|
To All Priests of the Archdiocese of Atlanta
Dear Father:
It is not to be denied that with the wealth of insight presented
us by the liturgical reformers of the 2nd Vatican Council, novel and
sometimes inappropriate practices have come and gone within the Church’s
developing liturgical practice. No malice or whimsy frames these variations,
but rather the desire, good in itself, to implement the directives of the
Council in a most worthy and meaningful fashion. In most cases, the Church has
been successful, with the necessary assistance of the Holy Spirit, at realizing
the ideal liturgy envisioned by the Council Fathers.
At this time, I wish to recall for our better understanding,
certain basic directions of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal
regarding the Eucharistic Celebration, as well as decide, for the moment,
certain standards of local liturgical custom and practice. I do this, with the
hope of retiring any confusion about what must be done and what can be done, on
the part of both priest and people. As always, I welcome your words on these
matters, with the understanding that what I have decided here will stand for
the time being.
Assuring you of my prayers and best wishes and with kind personal
regards, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend John F. Donoghue
Archbishop of Atlanta |
