Three standings for the Gloria

For the last three Sundays at the 11.00 am Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne there has been standing for the Gloria.

This is in accordance with the Catholic Church's liturgical books. But it is in contrast with the regular practice of sitting at this Mass.

The outgoing Dean of the Cathedral, Father Gerard Dowling stood on 5 January. The incoming Dean, Father Les Tomlinson stood on 12 January. Archbishop Denis Hart stood on 19 January.

I am encouraged by this and it indicates progress. As Vatican II's Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy, n. 99 said about praying the Liturgy of the Hours:

"All who pray the divine office, whether in choir or in common, should fulfil the task entrusted to them as perfectly as possible: this refers not only to the internal devotion of their minds but also to the external manner of celebration."

There continue to be flaws in this Mass. But hopefully progress will continue and things will be done as perfectly as possible, as soon as possible.

But another feature of these Masses is that there has not been a whole choir, but only an individual cantor.

Will Archbishop Hart continue to stand when the choir returns? Time will tell.

By J.R. Lilburne, 24 January 2003. Updated 2 February 2003. I give what I have written on this page to the public domain.