Postscript about the Manila Liturgical Congress

UCANews posted this news about the recently concluded Liturgical Congress of the Archdiocese of Manila.  My comment and emphasis.

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PHILIPPINES Right attitudes, practices stressed at liturgical congress

PASAY CITY, Philippines (UCAN) -- A disappointed priest was about to leave the church and not celebrate Mass after seeing that only three children were present. [So it was not enough for him to say Mass?  You need more people to celebrate the Mass?!?!  You need more... "audience"?  Can you not offer the Mass with those three kids around?!?!]

However, "he agreed to wait after the children pleaded with him, [Blessed be those kids.  They have more faith than...]  and when the chapel filled up an hour later, he complained about people being late," narrated Father Genaro Diwa. He said one of the men apologized to the priest, explaining that people had to walk two hours to get to church. 

Father Diwa, the Manila archdiocesan liturgical commission director, was speaking during a session of the Liturgy Congress held on June 20 and 27 for people involved in the liturgical ministry.

More than 10,000 people from five cities served by the archdiocese attended the event, organized by Manila archdiocese's Ministry of Liturgical Affairs to renew Church workers' spirit of service.

In his sharing, Father Diwa stressed to priests the importance of being Christlike to their flock, and reminded them they have to help believers "recognize" Jesus present in the breaking of the bread at Mass. [Favorite term of liturgists.  Using the Road to Emmaus breaking of bread.]

Father Diwa also discussed the pastoral letter, "Without Sunday, We Cannot Live," issued by Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila in June. In his letter, Cardinal Rosales expressed the wish "to bring parishioners back to the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist, which they had neglected."  [Maybe it would have been better if the Congress discussed why people neglecting the Mass.  Maybe dodging the bullet?]

Father Diwa explained that worship, not rest, should be one's focus on Sunday. [Of course!] He said Sunday Mass allows Catholics to detach themselves from what can often be an "oppressive rhythm of work," and to be renewed spiritually. [Well maybe let's try sticking to the rubrics of the Mass for starters.  Or maybe...try offering the TLM in every parish, let's see how the people would react, eh?]

During the congress, some church choir members told UCA News that some young parishioners like themselves had stopped attending church after starting work in call centers, which sometimes entails long hours. They said Sunday is the only day for them to rest or catch up with household chores such as doing the laundry. [Been there done that.  BUT... if there is a will, there's ALWAYS a way.  Otherwise, there's always an EXCUSE.  Well if the Mass in your parish has regular "liturgical" dancers....THAT is an excuse!]

Father Diwa also cautioned lay Church workers against contributing to a misunderstanding that Mass can be "paid for." Offerings of money must be given freely, collection boxes must be placed at the side of the altar and names of Mass sponsors need not be announced, he said. Gifts to the priest on birthdays or other personal occasions also should not be included with the Offertory at Mass.

One example of an inappropriate Mass practice was provided by Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, a Eucharistic minister. [HUH?!?!  The Chief Justice is a Freemason!  What the?!?!]  During a panel discussion, he shared how some "people with court cases," who line up to receive Communion from him, hand him envelopes containing copies of documents on their case. [This happens if people don't know or appreciate that they are attending a holy event.  They don't act accordingly to the event they have attended.]

They then talk to him after Mass and ask him to judge in their favor.

The chief justice said he explains that he prays before he gives his verdicts, and believes the Holy Spirit guides his judgments.  [But Chief Justice...you cannot be a practicing Catholic and a Mason at the same time.]

Congress participants included lectors, Mass commentators, altar servers, choir leaders and offertory collectors. Members of the Mother Butler Guild, who take charge of altar linens and priests' vestments, also joined the congress.  [The MBG must have a "proper" orientation about the right liturgical art so they design vestments reflective of the heritage of Catholic beauty.  Always hate the Picasso-type of art in churches.  Don't you?]

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Well, the Congress IMHO is a catechesis on the cardinal's pastoral letter which I have a lot of questions especially on liturgical practices.  But I laud the cardinal for emphasizing that ONLY boys can be altar servers since being an altar server attracts these young men to the priesthood.  Ergo, if girls get attracted to the priesthood, this is what you'll get.

and this...

then to this...

and finally....