William
Davulis
wrote:
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Hello,
- Is it OK under Canon Law to have a gong during Mass that includes wooden carvings of
dragons in the stand that suspends it?
- If not,
how can I best word it in order to bring it to
the attention of our local Bishop [and/or] Cardinal?
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
William
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{
Is it OK under Canon Law to have a gong during Mass with a stand containing carvings of
dragons? }
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John
replied:
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Hi William,
- How is the gong being used?
The dragons don't seem to fit the proper decor for a modern day liturgy. That said,
many churches built during the Middle Ages were adorned with gargoyles, and so forth, so
I don't know that it presents a serious problem.
Again, it's all in how the gong is being used.
Remember, it is part of the Catholic tradition to adopt the symbols of other cultures,
and make them Catholic or give them Catholic meaning.
Saints Cyril and Methodius were famous for doing just that in their missionary work.
If the Mass was attended by an Asian congregation and it had Asian music incorporated
into the worship, it would seem to fit, however, the dragons can present a stumbling block to those who associate that symbol
with Satan.
Hope this helps,
John DiMascio
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William replied:
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Thanks John,
The gong is being used to begin a two minute
moment of silent prayer during and after the homily.
William
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John
replied:
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Hi William,
It seems to me that would be a bit of a problem, like someone is adding to the rubrics of the Liturgy.
The gong
aside, there are no proscriptions for moments of silent prayer at that
time. It is a novelty. When you add a gong, it seems as though someone
is trying to interject Eastern or Asian mysticism into the liturgy. Add
to that, the adorning dragons, which are a symbol of such philosophy,
and it appears as if we have an episode of Liturgist Gone Wild.
I would suggest that you write a letter to your bishop, and ask him for
a clarification on this practice.
John DiMascio
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