| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
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| Praying the Rosary in front of the Blessed Sacrament | Molly | Monday, June 14, 2010 |
Question: Dear Brother: I am so confused. In answering the questions about appropriate devotions before the exposed Blessed Sacrament, you stated that the rosary should not be said at that time and cited sources: site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and referenced the documents, the "Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass" and the "Order for Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist." On the Vatican website there is a document by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, entitled "INSTRUCTION Redemptionis Sacramentum: On certain matters to be observed or to be avoided regarding the Most Holy Eucharist." In Chapt.6, Sec.2, Pt.[137] it states: "Exposition of the Most Holy Eucharist must always be carried out in accordance with the prescriptions of the liturgical books.[235] Before the Most Holy Sacrament either reserved or exposed, the praying of the Rosary, which is admirable 'in its simplicity and even its profundity', is not to be excluded either.[236] Even so, especially if there is Exposition, the character of this kind of prayer as a contemplation of the mystery of the life of Christ the Redeemer and the Almighty Father’s design of salvation should be emphasized, especially by making use of readings taken from Sacred Scripture.[237]" This document dates from 2004 |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Molly: This does appear to be a contradiction. Both liturgical documents, "Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass" and the "Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist" state: "During the exposition there should be prayers, songs, and readings to direct attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord." There is no mention of allowing devotions into the liturgy of Exposition of the Holy Eucharist. Part of the confusion may come from the fact the Exposition use to be a devotion. It is no longer a devotion, but a liturgy. As a liturgy it is regulated by the Church (devotions are not). The Instruction on Redemptionis Sacramentum makes it clear before it offers any opinion that "Exposition of the Most Holy Eucharist must always be carried out in accordance with the prescriptions of the liturgical books." The documents, "Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass" and the "Order for the Solemn Exposition of the Holy Eucharist" are those "liturgical books." The rosary is not permitted during the Liturgy of the Mass, or the Liturgy of Hours. When the rosary is not permitted during any other liturgy, why permit it here in this liturgy? It would appear that it isn't allowed -- during the liturgy. My guess to resolve the apparent contradiction, is that during the liturgical ceremonies, the Rite of Exposition that begins the period of Exposition and the Rite of Benediction that ends the period of Exposition, the Rosary, which is a private devotion, may not prayed; but ... ...between the Rites of Exposition and Benediction, between the liturical celebrations, the time of Exposition in which a litugy is not conducted, the individual faithful may pray whatever they want. God Bless,
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