The Importance of Tradition in the Liturgy: Ad Orientam

A few weeks back, His Eminence Robert Cardinal Sarah gave an address in London that focused on the importance of tradition to the Mass. He talked about various topics including sacred music, the place of the vernacular, and the special place of Latin in the liturgy. However, the point that stuck out most was his call for more ad orientam worship in Catholic churches around the world. Cardinal Sarah, and the tradition he promoted, received a wealth of criticism from many, including the Cardinal of London. It seems almost silly for Catholics to criticize Cardinal Sarah, whose job, to which Pope Francis appointed him, is to talk about the liturgy.

Ad orientam, translated literally, means "to the east". The tradition of facing east during the Mass was prominent even to the earliest Christians. They would wake up in the early morning so that they could watch the sunrise as they commemorated and celebrated the Son of God's death and resurrection. Ad orientam, over time, became the practice of the priest and people facing the same direction during Mass: Toward Christ on the Cross. The former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger wrote in The Spirit of the Liturgy that "praying toward the east is a tradition that goes back to the beginning. Moreover, it is a fundamental expression of of the Christian synthesis of cosmos and history while going out to meet the Lord who comes again.". He explains that by both the priest and the people facing toward the east, the focus is put fully on Christ. Ad orientam therefore does not mean that the priest has his "back to the people", but rather that the priest and the people are united and oriented toward Christ. All present look toward the risen Lord who is to come.

The other benefit of Mass being celebrated ad orientam is that the priest is not the center of attention. By his orientation, he shows the congregation where they should be looking: toward The Crucified Lord. After the abuse of the reforms set in place by the Second Vatican Council, the practice of the priest facing the people during Mass marginalized and nearly eliminated the ages old tradition of facing toward the east. As a result, the Mass became less and less focused on Christ and became increasingly more focused on the priest, the "celebrant". Chaos within the Church ensued, and discussions began about a "reform of the reform" in order to preserve the long held traditions that most parishes had done away with. Only by the determination and perseverance of a small number of Catholics was the sacred tradition of facing east kept alive, along with the use of Latin and the use of Gregorian chant.

Today, and increasing number of Catholics, both laypeople and priests, are beginning to revive these traditions. Slowly but surely, the Mass is regaining its vitality around the world, and leaders like Cardinal Sarah and Cardinal Burke are paving the way for a full revival of the Catholic Liturgy in all its heavenly glory. The world we live in has been plunged into chaos. Now, more than ever, we must turn toward Christ. Let's start on Sundays.