In my last parish the days to come were know as "The Time Father Erik Complains About the Bishop Moving the Solemnity of the Ascension to Sunday." I suppose that it could also be called Whiningtide. In our diocese, the celebration of this feast was moved 14 years ago. This was during my first year as a priest and so I have never been able to celebrate this feast on its proper day in the Latin Rite. (I have snuck down to the Maronite parish a couple of times.) I am beginning to feel like the Emperor Augustus. It is said that after the disastrous loss of three legions in Teutoburg Forest, for years August would periodically cry out, "Quintctili Vare, legiones redde! (Quinctilius Varus, give me back my Legions!)" Well, here I am crying out, "GIVE ME BACK MY HOLY DAYS!" And I will keep doing so until I get them back or I am dead, whichever comes first.
Why is it important? Primarily for a couple of reasons. First, religion is being pushed more and more to the periphery of society. The Faith is seen by many as a 'Sunday Thing'. Moving this important feast day only serves to underscore this belief. (And if things keep going this way, soon Sunday itself will be seen as optional. Oops it already is by many. The effective view of many is, "Keep holy the Sabbath Day, except when I want to go skiing, or camping, or the kids have a soccer tournament.) Second, the Ascension is a solemnity that celebrates an historical event. This event took place on a Thursday.
And so, dear readers, I ask that you join your prayers to mine that this, and other, holy days be restored to their proper days and obligatory nature.
12 comments:
Hear him! Hear him!
The Ascention was moved fourteen years ago!? Sheesh. I requested the day off--and it's been moved!? Jesus Ascended to Heaven on Holy Thursday, not Holy Sunday--It's always been Thursday for 2000+ years, what's up with that?
When Jesus returns at the end of time, He said He would return in the same way He left-in a cloud of glory--I wonder if that would be on a Holy Thursday?--hey, you never know--and where will everyone be--playing sports, working, not at church! LOL
"And so, dear readers, I ask that you join your prayers to mine that this, and other, holy days be restored to their proper days and obligatory nature."
Praying now.
Amen! Our diocese is so spiritual poor, we do not even have daily Mass available tomorrow. Sigh....
As bad as it is here in the USA it is even worse in Canada as they have only 2. Christmas & Mary the Mother of God.
Instead of cutting down I want us to add more, like St. Joseph (19 March).
Yes, it is a wee bit of a hassle, but so what. We need more sacrifice. Not less.
The Bishops of England and Wales decided to do this just last year, I will certainly add my prayers to yours for the intention of restoration of Christ's Holy Day's to their rightful place.
http://thecrescat.blogspot.com/2008/05/somehow-i-just-know.html
Whiningtide! Ahhhh!
That's great.
Aha! This post is balm to my soul! I just posted on this, and I was a little afraid that I overstepped my bounds...that balance of legitimate dissent without outright criticizing authority. (I'm not sure I succeeded).
I used to rant a lot, but quit...I think this is worth a rant, and I'm with you...GIVE ME BACK MY HOLY DAYS!
I'm a thirsting Catholic...I NEED to be told to observe what has always been true. Because if those directives aren't in place, I'm going straight to Hell because I'm a sinful creature ready to take the easy way out.
I pray Lord either convert your Bishops, or remove them.
And yet the churches are full on Ash Wednesday....
This all makes no sense.
Our diocese actually celebrated the Ascension on Thursday. Apparently we are one of the few. However, they have been known here to "optionalize" a Holy Day of Obligation if it falls on a Saturday or Monday. God forbid someone must attend Mass two days in a row.
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