Liturgical Abuse - adding water to the wine
Dear Mr Slavek,
Greetings from Australia - where some "experts" claim that the 1975 GIRM still rules. Personally, I believe that the new 2001 GIRM became universally lawful when promulgated with the new Missal. Am I right or wrong?
In any event, my new parish priest commenced his duties in this parish with a number of serious Liturgical abuses, including failing to add a small amount of water to the wine, and failing to perform the lavabo (except when he used an Altar Server on Sunday [etc.] Masses).
When I gave him a "Fraternal Correction" on this matter, he added a small amount of water to only ONE of the two chalices used. I believe that this would not effect the validity of the Sacrament, but still constitutes a Liturgical abuse - in that it has been the constant practice of the Church from Apostolic times to continue the practice Jesus used (which was the practice of the area) to add a little water to the wine.
Am I being over scrupulous? If not, how serious is the omission to the second chalice?
Thanks.
QUESTION from John on June 24, 2004
ANSWER by Mr. Jacob L. Slavek on June 27, 2004
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Dear John, Yes the new instruction is universally lawful no matter where you live (in the Latin Rite) The priest must add water to the chalice and perform the Lavabo; these things are not optional. The new instruction says the same as the old and the rubrics: it simply says he adds water to "the chalice". Once you've spoken with him about this there really isn't much more that can be done on your part I suppose, I wouldn't worry about it for now. If the issue would happen to come up again though in the future make sure your voice is heard. Mr. Slavek |