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Question Title Posted By Question Date
question about an altar rebecca Monday, December 13, 2004

Question:

I went to church on December 11, 2004 the church was having a procession and mass to commerate the Virgen de Guadalupe. We carried a statue of the Blessed Virgen and walked about a mile to a capilla that is also named The Capilla de Virgin De Guadalupe. We prayed the rosary as we walked. I did notice that there were people on horseback and i felt uneasy because there was many different activities going on while we were praying. When we reached the Capilla we were directed into a courtyard where aztec dancers performed. We were allowed into the church and when the mass began the aztec dancers entered first than the Cross followed by the Priest. The Dancers were dressed with huge headdresses and in full costume. ON the altar was an enournouw statue of the Blessed Virgen De Guadalupe and just above The large Statue of the Virgin was a very small Statue of Jesus on the cross. I felt very uneasy about this whole ceremony. Would this be apropriate? I Live in a predominatly hispanic community and feel there are many inaproprate things happening in our church, including the holding of hands during the Our Father and clapping at the end of mass. There was even a holy mass hosted by one of the Priest Where there was a lot of singing and swaying it was almost like dancing. The priest says things like were trying something different because of the many mexican families and this how its done there. I especally felt uncomfortable about this commeration of the Blessed Virgin. I almost felt like we were worshiping her instead of honoring her. Please help

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Rebecca,

The statue does not belong on the altar is not a table or a shelf, rather it is an altar, upon which sacrifice is offered.

As far as I know there is no sacred Aztec dance, so that would be inappropriate and forbidden as well.  Also I believe there is no Mexican religious dance either.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.