It is sad, but most Catholics are not following the true expression of the sign of peace instituted in the mass and clarified in 2005. Below is the correct interpretation: In 2005, members of the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist adopted a formal proposition questioning whether the sign of peace might be better placed elsewhere in the Mass, for example at the end of the prayer of the faithful and before the offering of the gifts. Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, current prefect of the congregation, and Archbishop Arthur Roche, the congregations current secretary, said Pope Benedict XVI had asked the congregation to study the matter and, after doing so, in 2008 it asked bishops conferences around the world whether to keep the sign of peace where it is or move it to another moment with a view to improving the understanding and carrying out of this gesture. After further reflection, the letter said, it was considered appropriate to retain the rite of peace in its traditional place in the Roman liturgy and not to introduce structural changes in the Roman Missal. But that does not exclude the need for new or renewed efforts to explain the importance of the sign of peace so that the faithful understand it and participate in it correctly, the congregations letter said. It asked bishops to study whether it might be time to find more appropriate gestures to replace a sign of peace using familiar and profane gestures of greeting. And, it said, they should do everything possible to end abuses such as: -- The introduction of a song for peace, which is nonexistent in the Roman rite. -- The movement of the faithful from their places to exchange the sign of peace amongst themselves. -- The departure of the priest from the altar in order to give the sign of peace to some of the faithful. -- People using the sign of peace at Christmas, Easter, baptisms, weddings, ordinations and funerals to offer holiday greetings, congratulations or condolences.
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 17:34:27 +0000
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