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Problem with Flagons?

Question

Question

What is the problem with flagons that Cardinal Arinze [the cardinal perfect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments] is so against them? Will he change his mind?

--Fuming in Phoenix

Answer

Answer

Apparently, over the years, there have been many complaints about spillage of the Precious Blood. The attempt to pour sooner, before the wine has the prayers of the "institution narrative," is something that will be seemingly solved by pouring earlier within the ritual, during the Preparation of the Gifts and Altar.

Many theologians and liturgists are quite upset and disappointed in this change by the cardinal from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in Vatican City, because it challenges the ancient traditions and the symbolism of the "breaking of the bread" and the "pouring of the cup." From one loaf, and one cup, many are fed, so has been the tradition of the church and the Fraction Rite. This tradition goes back to the significance in one of the early Roman Missals, or Sacramentaries, Ordo Romanus I, in which the pouring into cups is one of the features of the rite after the Lord's Prayer.

Many bishops, theologians and liturgists are asking for clarification at this time. It is up to the local bishop to implement the liturgical documents within a (arch)diocese.