I gather, via the mediation of Fr Mildew's blog, that an article in the Catholic Herald makes an observation, not altogether in a proper context, to the effect that the Church in 1973 suggested that the practice of an annual extended period of Eucharistic Adoration needed to be "updated in its form". Fr Mildew puts this part of his post in speech marks, so I am assuming that it is quotation from the Catholic Herald article.
Now, I do think I am alright in thinking that the way things are organised for the Forty Hours Adoration in Romford does represent an "updating in its form", in the best sense of the word "updating". I think the participation of different parish groups at different times during the three days is something that would not have happened in the past, and it does make quite a difference to the event.
But, sadly, in many parishes "updating" has become "abolition".
3 comments:
The meaning of the word "updating" in documents originating from somewhere in the Hierarchy needs to be carefully defined.
Yes: look beyond traditional devotions to inspire different groups in the parish to attend Adoration, for example, with a guided Holy Hour for children, or an adopt-a-prayer-intention programme for young adults.
No: waving our Lord around with barbecue tongs.
In my opinion, the Magisterium should be beyond careful in its formulations. It doesn't have to become legalistic (please not), but we could do with more clarification from time to time.
The weekend prayer festivals organised by Youth 2000 are inspired by the idea of the "Forty Hours" devotion.
Have the barbeque tongs been used in any parishes?
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