Diocese clamps down on clapping at Mass

Friday, August 28th, 2015

A liturgical commission in a Philippines diocese has tried to discourage people clapping during and after Mass in recognition of individual achievements.

The liturgy commission of Parañaque diocese recently put out a circular to discourage the practice.

The circular noted that there is no place in the liturgy for a gesture that glorifies people rather than God.

“Since there is no place for recognising individual achievements during the liturgy, we likewise recommend our pastors and lay liturgical ministers to refrain from the habit of mentioning the services rendered by particular individuals or groups, such as the lay liturgical ministers, the presence of government officials, or even the presiding celebrant himself,” said Fr John Francis Frederick K. Manlapig.

Fr Manlapig is chairman of the diocese’s commission on liturgy and popular religiosity.

He reminded pastors and liturgical ministers not to encourage clapping during and after Mass.

But he admitted that there are cases when applause may be allowed, especially on special diocesan events, important parish celebrations, feast day of a titular patron, the dedication of the church itself, and others.

“Whereas the act of clapping has no place in the liturgy, it may be argued that this act, which is practiced by Christian communities after the Mass, may well be an expression of thanksgiving for a beautifully celebrated liturgy and gratitude for the grace of the Eucharist that has been received,” Fr Manlapig noted.

“There are occasions wherein the faithful are invited to clap their hands, for instance, when a newly ordained priest is presented to the community by the bishop, or when a newly married couple is introduced by the solemnising minister, or catechumens as they are received by the parish community during the Easter Vigil,” he added.

According to Fr Manlapig, in these situations, the applause is meant as an appreciation of the grace received and the growth of the Church, not for individual achievements.

Sources