Q: Since I heard you speak for the Society of St Gregory, I have followed your answers with great interest, and learnt a great deal.
I am in London (UK), so obviously some things are slightly different. I was reading your response to the question of using the Hail Mary to conclude the Universal prayer. What seems to be happening in a number of churches here is that the Hail Mary is said as part of the prayer but before the conclusion. I’m unsure whether or not this is acceptable as it is not addressed to God, although the conclusion wraps up everything to God.
Do you have any thoughts about this?
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A: I’ve enjoyed connecting with SSG and think you’ve got a great society there.
I’m a guy who thinks if you just stick to what the missal says and do it with meaning, you don’t need to bring in other elements that do not pertain to the Mass.
I support devotion to Mary, but I think even she would wonder why we’d address a prayer to her in the middle of the Mass. If people are concerned about Marian devotion, then it would be appropriate to add a petition about it to the Universal Prayer.
In the Confiteor, we do ask Mary and all the angels and saints to intercede for us. Otherwise, prayers are addressed to God the Father—some few to Christ. That’s good Catholic piety.