Oklahoma bishop switches to ad orientem celebration of Mass in cathedral



Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma

CWN - October 29, 2012


The National Catholic Reporter calls attention to the decision of Bishop Edward Slattery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to celebrate Mass ad orientem in the city's cathedral. This summer Bishop Slattery announced that he would celebrate Mass in the traditional manner, facing with the members of the congregation toward the altar. The bishop said that he was not requiring other priests in the diocese to adopt the same practice, but explained that he had chosen the ad orientem posture as a means of combating some of the "unforeseen and largely negative effects" of the liturgical changes since Vatican II. Bishop Slattery observed that "people who exercise authority are expected to face directly the people they serve, like a teacher sitting behind her desk." The priest who offers the sacrifice of the Mass is not in a position of such authority, he said, and should be seen, with the people, addressing God.