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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Healing Mass Joe Friday, December 17, 2004

Question:

Dear Bro. Ignatius Mary,

As always, thank you so much for putting so much effort into this wonderful site.

I went to a "Healing Mass" the other day, and was a little concerned about the structure of this partiulcar Mass. I would like your opinion on the following.

During the Eucharistic Prayers, the Priest would occasionally speak in toungues (as he was elevating the Host and Wine, for example). As he started, the congregation joined him in speaking in toungues. I was a little uncomfortable with this since I prefer the traditional Mass - the ones that follow the Order of Mass.

Is the "Healing Mass" exempt (so to speak) from the Order of Mass guidelines? I really felt like I was at the Vineyard, or some other non-demoninational church that I attended in my younger years. Please let me know your opinion.

God bless,
Joe

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Joe,

This is Mr. Slavek here, Brother Ignatius Mary hosts the faith and spirituality and other forums.

I don't know much about speaking in tongues since I have never experienced it first hand, but I do not that if this priest truly has this gift then it is a good thing.  However it seems to me that the priest would be able to control it such that he would not speak in tongues during the even greater gift of the Eucharist.  Liturgical law mentions nothing of speaking at tongues at Mass.  It is not called for in the documents and would distract from the greatest gift of Jesus present on the altar.

Although healing is a great part of the Mass and sacraments, I don't believe a Mass is referred to officially as a "Healing Mass", even a Mass in which there is anointing of the sick.

There is reconciliation to God of our venial sins also at Mass, but this is not called "Healing Mass" either.

I would guess that this priest is calling it a "Healing Mass" to emphasize that aspect, hoping to draw the people into greater reconciliation.  The speaking in tongues should wait for another time if at all possible.

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.