On the Monastic Mass
Before the eucharistic liturgy, all of the monks who are priests come forward and gather around the altar. Then, when the time comes for the prayer of consecration, they all hold out their hands and say it together. One monk in particular, though seemingly all in rotation, maintains the priestly place behind the altar, but the work of blessing is no longer his alone. Leo tells me this is usual monastic practice, not just here or just among the Cistercians but everywhere. After the consecration, the other brothers join the priests around the altar and complete the liturgy there. I’m beginning to understand what is meant by the monastic egalitarian impulse. —31 May, 5:30am.
1 June 2007 |
tags: Holy Land 2007, Monasticism
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