CIRCULAR NO.15/91-PROPRIETY AND RESPECT DUE THE EUCHARIST

6 August 1991

Dear Monsignor/Father:

Peace!

It has been my personal observation that in certain churches, Sunday Masses are scheduled so close to each other, that the propriety and respect due to the Eucharist easily get disregarded. This pains me very much, considering that by a happhazard celebration and lack of preparation beacause of time constraints, we are, in a way, shortchanging our people who deserve to be led into a truly meaningful celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.

In view of this sad observation, I hereby order the following:

1. Sunday Masses must be scheduled, at the least, with thirty-minute intervals;

2. A full hour and a half must be allotted for each Sunday Mass;

3. The Sunday homilies must be well-prepared and delivered, and be given due importance as an integral part of the Eucharist Liturgy;

4. My masses must not be preceded and followed, within a one-hour period, by another mass.

I further order that the above-mentioned directives be implemented immediately.

Anticipating your generous response and cooperation, and re-assuring you of my prayer, I am

Your’s in the Lord,

RICARDO J. CARDINAL VIDAL

Archbishop of Cebu

By mandate of the Archbishop:

MSGR. ADELITO A. ABELIA H.P.

Archdiocesan Chancellor