From a priest reader:
I thought I read, when Mother Angelica opened her new shrine, there was somewhat of a dispute, because she wanted Masses said "ad Orientem" and others said she couldn’t. The matter, I think, was appealed to Rome, and the decision came down that "the norm for Mass was facing the people." I interpreted that as Sunday and Holy Day Masses had to face the people, but other Masses of devotion were open for discussion.
Am I wrong? Has Rome made a declaration such as this establishing the norm of orientation for Mass, or is it up to the celebrant, or whatever the local ordinary allows? Would love clarification if you can get around to it.
I don’t think Rome would ever have said that versus populum was the norm in such a way that ad orientem worship was or could be forbidden.
I am pretty tired right now, so I will let readers cope with the documents and citations to help you out.
But allow me to commend you for your interest in this matter. Thank you!
