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Sunday, October 09, 2005
Editorial: Confusion
EARLY this week, a television report said Pope Benedict XVI has banned the clasping of hands while singing The Lord's Prayer, making the sign of the cross after receiving the host during Holy Communion and dancing while singing or saying the Alleluia.
Then comes the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) came out with a statement saying that no such prohibition was made. What the Holy Father barred were "indecorous acts" that tend to distract the priest or churchgoer while attending mass.
The Vatican explained that Catholics and priests should stay true to the rules governing the Holy Mass. The Pope's directive reportedly did not specifically point out the holding of hands while reciting or singing the Lord's Prayer as being barred.
Catholics in the country are confused because of the conflicting reports. We also believe that clasping hands while praying The Lord's Prayer does not divert the attention of a churchgoer or priest in any way.
But then again, where did the report come from? And if the prohibition is indeed true, why is it only being imposed now? The practice of holding hands while reciting The Lord's Prayer has been a long-standing practice among Filipino Catholics and it will take a long time for them to get rid of it.
(October 9, 2005 issue)
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