Q: For the 2025 Sunday of the Word of God, on 26 January, the Dicastery for Evangelization had a “Liturgical and Pastoral Handbook” available at http://www.evangelizatio.va/content/pcpne/en/attivita/parola.html .
On page 17 it has “Outline for the Eucharistic Celebration”. It begins: “Some liturgical suggestions for the Celebration of the Mass are proposed”. It includes: “Mass begins as usual – if possible, with the solemn procession with the censer, the incense boat, the cross and the candles, and carrying the Book of the Gospels according to the liturgical customs of the Roman Church. The deacon (in his absence, the presbyter may perform the same sign) processionally carries the Book of the Gospels, holding it somewhat elevated, if possible also accompanied by two lit candles.”
This is different from the procession described in the Roman Missal, GIRM 120, for Mass Without a Deacon: “120. When the people are gathered, the Priest and ministers, wearing the sacred vestments, go in procession to the altar in this order:
- the thurifer carrying a smoking thurible, if incense is being used;
- ministers who carry lighted candles, and between them an acolyte or other minister with the cross;
- the acolytes and the other ministers;
- a reader, who may carry a Book of the Gospels (though not a Lectionary), slightly elevated; the Priest who is to celebrate the Mass.”
The differences I see are:
- The incense boat is listed before the cross and candles, suggesting another minister carries it there.
- The Book of the Gospels may be carried by the Priest, not only by the reader.
- Two lit candles accompany the Book of the Gospels.
What is the proper authority to follow here, the Roman Missal or this handbook?
A similar issue arises with Dicastery for Evanglization’s Jubilee 2025 Liturgical Texts at https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/content/dam/iubilaeum2025/testi-liturgici/English.pdf .
For the opening of the Jubilee in cathedrals on 24 December 2024 it has on page 20, rubric 30: “The cross is placed near the altar where it may be easily seen and where it will remain for the entire Jubilee Year for the veneration of the people. It is important that the cross be the only one in the sanctuary.” But Ceremonial of Bishops has: “129 It is preferable that the processional cross be placed near the altar and serve as the altar cross”.
Is this permitted in a cathedral during the Jubilee Year?
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A: The guidelines for Sunday of the Word of God were suggested and therefore permitted, whereas those for the opening of the Jubilee carried stronger directives for the cathedral. These are eccentric cases. Normally, follow the GIRM.ally, follow the GIRM.