It was shocking to read a letter addressed to the Editor of a leading Catholic weekly of Mumbai on how the holy sacrifice of the mass is being defiled by some senior priests of the Archdiocese. Accordingly, liturgical texts have been altered, rubrics changed, and inclusive language used at different stages of the mass. Shockingly, even the words of the Consecration have been shortened, rendering the transubstantiation invalid and sacrilegious.
Sadly, this trend is also making its way and is being witnessed in some of our Goa churches, where the celebrant often goes overboard, sermonising at length and in between other parts of the mass, thereby distorting its sanctity, and much to the discomfort of the faithful. It is also unfortunate that priests of the Archdiocese have been given a free hand to act in an arbitrary manner, especially the guest celebrants at novena masses and feast days. It is hoped that corrective action is taken early before we witness some more abuses and defilement.
