Bishops approve document on popular devotions

Published: 2003-11-12

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. bishops Nov 12 approved a pastoral statement encouraging popular devotions but cautioning that they should never supplant the liturgy, the primary form of the church's worship and sacramental life. On a written ballot they adopted the 21-page statement, "Popular Devotional Practices: Basic Questions and Answers" by a vote of 236-6 with two abstentions. Bishop Donald W. Trautman of Erie, Pa., chairman of the bishops' Committee on Doctrine, presented the document to the bishops and presided over the debate. He called the document a "pastoral statement" that is intended to take a "supportive and encouraging approach" to popular devotions. He also noted that the document "does not recommend any particular devotion" but rather seeks to explain the role of such devotions in the lives of Catholics. The statement was prepared by Bishop Trautman's committee in consultation with the committees on Liturgy, Catechesis, and Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

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