Indecorous movements
By Antonio Montalvan II
Inquirer News Service

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A MILD CONFUSION CONFOUNDED SOME practicing Roman Catholics lately with the piece of news that "the Vatican has banned the holding of hands" in the singing of "Our Father" during Holy Mass. Because it was attributed to the Vatican, many Catholics thought that a new prohibition had been promulgated, coming as it did from the papacy of the "conservative" new pope. A contextualization is probably in order.

The news item actually came on the heels of the recently concluded 20th National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy, held last Sept. 12-16 in Palo, Leyte, under the auspices of Palo Archbishop Pedro Dean. The national association of liturgy directors is also under the guidance of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines. At present, Bishop Romulo Valles of the Diocese of Kidapawan chairs the commission.

The commission is given the task of implementing the provisions of the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) promulgated on Dec. 3, 1963, at the close of the Second Vatican Council. Over the years, the commission has adequately provided direction in coping with the many changes envisioned by the Second Vatican Council, especially where extraordinary decisions had to be arrived at in relation to liturgy. At present, the commission's focus is toward the fulfillment of Pope John Paul II's concern with inculturation for renewed evangelization.

Guiding our understanding on the matter of the "holding of hands" are the important keywords "culture" and "liturgy."

The discussions of the Palo meeting in September, centering on the theme "Rubrics in the Celebration of the Eucharist," concluded with a statement that, despite its notable intentions, was twisted by some quarters and became the source of the so-called prohibition. The statement mentions that "it is possible to eliminate in the assembly indecorous movements or bodily gestures" in the celebration of the Vatican II Mass.

The diocesan directors define "indecorous" as "unnecessary movements that may disrupt the sacredness and solemnity of the rite." An example that can be cited is the matter of dances where these are not liturgical but are rather for entertainment. That is not to say that liturgical dances are now banned. Nevertheless, there is such a thing as "liturgical movement" (the term often used by the Vatican) that is in keeping with the liturgical celebration. In fact, many Vatican Masses officiated by the Pope have included these liturgical movements.

The most controversial aspect of the kuryente news that the Vatican banned the holding of the hands is nowhere mentioned in the statement. In truth, there is no papal pronouncement prohibiting it. On the other hand, it must be noted that the holding of the hands is not in the rubrics, and hence is not the liturgical norm. Notwithstanding that, it simply cannot be dismissed by saying that it is not in the rubrics, and therefore it is prohibited. "Rubrics," by the way, refer to "necessary guides for the correct and dignified celebration of the Holy Eucharist."

Recall, however, that 15 to 20 years ago, there was no such practice in the Philippines as the holding of the hands in the singing of "Our Father." Liturgists point to its genesis as probably an offshoot of the Catholic charismatic movement where this gesture was widely practiced. There is also the possibility of it having simply originated from the faithful's spontaneity. The most that can be said about it is that the practice is not Roman and therefore, to go back to the argument, not part of the rubrics.

At the same time, the Vatican, especially where the reforms of Vatican II are concerned, encourages inculturation, so that liturgical celebrations can include elements that are reflective of local cultural nuances. Since 1975, for example, the CBCP has approved a Filipino inculturated Mass, known as "Misa ng Bayang Pilipino," that has yet to be given the seal of confirmation by Rome.

Having said that, it has become a common misconception among laypeople that Catholics are free to introduce any inculturated element to the celebration of the Holy Mass. The Mass has to be guided by a universal set of norms, and that is the function of the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy. Since at the moment there are no specific guiding norms governing the holding of the hands, the gesture has to be understood as an element of inculturation that has to be guided by the universal norms.

Catholics who are fond of the holding of the hands must take special note that in other countries, no such practice exists. Tactility is culture bound. Some cultures are particularly indifferent to tactile contact, like some cultures in the West and in Asia. An important consideration is that Catholics who prefer the holding of the hands should be able to respect those who do not wish to do so. It must not be taken as a sign of brashness. It may simply be diffidence, or simply a desire to be "Roman."

Comments to monta@cu-cdo.edu.ph

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