest prepares holy communion. Some stand for the whole thing; others kneel throughout.
Archbishop Prendergast said in his letter: "I have noted a wide range of practices ... which present a lack of harmony in a matter where we should be united -- the worship of God.
"I know that it may not be easy for some to accept. However, I am convinced its implementation will bring blessings to our archdiocese and I invite your co-operation with this directive."
In an interview later, he explained: "It's a sign of reverence. People say, 'I don't like that. We are the people set free, we no longer have to kneel to God,' and I said, 'Wait a minute, we do have to kneel to God. Christ knelt in the garden. People knelt before Jesus. Why can't we do that for a few minutes at mass?' "
It's worth reading the whole article . It is good to hear a bishop reminding his flock of what everything is all about... God.
(h/t The Eponymous Flower)
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