"Solemn High Communion Rail with Cloth"

Strange as it may seem, at the moment what I find most suggestive or edifying about the Vetus Ordo is the distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful, especially when it is possible at a real Communion or Altar Rail, covered from end to end with a clean linen cloth, underneath which the kneeling communicants reverently place their folded hands. There is probably no other moment at Holy Mass which speaks to me so eloquently of the awe-filled reverence with which we come to receive our Eucharistic Lord. I am well aware of what such an arrangement costs in fine linen, talent and effort to prepare and maintain, thinking especially of the hours for washing, starching and ironing. It was and is done for Jesus, obviously, but very much so for the sake of the faithful who come to receive the Lord Who gives Himself as food for the journey through life toward eternity. 

One of the general developments of the last years which I have witnessed in Novus Ordo parishes and chapels of retreat and religious houses of the healthier kind has been a growing care for altar linens, corporals, palls, purificators and finger towels. Chalice veils and burses are even reappearing in some places. Ciboria and veils for ciboria, I am sure, must be just around the corner. The cloths for the restored communion rails will take further effort. Mentioning these things, I wish to point to a new or rediscovered consciousness, sustained by good order and beauty, of the Lord here present. It is among the first fruits of the mutual enrichment willed by Pope Benedict in Summorum Pontificum.

Apart from what I, as the minister of Holy Communion, find here edifying, there are chapters here to be written about what should be active participation and what a source and summit (fons et culmen) should really look like in Catholic life. Please God, I will find time to make a small contribution in this matter.

Meantime, whether your own favorite point or aspect of the celebration of the Vetus Ordo be here or elsewhere, I ask you to say a prayer for the work of restoration and the softening of hardened hearts who will hardly spare a decent altar cloth or more than one candle, let alone the preparation of a "solemn high communion rail with cloth" for the Lord of Life, Who come in glory to His people eager to receive Him.

PROPERANTES ADVENTUM DIEI DEI