The call has gone out via the parishes of England and Wales for the laity to make their views known to their Lordships regarding the re-instatement (or not) of two of the Holydays of Obligation, the Epiphany and the Ascension. These are now (as far as Nuchurch) is concerned, celebrated on the nearest Sunday.
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers (and sisters) who know about such things still have Mass on 6th January for the Epiphany and 40 days after Easter for the Ascension feast. But for all Catholics who labour under trials of the modern day Church, it's the nearest Sunday - saves a lot of extra church going!
This became fact some two plus years ago; now the Bishops want our views on the matter. Hmm.....if they were politicians I suspect we would be banging on the table by now saying words to the effect "You should never have changed in the first place" or "You are in a responsible position and you should have known that this was a silly move from the word go".
But, as they are Bishops we just send in a polite note saying "We want our Holy Days back on the traditional date please"
A local retired Bishop stated on the pulpit that he did not approve of the "nearest Sunday" set-up. Quite so.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Tescos would like Christmas on the nearest Sunday? ;-)
What is this? Church democracy?
ReplyDeleteWhat's next: "gay" masses in Soho?
Mundabor
Some months back and somewhere in England, I heard a priest say during his homily that while he would like the feasts to return to their proper dates, he would not be so keen on restoring the obligation. This dispiriting thought had not occurred to me; but I think we may have to prepare ourselves for the possibility of such a decision if the feasts are moved back. I hope my fear is unfounded.
ReplyDeleteIn Scotland, these holydays were not moved to the nearest Sunday. However, attendance is abyssmal, so (sadly) I do not believe that restoring them in England will result in any improvement in their appreciation.
ReplyDelete