OCTOBER 2012 By the Vatican directive Prot. N. 802/69 of April 25, 1969, 12 Points of Adaptation were permitted in India.

From "The Golden Sheaf", "The Second Publication in the Cardinal Gracias Memorial series A Collection of articles from The Laity monthly dealing with current ecclesiastical aberrations and written by Indian and international writers of repute" edited by Dr. A. Deva, published by Elsie Mathias for the [Cardinal Valerian] Gracias Memorial publications of the ALL INDIA LAITY CONGRESS [AILC] , released at the Inauguration of the Fifth Annual Convention of the A.I.L.C., May 14, 1980 at Tiruchirapalli. EXTRACTS

The Twelve Points

1. The posture during Mass, both for priests and faithful may be adapted to local usage, that is, sitting on the floor*, standing and the like; footwear may be removed also. *Squatting 2. Genuflections may be replaced by the profound bow with the anjali hasta.

3. A panchanga pranam by both priests and faithful can take place before the liturgy of the Word, as part of the penitential rite, and at the conclusion of the Anaphora. 4. Kissing of objects may be adapted to local custom, that is touching the object with one's fingers or palm of one's hand and bringing the hands to one's eyes or forehead. 5. The Kiss of peace could be given by the, exchange of anjali hasta and/or the placing of the hands of the giver between the hands of the recipient. 6. Incense could be made more use of in liturgical services. The receptacle could be the simple incense bowl with handle. 7. The vestments could be simplified. A single tunic-type chasuble with a stole (angavastra) could replace the traditional vestments of the Roman rite. Samples of this change are to be forwarded to this Consilium. 8. 9. 10. a. b. c. d. The corporal could be replaced by a tray (thali or thambola thattu) of fitting material. Oil lamps could be used instead of candles. The preparatory rite of the Mass may include: the presentation of gifts. the welcome of the celebrant in an Indian way, e.g., with a single arati, washing of hands, etc. the lighting of the lamp. the greeting of peace among the faithful is a sign of mutual reconciliation.

11. In the Oratio fidelium some spontaneity may be permitted both with regard to its structure and the formulation of the intentions. The universal aspect of the Church, however, should not be left in oblivion. 12. In the Offertory rite, and at the conclusion of the Anaphora, the Indian form of worship may be

integrated, that is, double or triple arati of flowers, and or incense, and or light.

Inculturation
By Fr. Peter Lobo
Notorious 12 Points The sad story of the notorious 12 points of inculturation is too well-known to deserve repetition. Yet I shall summarize it from the letter of Bishop Gopu of Visakhapatnam in the New Leader 9-7-78: The 71 members of CBCI were consulted by post at the introduction of those 12 points into the Liturgy, but only 34 Bishops approved them. Despite the need of having two thirds majority for major decisions like this one, an application was forwarded to Rome on the 15th April 1969 and within 10 days Rome's approval was obtained, and the 12 points were imposed on the country , says the Bishop; and he adds: This approval was based on a misunderstanding, even at this late hour this mistake can be corrected. I would rather say: It must be corrected. The CBCI must acknowledge its mistake and assuage the hurt feelings of millions of the silent Catholics of India by withdrawing altogether the 12 points so craftily introduced. Here is what some bishops feel about the 12 points: Bishop Mathias of Chikmagalur and Archbishop Angelo Fernandes of Delhi want the Liturgy Committee of the CBCI to obtain information from Rome to make sure whether it is still allowed to carry on such experiments or not. Bishop Arattukulam of Alleppey is vehement in his stand all experiments ought to have stopped on 3-970, as ordered by Rome . Bishop Patrick Nair of Meerut does not want any experiments with the Mass. Bishop Thumma of Vijayawada expresses his concern about the confusion caused among the people over the change in the Liturgy. Voicing the same anxiety, Bishop D'Mello of Ajmer wants the people to be consulted before any changes are introduced. Bishop Visuvasam of Coimbatore found the 12 points objectionable and forbade them in his diocese . Archbishop Patriarch Raul Gonsalves of Goa allows only two of these points in his archdiocese , and so on and so forth. If these are the fruits of inculturation and this is how men, who are hand-in-glove with those in key positions in our hierarchy, impose them in our country by hook or crook, by round-the-clock and round-the-year indoctrination and brainwashing of young people, specially of priests and nuns, what credit can one give to the fanatical campaign that has caused so much confusion and scandal, so much animosity and division among the children of God? Surely it cannot be the work of the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of truth and light, of unity, love and peace. To mention just one of those points and to show the damage it has done, it is enough to say that the bending of one or both the knees, with which the whole Catholic world acknowledges the divine presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, has been replaced in India by a mere bow (Anjali Hasta ), leveling the Son of God to any Indian, who is greeted likewise, despite St. Paul's inspired words: "All beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld should bend the knee at the name of Jesus" (Phil. 2, 10). If the mere mention of the name of Jesus deserves a genuflection, what does his Real Presence deserve? __________ The above speech was delivered at the A.I.L.C. Goa Regional Unit's conference held at Immaculate Mary High School, Panjim, January 7, 1979.

Matters Liturgical
By Fr. Anastasio Gomes, O.C.D.
From "The Golden Sheaf", "The Second Publication in the Cardinal Gracias Memorial series A Collection of articles from The Laity monthly dealing with current ecclesiastical aberrations and written by Indian and international writers of repute" edited by Dr. A. Deva, published by Elsie Mathias for the [Cardinal Valerian] Gracias Memorial publications of the ALL INDIA LAITY CONGRESS [AILC] , released at the Inauguration of the Fifth Annual Convention of the A.I.L.C., May 14, 1980 at Tiruchirapalli. EXTRACT During one of my frequent travels throughout the country, I happened to be sitting near an important Church dignitary in a flight from Calcutta to Madras. The 1974 CBCI biennial meeting had just concluded. As liturgy - I mean, the liturgy of the Roman Rite - happens to be one of my personal interests, our conversation turned to this topic. While discussing it, I was told about a certain interpretation of the Instruction * of September 3, 1970 given to the Bishops by their top liturgy expert to justify the continuance of meddling with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass without obtaining the

required prior authorization of the Holy See. I asked him if he had read the text of the instruction, especially n. 13. And the answer was: No. Yet, I thought that this was an exceptional case. How can we, simple priests, even imagine that heads of "local" churches do not read and study what the head of the universal Church teaches, orders and desires? How else can they fulfil their obligation to implement Vatican orders or desires? I must now change my view after reading about the answer given by the Liturgy Commission of the CBCI at its meeting of 1972, which is reported in The Examiner (26-1-76). Cardinal Parecattil in his inaugural address, quoted from a letter of Archbishop Arokiaswamy, Chairman of the CBCI Liturgy commission, dated October 26, 1973, in which among other things, it was stated "the Indian Anaphora can be used ad experimentum in places declared as experimentation centres". Reporting the explanation of the Archbishop after the speech of the Cardinal (3-1-76) the Examiner tells us further that the archbishop stated that "at its Madras session in 1971 the CBCI had decided that experimentation should continue in spite of the *Third Instruction of the Congregation for Worship which said that the time for experimentation was over". Thank God and all honour to His Grace the Archbishop of Bangalore who now confesses that the recent letter of Cardinal Knox * said that the CBCI's interpretation was "wrong". Untenable Justification The Liturgy Commission justified in Madras this "wrong" interpretation with the following principle: "The Vatican Council's Constitution on Liturgy had given the green light for experimentation to go on and what the Constitution had given, no instruction can take away" starting from this incorrect principle, the CBCI was wrong in deciding that "experimentation could go on, but only the National Liturgical Commission could authorize such experimentation, with the agreement of the local Ordinary". It must be said for the honour of the CBCI and the Church India that this wrong decision was not unanimous there were many bishops who voted against it as they must have realized that it went beyond the powers of the CBCI . And yet, it will remain as a dark chapter in the history of the Church in India for the majority of her bishops, with the best of intentions, did the very thing about which Paul VI had complained as early as Oct. 1968. Addressing to what was known then as Constitum Liturgicum, the Holy Father said: "We cannot pass over in silence some ways of acting which We have noticed in various parts of the Church and which are causing us no small grief and anxiety. This refers in the first place to that frame of mind which takes amiss anything emanating from ecclesiastical authority or legitimately prescribed. It has happened in liturgical matters that even Episcopal Conferences have sometimes followed their own ideas more than they should (quandoque proprio marie plus aequo procedant). It has also happened that experiments have been made in arbitrary fashion, and rites introduced which are clearly repugnant to norms established by the Church. Anyone can see that type of action is not only grave offence against the conscience of the Christian faithful; it is also injurious to the carrying out of an orderly liturgical renewal which requires from all prudence, vigilance a especially discipline" (end of quote) (14-10-1968). Without judging anybody's intention - the road to hell, they say, is paved with good intentions - you could illustrate every one of the abuses mentioned by Paul VI with examples of our Indian church's "official" liturgical renewal until the historic intervention of Cardinal Knox (1975). This writer had called attention to them on several occasions, but his was a vox clamuns in deserto - a voice in the wilderness. I know an official of the NBCLC (Bangalore) who said last April (1975) to priests gathered for a Seminar on Prayer: "If bishops do not permit experiments in the liturgy, then celebrate an underground liturgy". The quotation is from memory. Again this same expert some time ago - he was an official of the NBCLC at that time also - celebrated Holy Mass during a seminar organized by a priest who is now elected president of a new association. The Indian Theological Association, and the participants (sisters, laymen), were holding the particle of the Host in their own hands and he himself was consecrating from the altar. At the time of Holy Communion, each of the participants went to the altar, dipped the particle in the chalice and helped himself to communion. I doubt if anywhere in the world such a Mass has been celebrated. Recently, answering a question at a meeting at which he gave a talk on liturgy, and life, this same priest stated that the recent Letter of Cardinal Knox (1975) was written because of pressure from some groups, especially The Laity. Charity prevents me from revealing his name here, but I am prepared to supply it to any authority if requested, In the meantime with a heavy and sad heart I can only say: when key positions on such sensitive areas as the Liturgy are entrusted to "experts" of this kind, one never knows where the Church in India, now sought to be made and already called the CHURCH OF INDIA will end. Factually Wrong I said above that the Madras decision of the CBCI is logical if the explanation given by the Liturgy commission is accepted. But that explanation - everybody in India knows who is its real author* -- is factually wrong and theologically unsound. "The Vatican Council's Constitution on Liturgy has given the green light for experimentation to go on" the CBCI was assured by its Commission. This would be a revelation to all those who have read the Council's Constitution. *Fr. D.S. Amalorpavadas

There are three articles of the Council's Constitution that must be read and understood for nowadays there are too many people who read and do not understand. They are: no. 22, no. 39 and no.40. No. 22: 1. Regulation of the Sacred Liturgy depends solely on the authority the church that is, on the Apostolic See (pope and Roman Curia) and, as laws may determine, on the bishop. 2. In virtue of power conceded by the law, the regulation of the liturgy within certain limits belongs also to various kinds of competent territorial bodies of bishops legitimately established. 3. Therefore, absolutely no other person, not even a priest, may add, remove, or change anything on his own authority. Please note: Para 1, speaks of Rome and the individual bishop whose power in the matter is determined by the law. A number of things which before Vatican II were reserved to the Holy See may now be done by the individual bishop. We need not go into details here. Para 2, refers to various kings of territorial bodies this generic expression is used because at the time of Vatican II, Episcopal conferences did not exist everywhere. Now this territorial body is the Episcopal Conference for the Latin rite whereas for Oriental Rites it is their Synod or any other similar institution. Episcopal Conferences have no power over the liturgy of Oriental Churches. Para 3, is quite clear. Here in India, Father Amalorpavadass and his two hands Fr. Puthenangady, S. D. B and Amirthraj - absolutely have no power of their own to suppress even the sign of the Cross before the Mass when there is an Entrance Song. Let there be no mistake about this. No. 22 gives us the general principles concerning the authority over the liturgy. But the question of adaptation and experimentation is dealt with in nn. 39-40. No. 39 refers to local variations and adaptions that could be called "minor" for their adaption preserves the substantial unity of the Roman Rite. Substance of the liturgy is one thing, substance of a Rite another. While the former is same in all Catholic rites, the latter differs from rite to rite. It is this special feature of a rite that determines it specific contribution to the variegated beauty of the Church. Commenting on no. 50 which directs that in the revision of the Roman Mass due care be taken to preserve its substantial unity, Theodore Schnitzler writes in a book edited by Bugnini soon after the promulgation of the Constitution: ''Due care being taken to preserve the substance" so that "both Pius V and Gregory the Great, if they came to earth again, would recognize their Mass" (Commentary, p. 139). Whether this solemn and wise directive has been respected in the New Order of the Mass, is more that what this writer can say. I believe that it is doubtful whether even Pius XII and John XXIII would recognize the present Mass as their Mass. But Paul VI has the power to do it, and there the matter should end, even if one may prayerfully hope that mistakes if any, be eventually corrected. I see that I have digressed a bit. Returning to our subject, I give here no. 38. No.38: "Within the limits set by typical editions of the liturgical book, it shall be for the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned in Article 22, 2, to specify adaptations, especially in the case of the administration of the sacraments, the sacramentals, processions, liturgical language, sacred music, and the arts, but according to the fundamental norms laid down in this Constitution". As is obvious from the text itself, this conciliar ruling could come into effect only after the revised liturgical books of the Roman Rite were published, which has since been done. Thus for example in the new Missal, General Instruction (nn. 20:56) provides for such local variations which are to be decided upon by the Episcopal Conference. As the typical edition of all the books is already published the implementation of n. 38 should not create any special difficulty. After taking their decisions, the Episcopal Conference must submit them in Rome for confirmation - they may not put them into practice before getting Rome's placet. Radical Adaptations No. 40, which entails special practical difficulties, reads. "In some places and circumstances, however, an even more radical adaptation of the liturgy (profundior liturgiae adaptation) is needed, and entails greater difficulties. Therefore the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned in Article 22, 2 (Episcopal Conference) must, in this matter, carefully and prudently consider which elements from the traditions and genius of individual peoples might appropriately be admitted into divine worship. Adaptations which are judged to be useful or necessary should then be submitted to the Apostolic See, by whose consent they may be introduced" (end of quote). Comment Prudent and careful consideration is equivalent to what no. 23 calls a theological, historical and pastoral investigation. Theological! in our context where Hindu rites (mistakenly called Indian or indigenous) are sought to be introduced into the liturgy , as Cardinal Gracias put it well, we must "make sure of the specific Hindu ideology underlining", these rites. Then we must ask ourselves whether this ideology as it stands in Hinduism is acceptable to the Catholic faith - faith, that is, in its objective content as proposed by the Magisterium, not just some emotional reactions of nationalistic minded local or foreign "experts". lf the investigation shows that before being adopted, these rites have to be given a Catholic meaning a further question is to know whether - the Church in her present condition (1% of the total population) is in a position to change this meaning and GET THIS CHANGED MEANING ACCEPTED not only by the re-educated nuns, priests and laity, but also by the overwhelming majority of the population of the country, who are Hindus. Genuine Scholars' Views It is never too much to reflect on the historical and theological wisdom of what Father Cyril Papali O.C.D. recently wrote:

"Another thing to be borne in mind is the great difference between the conditions prevailing in the West at the time when the Church adopted philosophies and religious rites from the pagan world, and those obtaining in the East today. The Aristotelian philosophy she adopted was in no way committed to any religion, while the religions from which she borrowed rites and symbols were long dead or dying. She could therefore freely modify the significance of those symbols and formulae to fit her doctrines". And in this connection, the Indian theologian quotes no less an authority (scholar) than Don Botte who writes: "All the evidence we have of the first Christian writers present them as determined to avoid any compromise with paganism, even in their language; these writers insist on what divides and separates Christianity from paganism. IT WOULD BE WRONG THEREFORE TO THINK THAT THE PRIMITIVE CHRISIANTY WAS IN A HURRY TO CHRISTIANIZE PAGAN USAGES. Nevertheless, as the menace of paganism gradually waned, and the Catholic Liturgy developed, the Church adopted rites that were in use in all religions: holy water, blessed salt, candles, incense. It should be noted however that some of these usages could be traced to the Old Testament itself." (Chiesa in Preghiera, Rome, p. 46) (end of quote) Moreover what little things the Church adopted after paganism was dead "concern only the peripheral elements of Christian worship". The idea of composing an Eucharistic Prayer with the concepts and symbols of pagan worship did not even occur to the early Church - the idea was too obvious and absurd. Father Papali continues: "But such is not the condition to the East today. Their philosophy is part of religion , and the great religions, comparable in human terms to the Church herself, are a living force dominating every aspect of life. An insignificant minority of Catholics cannot presume to give a new meaning to the theological formulae and religious rites of the non-Christian majority and make it prevail ", (National Theologies in the Living Word, 78 (1972 p. 406). The duty of the Bishops Before proposing these "radical adaptations" the Episcopal Conference must be satisfied that these changes are useful or necessary - in no. 23, the Council had told us that "there must be no innovations unless the good of the Church genuinely and certainly requires them". In India, this good is threefold pastoral, ecumenical and missionary. Obviously, the primary, concern here should be the salvation and sanctification of the faithful, not of the non-Christians. Can it be honestly claimed that this was the case of those famous 12 points ? The vote was taken by post, only 51 of 71 Latin Bishops who alone had a right to vote on them, returned the ballot paper - they were to do it within two days of receipt. And two thirds majority was obtained only of the two thirds that voted. Where was then the required theological, historical and pastoral investigation which the CBCI was expected to do? In his celebrated Open Letter to Indian Bishops, Fr. P. K. George, S.J. put a humble and relevant question: "Your Grace Excellency: May I ask by way of conclusion: "What good do you hope for the Church in India in terms of faith, devotion and apostolic efficiency, by the introduction of the so-called Indianised liturgy, proportionate to the confusion, division, scandal and justifiable annoyance and irritation which it is sure to cause?" (Cf. The Laity, 111(1975) His question is simply based on no. 23 of the Council Document. Will it ever receive any answer? No. 42, 2 "To ensure that adaptations are made with all necessary circumspection, the Apostolic See will grant power to this same territorial ecclesiastical authority to permit and direct, as the case requires, the necessary preliminary experiments over a deter-mined period of time among certain groups suited for the purpose". Comment Here is clearly stated that even the preliminary experiments which may be necessary before deciding in these "radical adaptations", may be carried out only with the faculty granted by Rome. At the level of the universal Church, before revising the liturgy, Rome itself promoted experiments in several parts of the world, granting Indults to certain groups. The Rite of Concelebration was a typical case in this regard- over 700 experimental concelebrations were conducted, if my memory does not fail me. With regard to local adaptations of substantial nature whether in the Mass or other parts of the liturgy, the procedure has been, always the same. Hence it is wrong to think that the Instruction of September 1970 took away what the Council had given. The Instruction merely declared no longer valid those faculties which had been granted for conducting experiments in view of the reform of the rite of the Mass. As the new Rite of the Mass was already promulgated, the period of experimentation was declared closed as far as the universal Church is concerned . Yet if some further adaptations were deemed necessary the Episcopal Conference was empowered to permit "some practical experimentation" for one year. If this principle applies also for the Mass, then we are now in 1976, not 1971. This experimentation further had to be carried out "with clearly defined limits - by well prepared groups, under the direction of judicious men specially appointed for the task, and were not to be made with large congregations nor given publicity. The experiments had to be few in number and carried out for periods no longer than one year, after which report had to be made to the Holy See. Certainly, seminaries and novitiates are not places for experimentation, otherwise the young seminarians and novices and young Sisters will become used, not only to seeing disrespect for law and discipline practiced by others, but also to promoting it themselves.

For any experimentation in the Mass or in other liturgical that involves a change "in the structure of the rites or in the order of parts as given in the liturgical books" or introduction of "actions differing from the traditional ones or of "new texts", a complete outline and programme of the modifications should be proposed to the "Holy See before any experiments are begun". This provides that the Vatican Instruction of 3 Sept. 1970 took away nothing from what the Council had given. It merely further clarified the matter of experimentation as this was necessary at the stage at which the liturgy was in 1970, that is five years after the new liturgy had begun to take shape. Archbishop Lourdusamy's Intervention At time of the preparation for the All India Seminar of 1969, unlawful liturgical Masses were celebrated in several parts of the country - the most notorious case was an experimental Mass in Poona, the available top-theologians and top-liturgists had prepared it and had convinced the local bishop that he could authorise it, which in fact he did. A stormy debate followed, in the Bombay Examiner for several months. As Chairman of the C. B. C. l. Liturgy Commission, Archbishop Lourdusamy issued a long statement declaring the unlawfulness of that Mass. The Poona Bishop admitted that he made a mistake. The statement of the Archbishop was carried in the Examiner (10-1 1 -1968) and latter in the Roman Notitiae. There is no space to give even the gist what His Grace wrote. Anyone can see it in that issue and one will realize that the interpretation of No. 40 given here by me is the same as given by His Grace in 1968. According to the Vatican Council there are four stages in the procedure laid down in No. 40: (a) Study and research; (b) proposal by the CBCI to the Apostolic see for approval; (c) preliminary experimentation with the authorization to experiment received from Rome; (d) Final approval by the Hierarchy and Rome. Hence you see, the green light for the experimentation to go on supposed or purported to be given by the Council, is nonexistent. Before concluding, Archbishop Lourdusamy quoted from Pope Paul VI whose statement is still relevant to our "Indian Context". "Rites and prayer formulae should not be considered as a private matter, or as parochial matter, or as a diocesan affair or even as a national affair; they really belong to the universal church for they are expression of her living voice of prayer. Hence no one has the right to change these formulae, to introduce new ones, or to substitute others in their place. This is forbidden by the dignity of the sacred Liturgy itself which assists men to communicate with God. It is forbidden also for the good of souls and by efficient pastoral activity which is placed in jeopardy by this kind of action" (Speech, Oct. 14, 1968). An Expert Reacts As could be expected the forthright statement of the Chairman of the Liturgy Commission did not please everybody. But what was disturbing was that one of the experts of the Liturgy Commission dubbed it "a drastic and purely legalistic statement". And revealing further his own attitude to Rome, the same expert wrote: "Not one of those who where appointed on the sub-commission for studying the possibility of creating an Indian Mass would ever accept to chart out a new liturgy as a blue print to be sent for approval to the Roman Consilium, after being scrutinized by the CBCI". (The Examiner, 7-12-1968) And then, he went on advocating squatting, Sanskrit reading, introduction of non-Christian Scriptures in the Mass. There is no need to recall here the idea of this expert but for the fact that he was, I understand, one of the three-member commission who selected the so-called 12 points . His good intentions are not questioned. But the mentality, the mentality! No one will be surprised to read that no less a person than the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Bishop's Conference, Archbishop Diraviam bluntly told the CBCI in Hyderabad (Jan. 1976) : "People who Indianize have no respect for the Hierarchy or the Holy See. They are members of the Church who are out to destroy the Catholic Church". (The Examiner, 24-1-76) Theologically Unsound The premise on which the CBCI vote in Madras was based is moreover theologically unsound. The CBCI Liturgy Commission told the Bishops that what the Council gave, no instruction can take away. We saw already that the Council never gave the green light for experimentation without reference to the Holy See as the Commission claimed. But even granting that it had given it, it is theologically and historically wrong to affirm that "no instruction can take away". Theologically: in matters of discipline and of non-infallible doctrine of a council, the Catholic Theology, of the primacy of the Pope teaches that the pope has the power to suspend, change and even abrogate Conciliar decisions, even when he himself approved them at the close of the Council; Historically: there are many points of the Liturgy Constitution which Paul VI has actually changed through Instructions. The most obvious case is the vernacular in the Canon and the Breviary as permitted by the Second Instruction (May, 1967). Did any expert protest against this Instruction? Truth and Numbers It is becoming a widely spread practice to decide matters of doctrine or interpretation by vote. The CBCI at Madras accepted the factually wrong and theologically unsound explanation of its Liturgy Commission. It decided to apply it by a majority vote - I suppose, two-third majority [required]. All liturgical decisions whether definitive or "ad experimentum" require a two-third majority by virtue of the Motu-Proprio Sacram Liturgiam (No. 10) and the First Instruction Inter Oecumenici (N. 8). As both these Documents concern only the Latin Rite, one can understand that some non-Latin Bishops are not quite clear in their mind about this necessity.

Now, Archbishop Arokiaswamy of Bangalore who was the Chairman of Liturgy Commission admits that the CBCI interpretation was wrong. Fortunately for the prestige of the Church in India, that interpretation was not unanimous. The minority dissent was voiced by one of the senior members (Bishop since 1952) of the CBCI, Mgr. M. Arattukulam of Alleppey , a theologian and canonist in his own right. Repeating what he had said in Madras he stated in Hyderabad: "Obedience is most important in the life of the Church, especially obedience to the Holy See. I said in Madras that the time for experimentation was over. The Holy See can set a limit to experimentation. I said, permission should be got from the Holy See, but, instead the Liturgy Commission took its mandate from the CBCI, which gave it. The CBCI including the General Secretary thinks it can act independently of the Holy See." This incident reminds me of other similar incidents of the council, which proved that truth is not necessarily on the side of the majority. The question of collegiality (Nota-Praevia) Ecumenism (19 Papal amendments) condemnation of Communism in all these matters Paul VI intervened on the side of the minority. After the Council, we had Humanae Vitae again proving the same thing. A Humble Plea I am old enough in age (53), and older still in mentality. And yet, l believe that even after Vatican II, genuine Catholic renewal will still require that all laymen, priests, religious and bishops - carry out not only the mandatory injunctions but also the least wishes of the Holy Father. It is now nearly two years since Paul VI sent a personal gift to all Bishops, a little booklet Jubilate Deo, containing the minimum repertory of Latin Chants to be introduced into all parishes of the Latin Rite. A covering letter of Cardinal Knox explained its purpose. And yet, the Indian Dioceses that have implemented the papal wishes can be counted with the fingers of two hands. In some places, the Bishops did not even inform their priests about it. And the people and priests who have read the Vatican Document, and who see the reception that was given to it by their Bishops are, or should be rightly scandalized. Is it too much to expect that at least now that everybody knows about it, our respected Bishops will do, something to carry out the desires of Pope Paul VI. Will not this act of obedience on their part be blessed by God and enhance their moral authority to get their own orders and wishes better accepted by their own subordinates?

Letter
From George Moraes
From: Professor George M. Moraes, President, All India Laity Congress Jasville, 9 New Marine Lines, Bombay-400 020, Telephone 297048 To: Rev. Fr. Cassian Parichha, Nitya Jivan Niketan, Phulbani (Orissa) 762 001. Date: 7th Oct. 1979. Unholy Alliance Erroneous thinking makes strange bedfellows. In the denigration of our Lord the neo-Arians found unexpected but welcome allies in the protagonists of inculturation (Twelve points ) who have replaced genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament with Anjali Hasta or folded hand, a form of greeting each other among our people, excepting the Muslims and among the Hindus of reverencing the minor gods as well. Latria or supreme homage due to God alone, which among Christians is rendered by genuflection, is performed by the Hindus in doing Sashtanga Namascar, by prostrating before their god of gods. Anjali Hasta does not even amount to dulia, the veneration paid to the saints and angels as servants of God. Consequently, in the dioceses where the Twelve points have been enforced by the ordinaries; the Indian Church has already become Arian de facto. It will be professedly Arian when the clergy trained under professors imbued with this heresy or worse, shall have returned to the seminaries and substituted the orthodox priests who are ageing. Indian theology will thus be eclectic like Mahatma Gandhi, its pattern, with predominantly Arian and pagan elements. Of the latter element we already have a foretaste in the 12 points , an effort to adapt Christianity to the Hindu view of life. For the moment, however the Twelve points have not the force of law for reasons, in addition to those pointed out by knowledgeable persons like Bishop Gopu. The fact is that for the confirmation of the Twelve points the CBCI applied to the Consilium (cf. Word and Worship, August-September 1969, p. 564; Clergy Monthly 1969, p. 52223), whereas it should have approached the Congregation of rites. This was on 15th April 1969 when the congregation was still in existence. It was only 28th April that Paul VI announced that "he had decided to split the workload of the 404 yearold congregation of Rites between two new congregation": viz., Congregation of Divine Worship and the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. (The Examiner , May 10, 1969, p. 295) Of course the Consilium had by now become a law unto itself. It confirmed the Twelve points by its reply dated 25th April 1969(Cf. Word and Worship, as above), and in doing so it acted ultra vires. The Consilium was a conservative body (with an 's' in the middle) and not a ministry, and therefore had

no power to legislate. Confirmation should have come from the Congregation of Rites, which should have issued a notification to that effect. The Twelve Points are therefore null and void I am not hair-splitting. There is such a thing as rule of law in the Catholic Church, to which every one is subject, not excluding even the Holy Father. We have no Louis XIV on the papal throne The Pope is in fact the most constitutional monarch of all time, not in the sense of the British monarchy which is a cypher, but because he has to operate within a very narrow sphere which is limited by Revelation, by defined dogma, and by the consistent ordinary magisterium of his predecessors. Within these limits, however, the Pope is a very real monarch who is subject to no human person, institution or organisation, not even an oecumenical council of the universal Church. (Cuthbert Butler, "Papal Infallibility, Yes, Despotism, No," Approaches, May 1978, p 96) Aberrations Sacrosanctum Concilium 40, without defining "substantial unity of the Roman rite" and "legitimate variations and adaptations", permitted "even more radical adaptation of the liturgy" in the event of circumstances of time and place demanding these variations and adaptations. Here was an opportunity for the liturgy experts to exercise their ingenuity. And not to speak of the plethora of underground liturgy instanced by the marijuana mass, mass with biscuits and whisky used as the elements for consecration, "Teen-age" masses with Coca-Cola and hot dog buns, liturgy has been changed to suit different cultures. There is thus the "black liturgy" which proposes to replace the liturgy of the new Roman Missal, allegedly found unsuitable for blacks. The papal legate rightly refused to attend a celebration of the "black liturgy" by one of its architects at the recent Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia. The Indian or "squatting mass" with "Bhajan style prayer and singing" is of a piece with the black liturgy", and is open like the latter to serious objection. For one thing, the demand for the liturgy to be adapted to different ages and different peoples is a modernist proposition condemned by St. Pius X in his Pascendi Gregis. He explains that the Modern concept of the evolution of worship - and for the modernist everything should be continually evolving - "consists in the need of availing itself of the value which certain acts have acquired by usage". (The Examiner, 9 Nov. 1907, p. 448) The proposition fact is posterior to need is unacceptable. Squatting Mass Secondly, the "squatting mass " would be an abomination of abominations if it means that the congregation remains sitting throughout the Mass. It is common etiquette, when a person who is superior to us comes, to signalize our respect for him by standing. It follows therefore that when the Creator of heaven and earth comes to us at Consecration He should be honoured with kneeling and adoration, and we should continue kneeling till Holy Communion during the rest of the Mass. Again, the proper place to celebrate the Mass is the altar and not a footstool or a suitcase, as is reported to have been done by some Jesuits, and never the floor, as would be the case in a "squatting mass". A seat on the floor is for the lowest of the low and the highest of the mountains, Meru, in Hindu society and mythology. This was how Kalidas, poet laureate who had been deputed as his ambassador to the Kadamba court at Banavasi (now in North Kanara, Karnatak) by the Gupta Emperor of the times consoled himself when he was not given a place befitting his rank but was made to take his seat on the ground, comparing himself to Meru which stands on bare earth. It is also an ancient practice to stand at the Gospel. This was restored by Theophilos the monk (A. D 354) when he noticed that among other abuses it was the custom among the Indian communities to sit at the reading of the Gospel. The powers that be in the Church should not reintroduce such abuses. The question also arises: who gave the permission for the 'squatting mass'? It is ultra vires if it is celebrated only "with the blessings" of the Archbishop. Permission had to come from Rome. This is the way the devil is spreading abuses in the Church to start a practice illegally, and then apply to Rome for condonation of the abuses and its continuation. Communion in hand was surreptitiously introduced in the diocese of Ahmedabad. And now we are threatened with its compulsory introduction all over India. The same may be said with regard to the Bhajan songs . Speaking from what I saw during my term of office at the Elphinstone College (corresponding to the Presidency Colleges at Calcutta and Madras) where the students come of a cross section of orthodox Hindu families (hailing from different linguistic and cultural regions all over the country), there was far better appreciation of western music at the festive gatherings than of the Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi items painstakingly prepared by the respective languages departments of the College. When asked the reason for this discouraging factor by my colleagues of these departments, the only explanation I could think of was that, attuned as it was to percussion instruments for the most part, Indian music remained where it stood hugging the latter, while Western music, lifting itself by its bootstraps left the percussion stilts behind and advanced to a stage when it could be accompanied by infinitely better instruments like the majestic organ and the violin. Obsolete and archaic, Indian music was the judgment of the youth, out of step with the all-round progress of the age. It was anachronism. But be the explanation what it may, the point I wish to make he introduction of Bhajan songs will needlessly impoverish our liturgy, besides embroiling it with problems with which it should not in the least concern itself. Conclusion

Concluding, I repeat what I said in my welcome address at the AILC Convention at Madras (Souvenir , p. 20) that the Hierarchy is a divine institution. I have nothing but the highest esteem and respect for His Grace Archbishop Henry D'Souza, as successor of the Apostles and member of the Hierarchy. But Amicus Socrates, sed magis amica veritas. He wrote: I had to reply. It is serious injustice to me to say that I distorted his letter, which I took care to publish in full. I entertain high appreciation of the Indian achievement in the realms of philosophy and religion. I am proud and happy to belong to a race which composed the Mahabharata and invented chess - two works which, it has been nobly said, bear in them something of the eternal and the infinite. True, when vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, the post of honour is a private station. But I cannot remain indifferent when I am convinced that with the adoption of the "Twelve Points" the Church will be Hinduized, and eventually sink to the position of a Hindu sect. And I firmly believe that, in willing to be misled in order to preserve our standing with the so-called periti, we - the clergy and the laity, the bishops and all - will be putting ourselves in the unenviable place of the Emperor in the oft-told tale of Hans Andersen "The Emperor's Clothes". Yours respectfully, sd. /- George Moraes

The Agony of Indian Catholics

By Dr. A. Deva, Bangalore [EXTRACT]
A leading Catholic weekly of India recently reported the text of the Holy Father's address to eleven Bishops of India, from the Bengal and North-Eastern region, who were paying their ad limina visit to him. The Holy Father moreover is reportedly receiving each Bishop in private audience at the ad limina visit. I hope that the President CBCI, Cardinal Picachy, who was one of the 11 Bishops, or at least one of the ten Bishops, reported to the Holy Father the true state of the Church in India. Briefly, our agony is our knowledge that, every day, an illicit Mass is performed under the aegis of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). This mass is said in the central teaching institution of the CBCI, the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical centre (NBCLC) , Bangalore. The Centre's Director is Father D. S. Amalorpavadass who is a brother of His Grace the Most Reverend D. S. Lourduswamy, secretary, Sacred Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples, the Vatican. The Director, NBCLC, has made up his own Mass and has named it the "Indian Rite mass" , or the "Mass according to an Indian order". He performs his mass squatting on the floor throughout, even during the Consecration. A Mass or a Mess? I attended the "Indian Rite mass" on May 2, 1979, at the NBCLC. The-participants were loaned a copy each of Fr. Amalorpavadass hand-book for his mass. As described in the hand-book, the laity self-communicate during the "Indian Rite mass", the tray and chalice being passed around by the priest among the squatting laity. Although self-communion under both species is known to occur when the group is smaller, it did not occur at the mass I attended. Apart from that, Fr. Amalorpavadass performed his mass exactly according to the hand-book. He consecrated only one large host, about 18 cm in diameter, as large as a chapatti. He later broke this host into fragments and, at communion, placed a fragment on each communicant's tongue, many fragments and particles remaining on the tray. Towards the end of this mass, a religious sister came forward, took the tray with the particles and fragments, walked to the back of the room and placed the tray on a table there. A perusal of the mass hand-book would leave no Catholic in doubt that the "Indian Rite mass" is illicit. The blasphemy and sacrilege occur when Fr. Amalorpavadass places the consecrated species practically on the floor when he prays to Our Lord at mass with the Sanskrit word "OM" . (OM according to one accepted meaning, is the cry of exultation which the Hindu god, Shiva, and his consort, Parvati, give vent to at the moment of their sexual orgasm), when he squats on the floor and says the words of the consecration, and when he sends the tray containing particles of the sacred species to be placed open on a table at a far corner of the church. The CBCI established the NBCLC in 1967, Fr. Amalorpavadass being continuously its Director. Initially, the "Indian Rite Mass" was said almost in private, the only spectators being the NBCLC staff and the unfortunate lay people, priests and nuns whom their superiors had directed to attend the NBCLC seminars (which are held throughout the year). For the last few months, however, the NBCLC's Director Fr. Amalorpavadass has been advertising his mass by means of hand-bills which his representatives distribute at parish churches on Sundays which reveal that Fr. Amalorpavadass claims Vatican and CBCI approval for his "Indian Rite Mass". This claim is false. A parish priest of Bangalore revealed the falsity of this claim in a letter to Editor of India's national Catholic weekly, the "New Leader", which was published in the April 15, 1979 issue. Fr. F. A. Pinto 's letter follows: Puzzled by Circular Sir, A circular captioned "Indigenous Forms of Eucharistic Prayer and Meditation" is being distributed to the faithful following Sunday Masses in the parish churches in Bangalore by NBCLC, Bangalore. It has also been published in the New Leader of 25-3-1979. We are puzzled by this circular because of the statements made in it. Some of these statements are "The renewal launched by the II Vatican Council includes indigenisation". This statement confuses us because nowhere is indigenisation mentioned in the Vatican II Council documents. Another such statement is

"The renewal includes indigenisation ... in keeping with the incarnation of Jesus Christ..." This looks like a misleading use of the word "incarnation", which may delude simple Catholics, and, the statement itself is without meaning. Another such statement in the circular is this, "Celebration of the Eucharist according to Indigenous forms, approved by the Holy See and the C.B.C.I.'' Readers attention is invited to the issue of the New Leader dated 9-7-78 wherein Bishop Ignatius Gopus letter to the Editor is published. The Bishop clearly points out that the "Eucharist according to indigenous forms" was not approved by the C.B.C.I . The number of Bishops votes for the proposal to introduce this Mass was less than two thirds of the total membership of the C.B.C.I. The proposal, therefore, was mistakenly sent to the Vatican, as having been approved by the Bishops of India, as clarified by Bishop Gopu. Subsequently Cardinal Knox of the Vatican wrote to the Bishops of India requesting them not to proceed with Indianization (see his letter of 14-6-75). The use of the word "indigenous" is also puzzling and may be an appeal to nationalism. We are puzzled more because the Director, N.B.C.L.C. claims the Archbishop of Bangalores approval for the distribution of this circular. Fr. F. A Pinto , Bangalore Church's Misfortune Our agony is due to the lack of any public condemnation, either by the C.B.C.I. or by the Vatican of Fr. Amalorpavadass claim that he has their approval for his mass. (I am convinced, however, that the Holy Father is unaware of the "Indian Rite mass" or of Fr. Amalorpavadass' claim). Many Catholics are astonished at the coming into existence of the "Indian Rite mass". The account I shall give is extraordinary though not complete, and its veracity is fully documented. The virus of the "Indian Rite mass" entered the Church in India in 1966, when a small, influential group of Bishops, priests and laymen began discussions on Indianising the Mass and the liturgy. Periodical meetings were held and it was not difficult, under the banner of "renewal under Vatican II" for this group to obtain cognisance of the C.B.C.I. for the Indianisation idea, C.B.C.I. Cognisance, however, is not the same as C.B.C.I. approval, but, as I shall describe C.B.C.I. approval was ultimately secured by the use of devious methods, the year being 1969. The mistake the Indianisers make is to equate Hindu with Indian and to transfer the religious rites of Hinduism, the living religion of 600 million people, into the Mass and into Catholic liturgy, inevitably, resulting in doctrinal confusion among Catholics, and in Hindus thinking that we at last recognize Hinduism's truth. The idea of introducing Hindu rites into the mass and the liturgy would, have been fruitless without powerful advocacy, but, to the misfortune of the Church in India, just such advocacy did exist in 1969. In that year, the C.B.C.I.'s Chairman of its Liturgy Commission was His Grace the Most Reverend D. S. Lourduswamy, Archbishop of Bangalore, who is a votary of Indianisation (We shall hereafter call this process by its correct name, Hinduisation ). The NBCLC was established in his Archdiocese and he was instrumental in placing his brother Fr. D.S. Amalorpavadass, who is a priest of Salem diocese as director of NBCLC, in 1967. With his assistance, the ideas about Indianisation, referred to, were crystallised and formulated into "12 points ". Please note that the chairman of the sub-committee that selected 12 points has since left the Society of Jesus and priesthood, and married a nun. CBCI Vote was falsified For the 12 points to attain official status, however, they had to receive CBCI approval which meant that the Bishops of India had to vote on them. A substantive matter, like the 12 points, requires at least two thirds of the total number of Bishops to be in favour of it before it can be considered as approved. This rule exists in every Episcopal Conference in the world including the CBCI. A session of the Episcopal Conference is invariably called when any substantive matter affecting the Church has to be discussed. Such a meeting allows each Bishop to have wide-ranging discussions with his colleagues and it would be improper and highly objectionable not to call such a meeting. In the present instance, the proposal for Hinduisation pertained to the Liturgy and the Chairman, Liturgy commission of the CBCI, ought to have called a meeting of the Episcopal Conference, but he did not. He substituted a postal ballot, (and, on the face of it, such a substitution was mala fide). Archbishop Lourduswamy carried out a postal ballot on March 15, 1969, among the 71 Latin Rite Bishops of India, on the proposal to introduce the 12 points into the Mass and the liturgy in India. He instructed the Bishops to vote in one of three ways on the ballot paper he enclosed: either 'placet' (affirmative) or 'non-placet' (negative) or 'placet juxta modum' (giving the explanation for the modus). A proposal to introduce pagan rituals into the Mass and the liturgy is liable to be summarily rejected and many Bishops rejected it. But some Bishops felt the need for consultation with their priests and with the laity which would take several months. But the Chairman, Liturgy Commission, had not made provision for consultation time and by early in April 1969, he was already counting the ballots he received. He has stated that he received only 51 ballots, which would mean that 20 out of 71 Bishops of India did not vote on a matter of crucial importance for the Faith. I am unable to find in the official records any reason why these 20 Bishops did not vote. Had a meeting of the Episcopal Conference been convened even at that stage, it is certain that these 20 Bishops would have voted 'placet', or 'non-placet' or at least 'placet juxta modum'. Did these defaulting Bishops request for an Episcopal Conference meeting to be convened instead of a postal ballot? Did they request Archbishop Lourduswamy for more time for consultations? Did they need any clarification about any aspect of

the 12 points? Did these 20 Bishops ever receive the ballot papers or were some ballot papers lost? Did the Chairman, Liturgy Commission send out the ballot papers under Registered Post, acknowledgement due, and did he receive back the postal acknowledgements from these 20 Bishops? Did the Chairman, Liturgy Commission contact these 20 Bishops by telephone, telegram or registered post to ensure whether their failure to reply meant that they desired to abstain from voting? The replies to these questions would indicate whether or not some Bishops were illegally deprived of their vote. Worse to Follow No responsible person charged with conducting a poll can ignore the votes of 20 out of 71 voters. He would have to abandon the postal method in favour of a meeting of the voters or risk the, validity of the poll being called into question. Yet, the Chairman Liturgy Commission of the CBCI took into account only these 51 votes and declared the result thereon. Worse was to follow. We have the figures of 71 and 51 from Archbishop Lourduswamy. Also from Archbishop Lourduswamy are the voting details. Forty Bishops cast affirmative votes ('placet') in favour of only some of the 12 points. Thirty-four Bishops voted 'placet' for others. None of the 12 points received more than 40 affirmative votes ('placets').

The minimum number of votes required for CBCI approval was 47 (two-thirds of the total CBCI membership of 71) and the 12 Points received only 40 votes. Thus even by the postal Ballot, the CBCI had rejected all the 12 points of Hinduisation of the Mass and the liturgy. All that was required now was for Archbishop Lourduswamy, who conducted the poll, to declare the result. He did declare the result but, whether accidentally or intentionally, he falsified it. Whether at the time, any of the voters i.e., the Bishops of India, objected to the falsification is not known. We do know, however, that, in 1978, one CBCI voter publicly exposed the falsification . In his charity, he does not call it a falsification. He calls it Archbishop Lourduswamy's mistake. He has however, given the widest publicity to this 'mistake' by publishing it in the national Catholic weekly, the New Leader of July 9, 1978 and August 20, 1978. This CBCI voter is Bishop Ignatius Gopu of Visakhapatnam and his letters to the Editor of the New Leader expose the truth. As a result of this mistake, he states, the 12 points have been imposed on the Catholic Church in India. He goes further. He asks for the mistake to be corrected, that is, for the 12 Hindu rites to be removed from the Mass and the liturgy wherever they have unlawfully been introduced. Bishop Gopu's exposure remains unchallenged but the CBCI and its President have not withdrawn the 12 points. I do not know if this failure to act is due to Archbishop Lourduswamys powerful position in the Vatican Curia. The Vatican was deceived Through a 'mistake', the CBCI "approved", in 1969, the introduction of the 12 points of Hinduisation into the Mass and liturgy in India. But CBCI approval was insufficient for the Hinduisation to be officially launched. Vatican approval was also required. But Vatican approval for a proposal can only be sought after the Episcopal Conference concerned has approved of it by a majority of at least two-thirds of its total membership. The 12 proposal had not received a two thirds affirmative vote of the CBCIs total membership. Yet the Vatican was approached for its approval of the 12 points of Hinduisation, Archbishop Lourduswamy himself taking proposal to Rome on April 15, 1969, and himself demonstrating squatting 12-point, Hinduised mass to high Vatican officials undoubtedly after reassuring them that the Bishops of India had already approved this mass. The perusal of the 12 points reveals that they are mostly pagan. The Vatican, with reason, moves very, very slowly on almost every issue, much more so on a substantive issue, like this. Yet incredibly, Archbishop Lourduswamy was able to obtain Vatican approved of the 12 points within 10 days, the sanctioning letter, Prot. N. 802/69 dated April 25, 1969, being signed by Archbishop A. Bugnini, Secretary, Consilium ad Exsequendam Constitutionem de sacra Liturgia, but not by the Consilium President, Benno Cardinal Gut. One reason for the Consilium's quick sanction was undoubtedly their impression that the Bishops of India had already approved of the 12 points, and the Consilium's letter Prot. N. 802/69 opens with the following words, "The Cardinal President of the Consilium, His Eminence Benno Cardinal Gut, has accepted the proposals of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India for certain adaptations in the liturgy, according to articles 37-40 of the Liturgical Constitution Had the Consilium been aware that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India had made no such proposals, they would certainly never have given their approval. Such an approval can surely have no validity. Yet, on this Vatican approval, the NBCLC has plunged headlong into Hinduising the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the liturgy, A comparison of the 12 sanctioned points with the Hand book of the "Indian Rite mass", which has now emerged, shows that the present Hinduisation has far exceeded the Vatican sanction under Prot. N. 802/69 dated April 25, 1969. Within 6 years of this, sanction, the Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for Sacraments and Divine Worship, James Cardinal Knox, felt compelled to issue a direction to the President, CBCI, then Joseph Cardinal Parecattil, under Prot. N. 789/75 dated June 14, 1975, to desist from further Hinduisations. The "Indian Rite mass" is in violation, of Cardinal Knox's direction, as a perusal of the mass hand book shows, and a clearly illicit. Pagan Innovations In their desire to imitate the Hindus, our Catholic Hinduisers have made some blasphemous changes, as was inevitable,

and, because of the Vatican's quick approval, these escaped its attention. The Hindus for instance, observe different modes of obeisance in their temples. One of these in performed by bowing from the waist, while keeping the palms of the hands in contact and at chest level This salutation is known as the Anjali Hasta and is rendered to a minor or junior god (there are millions of gods of different ranks in the Hindu pantheon). In the presence of the highest god the Supreme Being, however, the Hindus obeisance is different. They then prostrate themselves on the floor that obeisance, before the Creator, being known as the Sashtanga Namaskosra. Our Hinduisers succeeded in abolishing genuflection in church (see number 2 of the 12 points). In order to Hinduise honestly, they ought to have replaced genuflection by prostration (Sashtanga Namaskosra). They however replaced it by a mere Anjali Hasta. Our Hindu friends, therefore, see us Catholics equating Our Lord with a minor or junior god of their pantheon. We have made ourselves a source of ridicule to our Hindu countrymen! What is even worse is that ninety per cent of Indian Catholics are aware that the anjali haste is the Hindu salutation to a minor god and dislike having to perform this gesture. They Christianise it as much as they can. They do not bow from the waist but only bend the head. They do not perform the hand movement at all but keep the hands by the side or clasped in front. The result is that Our Lord receives an impious salutation in Indian churches. His children in India salute, Our Lord with a mere nod of the head! The unlawful 12 points have ushered in the paganisation of the Catholic Church in India . One of these points, point number 3, is the Hindu religious gesture, named 'pranam'. This gesture is unique to Hinduism. It has only one meaning, that which the Hindu religious and its 600 million adherents ascribe to it. Our Hindu brethren regularly perform the pranam in their worship. By performing this uniquely Hindu gesture, the Hindu renders his obeisance to all the 300 million deities in the Hindu pantheon. It is incredible, therefore for a Catholic priest to perform such a gesture, but he does, at the commencement of his Mass! Catholics now see their priest perform an idolatrous gesture at Mass. The group of activists, who introduced the 12 points, now tries to explain pranam away by stating that they have given their-own private meaning to the gesture, different from the true meaning! This argument is tantamount to the absurdity of a group of people deciding that, henceforth, they would call elephant a horse! Yet the priests' 'pranam' continues giving offence and scandal to the people. An Illicit Mass I have already stated that the NBCLC's "Indian Rite mass" is illicit, because it far exceeds, in its Hinduisations, even the 12 points of 1969, which alone the Vatican (erroneously) approved. I shall give details of another unauthorised innovation contained in the "Indian Rite mass" and gradually being introduced into the liturgy, in some dioceses of India. I refer to the Sanskrit word, "OM". This word is not found among the 12 points and its use in the Mass or in the liturgy is, therefore, at the very least, unauthorized. James Cardinal Knox, President, Sacred Congregation for sacraments and Divine worship, further, banned the use of any such word by his directive Prot. N.789/75 dated June 14, 1975, addressed to the President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India . The mantra, "OM"; expresses the quintessence of Hinduism, and only a Hindu prays to his god with this word. A Catholic praying to Jesus Christ with this purely Hindu mantra, is either mocking God or he considers Jesus Christ one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon; he is an apostate, even if on the subjective level he is not aware of this. "OM" has somewhat different meanings in the different sects of Hinduism. I have already referred to this word as being the Hindu god, Shiva's, and his consort, Parvati's cry of exultation at the moment of their sexual orgasm. "OM" is also identical with Krishna, the Hindu god, Krishna, says, "I am 'OM'. Bow low and worship me" (see the 'Bhagavad Gita'). A reference to the "Indian Rite mass" hand-book reveals that Fr. Amalorpavadass and his priest disciples repeatedly pray "OM" at their mass. Such a prayer cannot be to Jesus Christ and can only be to Krishna or Shiva or Parvati. To utter this quintessentially Hindu mantra during mass is a crime committed in a church and is a local sacrilege, as long as Hinduism is around us with its own meaning for OM. To perform such a mass before the people could be to induce others to sin and is a scandal of a most heinous nature. So influential, however are Fr. Amalorpavadass and his group, that they, managed to introduce the mantra "OM" to the Asian Bishops at their, Federation's (FABC) meeting, at Calcutta, in November, 1978 (see New Leader, December 3, 1978). During one of the Masses, an Indian religious sister, a disciple of Fr. Amalorpavadass, demonstrated to the Bishops how to intone the mantra "OM" and she falsely implied that "OM" is regularly used by Indian Catholics in their prayers. This bad example was the occasion for much disapproval by the people of the Asian Bishops' action in permitting the quintessentially Hindu incantation, "OM", during their concelebrated Mass. Andhra Bishops True to Jesus I have now to report a glimmer of hope for the people of God. A group of 9 Bishops has now raised the banner of revolt against the Hinduisation of our Faith. The development is a recent one and the 9 Bishops are members of a provincial Episcopal Council of India, the Bishops Council of Andhra Pradesh a region that leads other regions of India in evangelization. This Bishops Council has issued a statement which they have published in the national Catholic weekly, the New Leader , April 29, 1979 . The statement contains instructions on the proper way to say and hear Mass.

The statement is so encouraging that I comment on it in some detail. These 9 bishops jointly state: "At the reading of the gospel, everyone should stand". This direction strikes at the root of the "Indian Rite Mass", because at the "Indian Rite Mass", priest and people squat on the floor, for the whole mass, including the Gospel. Now no priest can perform the "Indian Rite Mass" in Andhra Pradesh province, unless he does so in secret. The Bishops of Andhra Pradesh further direct: "At the Elevation, everyone should kneel". This statement corrects the disrespectful practice of the priest and people squatting on the floor during the Elevation at the "Indian Rite Mass". The Bishops of Andhra Pradesh further direct: "The main celebrant should wear the vestments alb, girdle, stole and chasuble." At the "Indian Rite Mass", the priest wears no Mass vestments. Instead, he wears a saffron-coloured shawl thrown over his shoulders and an "angavastram " draped over the shawl. The "angavastram" is a length of white, starched cloth about a metre long, about 10 cm. wide and about 1 cm. thick, the thickness being due to repeated folding and a starching along its length. It is a part of South Indian male attire. In any event, the priest cannot squat on the floor in a chasuble. By insisting on full Mass vestments, the 9 bishops have in effect, banned the "Indian Rite Mass" from Andhra Pradesh.

The Bishops Council further directs: "The Chalice and Paten and Ciborium should not be passed around, except for the celebrants." This directive corrects the reprehensible practice, at the "Indian Rite Mass", of the priest passing round the tray and Chalice for the people to self-communicate under both species. The Bishops Council next directs: "'OM' should not be used for our liturgical worship." This directive again effectively forbids "Indian Rite Mass" in Andhra Pradesh, because Fr. Amalorpavadass and his disciples keep using the mantra, "OM", during the "Indian Rite Mass". The revolt against the "Indian Rite Mass" by a block of 9 Bishops, though welcome, is a matter of the utmost gravity. The reason is that the NBCLC is a CBCI-sponsored institution, and the Director, NBCLC, daily performs the "Indian Rite Mass" in the NBCLC church. The 9 Bishops being members of the CBCI, a quiet split has clearly occurred in that body on the "Indian Rite Mass" and this is good for it will encourage other Bishops to come out into the open in defence of the purity of Catholic worship. In the delicate stage that the Catholic Church in India has now reached, the position and power of Archbishop Lourduswamy are significant. I have shown that Archbishop Lourduswamy was responsible for the 12 points being introduced into India, by taking the proposal to Rome without proper approval by the CBCI and then erroneously obtaining Romes approval. The priest-director of the NBCLC is Archbishop Lourduswamy's brother. Archbishop Lourduswamy is now Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples as well as President of the Pontifical Mission Aid Society (PMAS) and he has large funds at his disposal. The NBCLC receives annual grants from him. Any single Bishop standing up against the NBCLC's "Indian Rite Mass" has to reckon with the possibility of PMAS aid to his diocese drying up or being reduced. Such retributive action becomes less likely, however, when the Bishops of a whole region of India stand together, as has now happened in the Andhra Pradesh State of the Indian Union. These 9 Bishops, however, are deserving of early and public moral support from their brother bishops as well as from the Vatican, which I hope they will soon receive. Bishops worried by Hinduisation The Andhra Pradesh Bishops have come out in a block against the "Indian Rite Mass". There are other Bishops who are perturbed at the progressive Hinduisation of the Church in India after the 12 points were introduced. These Bishops voiced their misgivings at the last General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, which was held in Mangalore in January, 1978. The Bishops Conference of India was held in Mangalore in January, 1978. The Bishops' discussion on the NBCLC and the liturgy is very revealing. An abbreviated report appeared in the "New Leader", of June 25, 1978 and I shall quote extracts from that paper. Bishop Joe Rodericks of Jamshedpur said, "We have to give an appropriate and satisfying answer to those people who oppose the changes. We have to give these people the necessary information about the working of the Liturgical Commission (of the CBCI), about the 'renewal' movement and about adaptation and Indianisation." Bishop Leo D'Mello of Ajmer wanted the people to be consulted before changes are introduced. He added that the people are troubled about some of the changes.

Fr. Francis Rodrigues of the Conference of Religious India [CRI] asked if there was any authorisation for the experiments that are still going on with the liturgy. Archbishop Raul Gonsalves of Goa wanted a common and the Bishops in all matters affecting "renewal" and adaptation. Archbishop Angelo Fernandes of Delhi wanted that only the Bishops should decide about "renewal" and adaptation. He also wanted diocesan opinion to be obtained before setting up centers for liturgical adaptation. He wanted information to be obtained from Rome about whether we are permitted to carry on the experiments. Bishop Michael Arratukulam of Alleppey was vehement in his stand that all experiments had to stop on September 5, 1970, according the Instruction from Rome (The Third Instruction for the Correct Implementation of the Liturgy). Bishop Thumma Joseph of Vijayawada expressed concern about the confusion caused among the people about the changes in the liturgy. Bishop Alphonsus Mathias of Chikmagalur said that a communications gap was separating them (the Bishops) from the people and this gap should be closed. He wanted the Liturgy Commission (of the CBCI) to get it in writing from Rome whether the experiments are permitted or not. Bishop Patrick Nair of Meerut said that any move for "renewal should originate from the people. He did not want any experiments with the Mass. The Bishops' discussion, above, reveals the extent of their agony at the Hinduisation of the Mass and the liturgy in India. A few Bishop desired that Rome be consulted about whether the paganisation of our Faith can continue or should stop, but, to the best of my knowledge, the CBCI General Secretary Bishop Patrick DSouza of Varanasi has not referred the Bishops' doubts to Rome, as he ought to have done. In fact, matters have gone much worse in the in the 18 months since the 1978 CBCI meeting, and the "Indian Rite Mass" is being blatantly advertised among the people by means of hand-bills. I have to make special mention of the Diocese of Coimbatore, in which the 12 points have been totally banned, from their inception, The Bishop, the late Right Reverend Dr. C. M. Visuvasam has gone on record that he knows the true Hindu meaning of the 12 points and they are unfit to be used in Catholic worship. This Bishop has displayed exemplary courage in standing alone, for all these years, in the face of the cowardly silence of the majority of the more than 100 Bishops of India, the CBCI. Now, he is joined by the Bishops of Andhra Pradesh. This small band of Bishops represent the hopes of the people. Their stand should be brought to the notice of all Catholics quickly. Archbishop Lourduswamys presence in Rome restrains the CBCI from taking action against the NBCLC. Another restraining factor is that Archbishop Lourduswamy's disciple, Bishop Arokiaswamy of Kottar , is Chairman, Liturgy Commission of the CBCI, and the NBCLC works directly under the Liturgy Commission.

Important Clarification
The following is taken from the Diocesan News Letter [DNL], Madurai, of October 1978, No. 195. Readers will be happy that His Grace the Archbishop Most Rev. Justin Diraviam is so concerned about matters of faith and morals. Let us in a special way thank God and pray for His Grace. The Archbishop Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, by the letter dated 23-5-75 (Prot. N. 649/75), in reply to questions submitted by His Grace, Most Rev. Justin Diraviam, Archbishop of Madurai, clarified also certain points regarding liturgical experimentations and the so-called "Indian Masses" (See DNL, June 1975 for the clarification on bination for concelebration). Following are the Questions and the Replies which, as anyone can see, are of no little practical interest:
Q. "Do the norms laid down in n. 1 2 of the 'Instructio Tertia' apply to all experimentations in the Liturgy everywhere? As far as India is concerned, does the Commission of the CBCI for Liturgy or the National Liturgical Centre [NBCLC] have any general authorisation to establish experimentation centres and carry out experimentation whatever they find useful to make the liturgy 'more relevant and creative'? Or can the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, in accordance with n. 45 of the Instruction 'Inter Oecumenici' entrust to its Commission for Liturgy 'studies and experiments to be promoted', without taking into account the provisions on

n.12 of the 'Instruction Tertia?" R. "With regard to experimental centres the conditions and limits under which such centres should operate are set out in Notitiae 5 365-374".

The pages of the Notitiae 1969, referred to in this Reply, contain the decree of the Consilium permitting the Bishops of India to allow, at their discretion, the 12 Points of adaptation of Indianisation' (pp. 365-366) and a "Commentary prepared by the National Liturgical Centre" on each of these points (pp. 366-374). The Reply thus makes it clear that no experimentation on the rites of the Mass other than those mentioned in the 12 points (which are concerned only with the Mass) has so far been approved by the Holy See. Even with regard to the 12 points, it must be noted that the Holy See understood them and approved their conditional adoption in the sense in which they were explained in the said commentary of the National Liturgical Centre. According to this commentary, squatting during the Anaphora is excluded, and is recommended only for the Liturgy of the Word. (Notitiae d. 1969, p.137) And the reason given: "While the padmasana or squatting seems to be the best posture for private prayer, meditation and listening to the word of God, standing seems to be more appropriate for the Anaphora in the context of both Christian and Indian tradition". (ibid. p. 370) From the Reply is also clear that, apart from the 12 points of Indianisation (where they have been allowed by the respective Bishops), all experimentations in the Liturgy in India, as well as anywhere else, are subject to the norms given in n. 12 of the 'Instructio Tertia', which says among other things: "When liturgical experimentation is seen to be necessary or useful, permission will be granted in writing by this Sacred Congregation alone, with clearly defined norms and under the responsibility of the competent local authority ... The liturgical ,changes requested (for experimentation) may not be put into effect while the reply of the Holy See is being awaited. If changes are to be made in the structure of the rites or in the order of parts as given in liturgical books, or if actions differing from traditional ones or new rites are to be introduced, a complete outline and programme of modifications should be proposed to the Holy See before any experiments are begun. Such a procedure is required and demanded both the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium' (on the Liturgy) and by the seriousness of the matter". So, not even the CBCI or its Commission can allow experimentations without the explicit and specific authorisation of the Holy See. And no such authorisation has so far been obtained except for the 12 points.
Q. "Is there one or more 'Indian Masses' (with the introductory rites, anaphora and all) duly approved by the Holy See for experimentation at the National Liturgical Centre with any group anywhere at request?" R. "The situation regarding the Eucharistic Prayer is set out in Notitiae 9 (1973) 77 n. I. The Consilium approved on the 25th April 1969 the proposal of the Episcopal Conference that such a prayer be prepared. The note from Notitiae, of which I enclose a copy, will explain the situation to date".

The answer to this question is, in a general way, included in the Reply to the earlier question. Hence the Anaphora alone, because of its peculiar importance, is dealt with in this Reply. The "note 77 n. 1" in Notitiae 1973 that is referred to in this Reply, shows that the text on an "Indian Anaphora" which was discussed at the General Meeting of the CBCI at Madras (April 1972) did not get the support of the required two thirds majority of the bishops belonging to the CBCI and right to vote (and consequently was never submitted to the Holy See approval). The "note" further pointed out that, according to the letter of the Consilium (25-41969), which welcomed the idea of preparing an Indian Anaphora, "the text of Anaphora,

before being proposed to the CBCI for approval, should have been sent to the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. This does not seem to have been done till now." And the present Reply says that is the situation "to date"(23-5- 1 975). The obvious meaning of the Reply, therefore, is that no Indian Anaphora has ever been even submitted to the Holy See for approval or has in anyway been accepted or "approved by the CBCI. And so, the "New Orders of the Mass for India" published by the National Centre "for private circulation and experimentation and widely used in many communities and groups, both before and after publication, have no authorisation of legitimate ecclesiastical authority and their use is unlawful anywhere, including the National Centre and other "authorised centres of experimentation."

The 12 Points - "May a Mistake be Corrected?"

By an "Observer" The Bishop of Visakhapatnam has sent a letter to the Editor of The New Leader, published on July 9, 1978, which we reproduce below: June 22, 1978 Sir, Will you permit me to add a footnote to the article of Sri B. Rodricks of Pune published [in the] N.L. of 18th June 1978 in respect of liturgical adaptation, especially the 12 points, in the country? As he mentions in the article, the CBCI members were consulted through post on the matter, in March 1969. I beg to furnish the following particulars from the letter of Archbishop Lourduswamy, the then Chairman of the Liturgical Commission. This letter is still in my possession. 1. The then total strength of the CBCI was 71 members. 2. 51 members sent in their replies. 3. It is vaguely stated that the placets were between 34 and 35 (i.e. 34 or 35 Bishops approved the introduction
of the 12 points -Ed.)

For any major decision, a two thirds majority of the house is needed. In this case, this was clearly lacking. Yet an approval was obtained from Rome and the 12 points were imposed on the country
(emphasis added).

This approval is based on a misunderstanding and it continues to be implemented. Even at this late hour this mistakes may be corrected (emphasis added). IGNATIUS GOPU Bishop of Visakhapatnam Bishop's House. Visakhapatnam - 2 Puzzling Apart from His Lordship's observations, there are two puzzling dates which we find in Mr. Rodricks' article (N.L. June 18, 1978). These are 15th April, 1969 and 25th April, 1969. On 15th April, 1969 the approval (given by 34 or 35 Bishops to introduce the 12 points into the liturgy) was conveyed to Rome. On the 25th April, 1969, Rome gave permission for using the 12 points. We sought a confirmation of these dates from the authoritative article written by Mr. F. Jayachandra Raj entitled, "Reply on Liturgical Experiments in India" which was published in the New Leader of 5th March, 1978. The same two dates appear there.

Mr. Jayachandra Raj says ". . . . The result of the voting (by the Bishops) was forwarded to the Consilium in Rome on 15th April, 1969, seeking its approval for the proposal (to introduce the 12 points into the liturgy in India). The Consilium by its Prot. N. 802/69 dated 25th April, 1969, approved the proposals (Prot. No. 802/69 dated 25th April 1969 was published along with Mr. Rodricks' articles, N.L. 18th June, 1978). Permission in a few days Rome thus granted permission in a very short time. Assuming that the letter of 15th April, 1969 reached Rome on 22nd April, 1969, a mere 3 days then remained for the Consilium to consider the 12 points. Three days seem woefully inadequate for this purpose. As an example, one may consider point No. 2 which permits Anjali Hasta, instead of genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament. The Consilium would surely have required to consult one or more Hindu Pandits about what Anjali Hasta means and whether it is an adequate recognition of the presence of God. Anjali Hasta is in essence a profound bow with joined hands. But according to Hindu teaching, the correct form of obeisance to God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, is not Anjali Hasta at all, but the Sashtanga, which is a prostration on the floor. Genuflection, or kneeling as a sign of our faith in, and adoration of God, has been in use by Catholics for hundreds of years. Probably Sashtanga, alone can replace it. A correct decision on this point could not possibly have been reached in three days. Did [the] Consilium apply their mind? As a further example of the impossibility of reaching a decision on the 12 points in the space of a mere three days, one may consider point one of Archbishop Bugninis letter permitting 12 points of (N.L. June 1978, p. 4). Point one states that the priest's posture during Mass may be adapted to local usage, like sitting on the floor. Those who have utilised this permission to squat on the floor and say Mass have made themselves figures of ridicule if not scorn. After offering the "squatting Mass", they proceed to sit on a chair at a table and have a foreign breakfast! The fact is that sitting at a dining table or at a writing table or sleeping on a bed are not foreign customs any longer but Indian. It therefore appears ridiculous, if not blasphemous, to go back to the floor for offering the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass. This fact would have been brought home to the Consilium if they had gone into the 12 points in some depth before according their permission. Grave Aberrations The present seems an appropriate time to mention some of the grave aberrations which are being perpetrated on the plea of experimentation. One such aberration is to remove the Cross from the church and substitute deities from other faiths. Another experiment being "perpetrated" is to place the Tabernacle on a carved pillar, resembling a phallic symbol. Some Catholics may be forgiven for considering experiments like this as bordering on sacrilege. If the Consilium had sought the views of a cross-section of Catholics prior to permitting the 12 points, they would have avoided wounding the religious sentiments of many Catholics. We have not touched on the remaining ten points but we have said enough to show the Consilium would have required, not 3 days or 10 days but several months for adequate consideration of the 12 points. The reader may be forgiven for wondering, whether the Consilium applied their minds to the 12 points before they granted their permission to introduce these points into the liturgy of India, albeit as an experimental measure. Many Bishops are concerned Many Bishops are concerned about the experiments being conducted with the liturgy. Bishop Mathias of Chikmagalur "wanted the Liturgy Commission to get in writing from Rome about whether the experiments are permitted or not" (c.f. page 6, N.L. June 25th, 1978). Bishop Patrick Nair of Meerut "did not want any experiments with the Mass". Bishop Thumma Joseph of Vijayawada "expressed his concern about the confusion caused among the people about changes in the liturgy". Archbishop Angelo Fernandes of Delhi "wanted information to be obtained from Rome about whether we are permitted to carry on the experiments". Bishop Michael Arattakulam of Alleppey "was vehement in his stand that all experiments had to stop on 5th Sept. 1971 as per the circular from Rome." Bishop Leo D'Mello of Ajmer "wanted the people to be consulted before changes are introduced". He added "the people are troubled about the changes". Bishop Joe Rodricks of Jamshedpur said, "We have to give an appropriate and satisfying answer to those people (who oppose the changes). (Extracts from page 6, N.L. dated June 25, 1978)

The reader can form his own impression about the extent to which several Bishops are troubled and disturbed by these liturgical experiments which were permitted by the Consilium in the space of a few days. 20 Bishops failed to respond His Lordship the Bishop of Visakhapatnam in his letter above as well as Mr. B. Rodricks in his article (N.L. June 18th, 1978) state that only 51 Bishops (out of a CBCI membership of 71) responded to the circular of 12th March, 1969, which asked their approval or disapproval of the 12 points. One finds the failure of 20 Bishops to reply incomprehensible. The possibility, of course arises of loss in transit of the circular or of the replies. One wonders whether the 20 Bishops were approached again for their views, by telegram or other means. Negated The issue Bishop Ignatius Gopu raises, of course, negates the action taken by the CBCI, subsequent to the approval of 34 or 35 Bishops. His Lordship says, "For any major decision, a two thirds majority of the total house is needed." The figure of 34 or 35 Bishops falls far short of a two thirds majority of the then CBCI membership of 71. The approval of the Indian Bishops to the 12 points would seem therefore, ab initio invalid. Bishop Ignatius goes on to say that the permission obtained from Rome was based on a misunderstanding' Approval suffers fatal infirmity The CBCI's approval of the points suffers from the fatal infirmity of violating rules governing all major decisions of the CBCI. Since the 12 points were not approved by a majority, they are as His Lordship, says, "an imposition on the country". We venture to suggest that an august body like the CBCI would not suffer by freely acknowledging a mistake. They would enhance their great reputation by taking the remedial action of withdrawing the 12 points. One would like to appeal to the CBCI in the name of lakhs of silent Christians whose religious sentiments are being offended by the 12 points, and one would like to use the identical words of the Bishop of Visakhapatnam, "Even at this late hour, this mistake may be corrected".

The following story cannot be located on the Internet now and I had not noted the date of its publication CCBI Liturgy Commission Releases - A Book on Arathi [Arati]
http://ccbi.in/publications.php SAR news October 2006 The Liturgy Commission of the CCBI has brought out a book on Arathi and the syllable Om based on the research on these two ritual symbols of India, which are adopted here and there in Christian worship in the spirit of inculturation and dialogue . The newly appointed Deputy General Secretary of the CCBI, Fr. Udumala Bala said that he was happy for the release of a new book from the Liturgy Commission of CCBI as relevant and most modern studies in the Spirit of Vatican Council should take place in India. He affirmed that Liturgy includes every aspect of Christian life. When we can rightly adapt having good understanding of the social symbols of the nation in the Indian culture made by qualified people according to the directives of the Catholic Church it will help us to integrate the message of Christianity in the national and social life of the people in a meaningful way. Speaking to SAR News the liturgist, Fr. Jesudhasan Michael, the Executive Secretary of the Liturgy Commission of the CCBI said that his book, 'Worship in the Agamic Tradition of Hinduism' speaks mainly of his studies on the method of adopting Arati in India and the meaning of the Syllable OM in Indian tradition . The book handles objectively with the help of the existing Hindu Literature, the more sensitive and controversial issues in liturgical inculturation in India regarding the use of Arathi and the syllable OM. Fr. Jesudhasan who has a doctorate in Liturgical studies claims that the information on the Agamic Tradition of Hinduism and the description of Hindu Worship, given in this book though not exhaustive is the result of his one man team study of the ancient literature, and his encounter with the experts of Hindu religion. Explaining the reasons for writing the book the priest said that the Vatican document, Sacrosanctum Concilium urged the active participation of the people in the liturgy and the need of adapting the liturgy to the culture and the tradition of the people . The very nature of the liturgy calls for a full, conscious and active participation on the part of the people in liturgical celebration because it is their right and duty by reason of their baptism, it said. To promote the active participation the Council speaks of adaptation of the cultural elements in the liturgy. Acknowledging that the Church has no wish to impose a rigid uniformity in the liturgy it affirms the Church's principle of pluralism, even in the liturgy in matters not affecting the unity of the faith or the good of the whole community. It was this aspect of adaptation that encouraged the Church in India to introduce certain cultural elements and religious symbols into Christian liturgy, the author said.

One of the 12 points of Adaptation approved by Rome for the Church in India was the rite of Arati during the Eucharistic celebration and subsequently this rite was added in the Roman missal for use in India . Taking the cue from this development, there were attempts here and there to adopt the Hindu religious symbol of the syllable OM too in our liturgy .

This booklet tries to look into these two elements from the point of view of Hindu religious worship, as these are two important elements in any Hindu temple worship , said the author. The book does not claim to be exhaustive it is the result of a personal study on the problem of Arati and OM in Christian Worship based on literature and available documents. The booklet also will help to understand the real problems that persist in India in the process of inculturation, said the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Liturgy, the scholar said. The "Om" has already been dealt with in my document MANTRAS, 'OM' OR 'AUM' AND THE GAYATRI MANTRA http://ephesians-511.net/docs/MANTRAS_OM_OR_AUM_AND_THE_GAYATRI_MANTRA.doc I will write an article on the "Arati" shortly, including citations from the above referred book.- Michael

Sacrosanctum Concilium and Inculturation of Liturgy in the Post-Conciliar Indian Catholic Church By Jon Douglas Anderson http://wisc.academia.edu/JonAnderson/Papers/237033/Sacrosanctum_Concilium_and_Inculturation_of_Liturgy_i n_the_Post-Conciliar_Indian_Catholic_Church "Theology and Inculturation in India" Directed Study, SummerAutumn 2009, with Dr. Michael Sirilla [Associate Professor of Theology], Franciscan University of Steubenville
NOTE: ALL USE OF COLOR [GREEN, RED AND BLUE ] FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPHASIS IS MINE MICHAEL THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT . FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE, SEE INCULTURATION OF THE LITURGY AND SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM- JON ANDERSON- AND MY RESPONSE http://ephesians-511.net/docs/INCULTURATION_OF_THE_LITURGY_AND_SACROSANCTUM_CONCILIUM-JON_ANDERSONAND_MY_RESPONSE.doc

The Twelve Points of Adaptation in the Liturgy: In March 1969, The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) approved and then submitted to the Apostolic See a list of proposals "for certain adaptations in the liturgy, according to articles 37-40 of the Liturgical Constitution."1 On April 25 of that same year, in a letter to Most Rev. D. Simon Lourdusamy * , Archbishop of Bangalore and Chairman of the CBCI Commission for Liturgy, the Vatican officially approved the Indian bishops proposals. This document, containing twelve specific requests cum recommendations, is now included in the front matter of the Roman Missal used in India and has come to be known popularly as "the Twelve Points of Adaptation or simply as "the 12 Points." *Jon Anderson does not mention anywhere that the Cardinal is the

brother of the NBCLCs Fr. D.S. Amalorpavadass, the leading protagonist of adaptation- Michael
On behalf of His Eminence Cardinal Benno Gut, this letter was prepared and signed by none other than Archbishop Anniballe Bugnini, C.M., then Secretary of the Consilium ad Exsequendam Constitutionem De Sacra Liturgia, the Vatican body responsible at that time for the Sacred Liturgy, now the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Bugnini, whose intimate involvement in the preparations for and the composition of Sacrosanctum Concilium is well known, has been portrayed by some as a negative force both
1

Letter 851/1971/50, dated 25 April, 1969, from the Consilium ad Exsequendam Constitutionem De Sacra Liturgia to Most Rev. D. Simon Lourdusamy, Chairman, CBCI Commission for Liturgy. Prot. n. 802/69. (The document is included in this essay as Appendix One).

during and after the Council, even as one who presided over the systematic "destruction" of the Roman Rite liturgy. Indeed, Michael Davies, one of the Second Vatican Councils harshest critics and author of Pope Johns Council (the second of a three-volume "expos" of Vatican II) regarded Bugnini as the "villain"principally responsible for the destruction of the Roman Rite liturgy [as] one of the principal architects of Vatican IIs Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium)"That Archbishop Bugnini has destroyed the Roman Rite, [he claimed], is an easily demonstrable historic fact."2 According to Alan Schreck, "Davies also presents what he considers convincing evidence that Bugnini was a Freemason who was banished by Pope Paul VI when this came to light." 3 In the course of my own textual research in India, I was surprised to learn first of this claim from an American missionary priest, who nonetheless proposed a slightly different historical explanation and sequence of events.4 Yet whatever the truth of the circumstances and chronology surrounding Bugninis dismissal from his post in the Vatican overseeing liturgical reforms, it is certain not only that he wielded an enormousperhaps inordinate influence, but also that many have been dissatisfied and even scandalized by the specific changes over which he presided. Given his association with Kulanday*, it is clear that Davies was familiar with these and likewise was among those for whom the so-called "twelve points of adaptation " confirmed their worst fears and deepest suspicions not only of Bugnini, but also of the illegitimacy of the changes thus affected and indeed, of the Second Vatican Council itself. For those adaptations requested by the Indian bishops and approved by the Vatican allowed the implementation of several elements of worship quite foreign to the traditional Latin Rite Mass, however 'traditional' they may be within the context of Indian/Hindu culture, custom, and religious observance . To be sure, their introduction and use has garnered the harshest of criticisms, resistance, and the disgust of not a few traditionally-minded (and often highly-westernized) Catholics within India, as will become clear. But first we must consider what specific adaptations were mandated (or at least allowed) by this momentous and historic document in the life of the Indian Church. *See BOOKS at the end of this article In harmony with their efforts to promote the "full, conscious, and active participation" of the laity, in Sacrosanctum Concilium the Council Fathers insisted that "the revision of the liturgical books must carefully attend to the provision of rubrics for the peoples parts" (SC31). By my estimation, over half of the so-called "twelve points" not only concern "the provision of rubricsfor the peoples parts," but directly address their postures, gestures, and ritual actions during the Mass, as well. [Here, Jon Anderson has reproduced some of the 12 Points of Adaptation, I omit that portion] Clearly, such adaptations of and changes to the Roman Rite liturgy presented a radical departure from the rubrics previously familiar to the faithful (and still widely used both within and beyond India). Evidently, the Holy See neither advocated nor expected their wholesale, widespread implementation, at least not immediately, urging as it did the necessities of measured patience, caution, and discretion (even a measure of invisibility), ultimately leaving the requisite administrative decisions concerning these innovations to the Indian bishops: The above mentioned adaptations can be put into effect by the Episcopal Conference and local hierarchies in places where they see fit and in the degree and measure that they think fitting for the faithful. A catechesis, however, should precede such changes, and if necessary, a gradual implementation could be done.
Michael Davies, Pope Johns Council (Kansas City, MO: Angelus, 1977), 507. Cited in Alan Schreck, Vatican II: The Crisis and the Promise (Cincinnati: Servant, 2005), 6. 3 Alan Schreck, Vatican II: The Crisis and the Promise (Cincinnati: Servant, 2005), 286, n. 11. 4 In a personal email correspondence dated 15 July, 2009, Fr. James Fannan, PIME, wrote to me: "When we looked at the letter from Bugnini (regarding the liturgical changes allowed in India), I do not remember if I told you that at the time people accused Bugnini of being a mason. I asked some people about this in Italy (since it was fresh on my mind) and was assured that this was widely known. When I returned, I checked Yahoo. I used his name for "exact phrase" and then the words "liturgy" and "mason" for "containing the following words." I got hundreds of references. What is clear is that a very kind and charitable Pope, Blessed John XXIII suddenly dumped Bugnini who seemed to be a rising star. Another kind Pope, Paul VI, must have thought that some injustice [had] been done, so he raised him to full responsibility for the liturgy. Then suddenly, while Bugnini was on vacation, his department was merged with another, and he was sent to Iran as nuncio (a huge demotion). Any study of the liturgical changes that occurred under him would be incomplete without some reference to this problem. Of course, there [are] a lot of conservative attacks on him, but there does seem to be some basis in fact, so I thought I would alert you to this."
2

The proposal to compose a new Indian Anaphora in collaboration with experts in different fields is most welcome. When completed, copies should be sent to the "Consilium" for study. It might help if this were not published too much. 5 Amalorpavadass, in his capacity as Director of the NBCLC, composed a pamphlet which provided his commentary on the "Twelve Points of Adaptation."6 It is worthwhile briefly to consider his explanation of those points I have included above. Sitting Posture and Removal of Footwear: As has been noted, inculturated Masses celebrated in India since the approval of 'the twelve points' often find both the celebrant priest and congregation seated on the floor. I encountered this practice typically only in Catholic ashrams, seminaries and formation houses, and at various other institutions of higher education. The removal of footwear, on the other hand, is a nearly ubiquitous (though not quite universal) practice, followed by both clergy and laity alike, not only in institutions such as those just mentioned, but fairly often in parish churches, particularly those of the Syro-Malabar Rite, as well. Only in the relatively prosperous cathedrals and parish churches of large, urban areas did I encounter Roman Rite congregations who did not observe this wellestablished traditional Indian practice. Addressing himself first to the sitting posture prescribed for observance of the Indian rite Mass, Amalorpavadass articulated several reasons for the desirability of following this prototypical Indian custom, appealing not only to its cultural resonance and historical foundations, but moreover to its most favorable psychological and spiritual effects: People sit or squat on the floor (on mats/carpets) in accordance with the Indian posture at worship. In no temple in India, however modern and recent, will one find any furniture. In almost all our Churches in the villages in India there is hardly any furniture. People are accustomed to sitting on the floor. The comfortable posture (Sukhasana) or diamond posture (Vajrasana), or the lotus posture (Padmasana) are considered to be most conducive to prayer and worship in India. For through this posture one holds ones body as a single piece (unification at the body level) almost motionless and erect. It facilitates better breathing and consequently greater concentration. It is most conducive to holding oneself together, and thereby realizing wholeness, and awareness of Gods presence. This is necessary for prayer and full involvement in the worship. Besides, the squatting posture facilitates a greater contact with 'Mother Earth' through which man can enter into communion with the whole universe (cosmos) which is permeated by Gods presence. 7 Concerning the removal of footwear, Amalorpavadass appealed specifically to Exodus 3:5, which narrates the encounter of Moses with God at the so-called 'burning bush' and noted, moreover, that It is a long tradition and venerable practice in India that we enter the place of worship barefoot, out of reverence for and in awareness of Gods presence. This has been the practice of people of all religions in India and this is equally the Biblical tradition.8 Indeed, The New Community Bible*, a controversial edition of the Holy Scriptures published in 2008 which presents notes and study aids with a decidedly inculturated approach to the Bible specific to the Indian context, features a two-page illustration in connection with Exodus 3:5, wherein Moses was instructed to remove his own sandals: The LORD said to him, 'Do not come near. Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.'

*Jon and I discussed this New Community Bible during his visit to my residence in August 2009. This ministry had led a campaign to have it recalled by the CBCI because of its many unacceptable commentaries. The Exodus 3:5 issue was one of them, see** and 17 other related reports. The matter was taken by us to the Holy See. The campaign was apparently successful. The Bible was withdrawn by the CBCI and its commentaries revised by its publisher, St. Pauls.
5 6

Letter 851/1971/50, op. cit. (See Appendix One). D. S. Amalorpavadass, "The 12 Points of Adaptation in the Liturgy and Their Commentaries." (Bangalore: National Biblical, Catechetical, and Liturgical Centre, 1981). 7 Ibid, 2. 8 Amalorpavadass, "The Twelve Points," op. cit., 1.

** NEW COMMUNITY BIBLE 01-A CRITIQUE

http://ephesians-511.net/docs/NEW_COMMUNITY_BIBLE_01-A_CRITIQUE.doc The pen-and-ink illustration depicts Moses kneeling before the 'burning bush,' staff in hand, with his untied sandals prominent in the foreground. On the page opposite, a stylized and imaginary skyline featuring silhouettes of a Hindu temple, a Muslim masjid or mosque, a Sikh gurdwara and a gothic church spire towers over a variety of footwear, implying their having been left at the portals of the respective houses of worship. A more striking illustration of this quintessentially-Indian religious observance is hard to imagine.9 When failing to remove their footwear at church, it seems only too likely that some Christians in India must surely make their non-Christian neighbors wonder at their lack of reverence and perhaps even question the sanctity of their houses of worship. Use of the Anjali Hasta: The 'anjali hasta' is a gesture commonly used throughout India as a means of greeting, conveying honor and profound respect for the one toward whom it is directed. Often, it is combined with a Hindi greeting, "Namaste," which communicates a humble acknowledgement of the presence of the divine in the one thus greeted. It is performed by joining the hands, palms together, either on the forehead or in front of ones breast, and is nearly always accompanied by a more-or-less deep bow at the waist. Amalorpavadass claims that "this practice was recommended by the CBCI as early as October 1966."10 In describing its deeper significance, he suggested that both hands signify the totality of ones person. The total gift of oneself, as englobed in ones joined hands and placed on the noblest part of the body (the crown of the head, or the foreheadthe focal point, or the inner eye) is a beautiful gesture of adoration. This gesture has already been in practice in the oriental rites of India. (Genuflection is a custom, derived from the Roman Court or feudalism).11 This assertion of the feudal origins of the familiar genuflection has often been reiterated by others, by whom it is seen as a culturally-relative importation from the west, and therefore not an obligatory practice. Indeed, it seems fair to characterize this as one of the elements of the liturgy which, as Sacrosanctum Concilium article 21 makes clear, is susceptible of change. Yet the positive assessment of the 'anjali hasta' provided by Amalorpavadass has by no means been shared by all. Some critics, such as Kulanday, are not only suspicious of its Hindu origins, but object specifically to its use as a means of conveying respect toward the presence of Christ in the Eucharist or the Tabernacle in lieu of what he called "the age-old" custom of the more common genuflection. Indeed, Kulanday argued, in his aforementioned petition to His Holiness Pope John Paul II, that Anjali haste is done in Hindu religion ONLY to minor gods and goddess[es] and NOT to the ALMIGHTY Creator. For him it is a total prostration called Sashtangam[wherein] the worshipper fully prostrates [himself], his forehead and limbs touching the ground. So, when Hindus see Catholics just folding the palms and worshipping the Holy Eucharist, they take it that ONLY A MINOR GOD IS WORSHIPPED BY THE CATHOLICS (emphasis in original).12 Whether or not Kulanday was correct in his judgment of the 'anjali hasta' as a gesture which conveys merely a moderate respect appropriate for minor deities within its Hindu context, his suggestion that Hindus would make such an assessment of Catholic worship and devotional practice based solely on their use of the 'anjali hasta' seems, at best, questionable. Nonetheless, one can certainly recognize and appreciate his intention to preserve
Bombay Saint Paul Society. The New Community Bible (Mumbai: St. Pauls, 2008), 92-3. A detailed commentary follows: "On pages 92 and 93 are two pictures, each one being the completion of the other. Together they are a meditation on Exodus 3:5. The artist is inviting us to join the meditation against the background of the multi-religious and multi-cultural context of India. In asking us to take off our sandals, Scripture is telling us that every place or manner in which God manifests himself is sacred and, therefore, every religion is deserving of our respect, even if we do not accept all of their cultural and social wrappings. As Mahatma Gandhi said, Respect for other religions helps us to understand our own religion better. This concept is perfectly in keeping with the mind of the Church. A few of the pronouncements of the Second Vatican Council and subsequent teachings of the popes are given below to help in the meditation of the devout Catholic." Following this statement are quotes from Nostra Aetate, Vatican IIs 1965 Declaration on Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions; from Evangelization of the Modern World by Pope Paul VI; from Dialogue and Mission, a 1984 document from the Secretariat for Non-Christians; and from Ecclesia in Asia, Pope John Paul IIs address delivered during one of his own visits to India in 1999. 10 Amalorpavadass, "The Twelve Points," op. cit., 1. Amalorpavadass himself cites the Report of the CBCI Meeting, held in Delhi, October 1966. 11 Ibid. 12 Kulanday, op. cit., 164.
9

a distinctive mode of worship and honor reserved for the presence of God alone. Indeed, acknowledging the profound importance of "bodily attitudes," we should carefully consider precisely what degree of honor, respect, and devotion is conveyed even to those outside the faith by the adaptation of local customs and gestures. Prostration or Panchanga Pranam: A full prostration similar to the 'Sashtangam' mentioned by Kulanday, 'panchanga pranam' is a profound gesture of homage utilizing "five organs of the body."13 The third among the 'twelve points of adaptation' mentions its permissibility "before the liturgy of the Word, as part of the Penitential rite, and at the conclusion of the Anaphora." Once again, Amalorpavadass explained the gesture in detail: In Anjali hasta, homage with two organs of the body is the basic gesture of homage or greeting. Panchanga Pranam is a more significant gesture. Sitting in Vajrasana (i.e. on ones heels) one touches the floor with ones forehead and both palms. The hands may also be joined in the gesture of anjali hasta or kept on both sides of ones head, downwards or upwards.14 Not surprisingly, Kulanday was no fonder of the panchanga pranam than he was of the anjali hasta. Favorably citing a converted Hindu priest who shared his views and "a learned Monsignor" who was the editor of a traditionalist newsletter, The Examiner, Kulanday quoted a letter to the editor which posed the following rhetorical question: Mr. Parmanand clearly showed that anjali haste which is now introduced in the place of genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament is really a gesture used by Hindus to worship their gods or devas like Ganesh, Lakshmi, Hanuman, etc. By replacing the genuflection with an anjali haste, Catholics therefore are now being asked to give Our Lord the same worship which is given to Ganesh and Lakshmi etc., which is simply ridiculous. Mr. Parmanands contention is that only a gesture like Sashtanga pranama (involving all parts of the body) would do justice to the Supreme Being. Are Catholics prepared to do this instead of genuflection?15 Clearly, at least for Amalorpavadass and others who advocated the adaptation of Indian and Hindu ritual practices into the liturgy, the answer was a resounding "Yes." Substituting the Anjali Hasta for the Kiss of Peace: Kulandays objections to the use of the 'anjali hasta' gesture to convey respect for the Blessed Sacrament had yet another aspect, which I find to be the most compelling of his arguments. As has been mentioned, he noted the common use of 'anjali hasta' in certain forms of Hindu puja or worship, on account of which he felt it to be inappropriate for Catholic devotion to the Eucharist. Yet Kulanday also noted the recommendation, contained in the fifth of the 'twelve points,' that the kiss of peace (often replaced in the post-conciliar era by the common handshake) "could be given by the exchange of the anjali hasta and/or the placing of the hands of the giver between the hands of the recipient." If this gesture was appropriate for greeting ones peers, Kulanday reasoned, how could it possibly convey the profound honor, respect, and devotion which the Eucharist must surely command of the faithful Catholic? In a sarcastic rhetorical flourish, comparing the profound reverence typically exhibited by Hindus and Muslims with what he perceived as a lack thereof amongst so-called 'inculturated' Indian Catholics, Kulanday exclaimed that by doing the same anjali haste to worship the Holy Eucharist it is obvious that the design is to denigrate the sacredness of the Holy Eucharistpoint five proves that anjali haste is a common form of salutation among people. Therefore, a respectful and external form of sacred worship worthy of the Holy Eucharist has to be used. If full prostration is not very practical, as least one could bend both knees and bow low, as bending on one knee is condemned as feudal and western by the Hinduisers. Muslims fall on both knees and bend their heads low and pray five times a day; Hindus fall on both knees and worship. Only the Hinduised Catholic nods to his God! 16 Use of Arati in the Mass: The traditional practice of 'arati,' another "Indian * form of homage," is most typically performed by the waving of an open flame before individuals, objects and images worthy of reverence, respect, and/or worship.
13 14 15 16

Amalorpavadass, "The Twelve Points," op. cit., 4. Ibid. Kulanday, op. cit., 165. Ibid, 165-6.

Because of its prominent and ubiquitous use in inculturated Catholic liturgies, Amalorpavadass took particular care to highlight the multivalent symbolic significance of fire and its uses in worship: After the community is reconciled/purified it becomes aware of the presence of the Lord. This presence of the Lord is symbolically expressed by the lighting of the lamp. Through the rite, the community is made aware of the illuminating presence of God in their midst. Lamp/flame, though a created object, is a sign of God. In Biblical tradition too, Light/fire is a special sign of God.17 *'Hindu' is the right word. Describing the oil lampa symbol truly ubiquitous in Indian spiritual life, from Hindu temples to the family household, as well as one used for centuries in very many Indian churchesand the touching of the flame (something borrowed directly from Hindu ritual practice and adapted for use in inculturated Indian Catholic liturgies), Amalorpavadass again was at pains to describe their symbolic efficacy and fittingness: [The oil lamp] is an auspicious symbol of the presence of God and as such it is always used for all social and religious functionsGreat care should be taken to see that the flame does not go off due to wind or lack of oil. The lighting of the lamp is done by going round the lamp keeping it always on ones right. As the celebrant touches the flame, the community from the place where they are seated (for the sake of convenience) extend their hands towards the lamp and bring their palms towards the eyes or forehead as a sign of acceptance of Jesus Christ as their light. It is not worship of the lamp of Flame/Fire but worship of God symbolized, signified by it. In the Incarnational economy one cannot have communion with God except through signs, and the signs are many.18 In my personal experience at several Catholic ashrams, the flame was, in fact, brought to each individual worshiper so as facilitate his or her actual touching of the flame. In any case, Amalorpavadass here does well to highlight the Incarnational (and thus necessarily physical) nature of Catholic worship, which not only lends itself naturally, but actually demands the engagement of the senses with material symbols of the power, presence, and activity of God. Once again, however, despite the insistence of Amalorpavadass that Catholics most certainly do not worship the fire, Kulanday sees no redeeming quality in such a practice, accusing those promoting it of inappropriately introducing foreign rituals and illegitimate pagan deities into Catholic liturgy: Fire Worship: This is done also as a part of the Mass. A temple lamp is lighted wick after wick, offering it flowers etc. and the priest worships the fire in the Hindu way: touching the flame with the tips of his fingers and then brings his fingers to his eyes! [The] congregation is also asked to worship in the same manner. Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims NONE worship the fire EXCEPT the Hindus to whom Fire (Agni) is a god. And now the misled Catholics of India also do. Aarathi: This is a superstitious practice to wave lighted camphor along with flowers etc. at a person to ward off evil or the effects of evil eyes. Aarathi is a Hindu goddess * and the invocation is to her. In the Indian mass the celebrant is welcomed with a ceremony based on goddess Aarathi. 19 *I dont believe that there is any truth in this claim Clearly, Amalorpavadass held in high regard objects such as the oil lamp traditionally used in Hindu temples and elsewhere, gestures such a the anjali hasta and ritual practices such as arati, "studying them with sympathy" and finding in them an opportunity to "respect and foster the genius and talents" of the Indian people in the spirit of Sacrosanctum Concilium article 37, whereas Kulanday regarded these same elements of worship as being "indissolubly bound up with superstition and error," appealing to the self-same article of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Surely, the juxtaposition of these passages within the same article, to which appeals have been made on one hand by advocates and on the other hand by opponents of liturgical adaptations, underscores both the widely divergent uses to which they have been put and the overriding importance of their proper interpretation and implementation. It also highlights again the absolute need for a "competent territorial ecclesiastical authority" to adjudicate such disputes. Kulandays objections notwithstanding, Amalorpavadass introduction of arati into his 'Order of Mass for India' included not only the waving of fire, but also of flowers and incense . He noted that all three may be used
17 18 19

Amalorpavadass, "The Twelve Points," 4. Ibid. Kulanday, op. cit., 163-4.

separately, but are used simultaneously or in conjunction only when worship is thus being offered to God alone. In one passage of his commentary, he described various forms, contexts and uses of the practice of arati: Arati of flowers (garlanding, placing flowers around, showering petals and waving a tray of flowers with incense stick or oil lamp in the centre). Arati of incense (in an Indian bowl meant for it). Arati of fire/flame (with oil or camphor). [Performing] all three together is called Maharati and is done to God alone. It is done by waving the above from left to right three times before the person/object to whom/which homage is done keeping the person/object always on ones right hand side. There are four signs of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist: a) The gathered community; b) The president of the liturgical assembly; c) The Word of God (the lectern and lectionary); d) The Eucharistic Species (the altar); To all these Arati is done and homage paid at different moments during the Eucharistic celebration.20 Although he makes no reference to it herein, Amalorpavadass assertion of Christs fourfold presence in the Eucharistic liturgy echoes Sacrosanctum Concilium article 7, which likewise renders explicit this important liturgical truth: [Christ] is present in the Sacrifice of the Mass not only in the person of his minister, 'the same now offering, through the ministry of priests, who formerly offered himself on the cross,' but especially in the eucharistic speciesHe is present in his word since it is he himself who speaks when the holy scriptures are read in the Church. Lastly, he is present when the Church prays and sings, for he has promised 'where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them' (Matthew 18:20) (SC 7) (emphases added). As Christ is present during the Eucharistic liturgy in all of these forms, it is particularly appropriate, given the underlying logic of the 'Order of Mass for India,' that some form of arati should be offered to each of them, and that the most reverential form the Maharati should be reserved for the Eucharist itself. We learn from the commentary of Amalorpavadass that this is precisely the case. He explains that there are, in fact, just such ritualized gestures offered to each:

To the Celebrant-PresidentPushparati with a tray of flowers (with a burning wick or incense stick place in it) is offered to the priest as he reaches the sanctuary after the bhajan singing (prior to arati he may be given the tilak* with sandal paste and kumkum); [later] the celebrant receives the tray of flowers and does arati to the community, another sign of Jesus Christ; [during the Liturgy of the Word there is] double homage to the Bible [which] as a container of Gods Word is now given homage with flowers (garlanding) and with incense. Incensing is done by waving it three times in the form of a circle around the Bible. Garlanding a person as a sign of respect and welcome is a typically Indian gesture; [finally, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist] the Maharati or the triple arati of flowers, incense, and fire is done to the Eucharist as the whole tray is lifted up by the celebrant. At the end of the doxology, the community does Panchanga Pranam as a sign of identification with Jesus Christ in his total self-oblation to his Father and his brothers and sisters. The celebrant himself prostrates (Sashtanga Pranam) which is the greatest form of self-surrender and oblation.21 *See BINDI OR TILAK MARK ON THE FOREHEAD-INDIAN OR HINDU? http://ephesians-511.net/docs/BINDI_OR_TILAK_MARK_ON_THE_FOREHEAD-INDIAN_OR_HINDU.doc Evaluation of and Reflection on Postures, Actions, Gestures and Bodily Attitudes: The use by Indian Christians of traditional customs such as the removal of footwear and rites such as arati may reflect what Rev. Dr. Paul M. Collins, an Anglican priest and Reader in Theology at the University of Chichester, has called "unintentional inculturation." His discussion of this factor in relation to worship is inevitably set against the background of a shared cultural and ritual heritage. An instance of such shared heritage in India is manifested in the tradition of greeting visitors or people of particular significance on a given occasionthe use of garlands and flowers to welcome and honour visitors or particular individuals, and also the use of a sacred flame waved in front of such persons, the rite known as aarti.

20 21

Amalorpavadass, "The Twelve Points," op. cit., 3. Ibid, 3, 5, 6.

One of the issues facing the practice of contextualization/inculturation in India is the attribution of some rites to high caste praxis or to those who favour political or religious 'saffronization.' Undoubtedly an evaluation of rituals in relation to social standing and power-play is crucial. Howeverit is an over-simplification to attribute aarti to Brahminical practice. The reception and interpretation of rites and ceremonies from any shared heritage is an intricate and complex undertaking, which may require the discernment of local usage in relation to local or wider power dynamics or other external influences.22 There is, without doubt, a wide variety of and significant variance across India in the use of such rites of welcome. What is important is to recognize that the adoption and/or adaptation of arati by some Catholics is more cultural than religious (though it is certainly appropriate for use in religious contexts) and that, due to its nearly ubiquitous use by Indians across the social spectrum, the rite cannot be ascribed either a high-caste, Brahminical status or attributed to a religio-political agenda of "saffronization", "Hinduization," or "Paganization," Kulandays pejoratives notwithstanding. Whatever objections may be raised against Amalorpavadass form of the 'Order of Mass for India' (and have been raised by detractors such as Kulanday), one cannot but admire the genuine reverence which such sustained ritualized gestures convincingly convey, even to non-participant observers, let alone the profound meaning they must surely hold for faithful participants and, perhaps above all, for the celebrant himself. Regardless of the Hindu or otherwise non-Christian origins of some ritualized practices adopted and adapted for use in such inculturated liturgies, the 'language' of Indian postures, "actions, gestures and bodily attitudes" speaks clearly: Christ is present in the Mass (in multiple ways); Christ is lovingly, adoringly and reverently worshipped because truly, Christ is God. Whereas some post-Vatican II liturgies in the west have devolved into overly-active 'festivals,' wherein there is often too little emphasis on solemnity, too little "real [or] actual participation," and too few opportunities for reverent silence, the spiritual contemplation and proper interiorization promoted by the inculturated Indian Mass developed and disseminated by Amalorpavadass has avoided these pitfalls. On the contrary, the very postures, "actions, gestures and bodily attitudes" thus utilized promote at once a physical relaxation and attentiveness, together with a certain psychological and spiritual quietude and receptivity to the mysteries conveyed in the Mass.

D.S. Amalorpavadass
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._S._Amalorpavadass EXTRACT Duraiswami Simon Amalorpavadass (15 June 1932 25 May 1990) was a third-world theologian who played a vital role in the renewal of life and mission of the Roman Catholic Church in India, particularly after Vatican II. He was fluent in French, English and Tamil. Father Bevans, in a paper presented to celebrate 30 years of Evangelii Nuntiandi, writes that Amalorpavadass was one of the two special secretaries on the Synod of Bishops for 1974 convened by Pope Paul VI which took up the theme "Evangelization in the Modern World" who proposed an interpretation that took into account many of the important movements in Asia and other parts of the Third World. His ideas revolved around a greater role for the local church and the emergence of the theology of liberation. Amalorpavadass was a member of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians (EATWOT). Amalorpavadass founded the National Biblical, Catechetical, and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bangalore. He was the Director from its inception in 1966 till 1985. While Amalorpavadass was in Mysore, he founded a Christian ashram* and named it "Anjali Ashram"* and served as an Acharya-Guru for many seekers till his death in 1990. Appraisal: Matthew N. Schmalz, Associate Professor, College of the Holy Cross, North America: .....the Indian Theologian D. S. Amalorpavadass had the most decisive influence on the inculturation movement. Empowered by the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and a variety of indults ad experimentum, Amalorpavadass envisioned an experimental Indian rite mass that would supplant the imported Roman or Latin rite. Though not approving Amalorpavadass' most radical reforms, the Vatican issued "12 Points of Adaptation ," which allowed a variety of accommodations to Indian culture in the Latin rite mass: Priests dressed in ochre robes characteristic of renunciants, and the Bible and the Eucharist were honored through offerings of flowers and incense. Amalorpavadass envisioned these adaptations as bridging the gap between Catholic and Indian identities. Moreover, such adaptations were designed to embrace Indian culture and nationhood. Amalorpavadass and many Indian bishops hoped that Catholicism would no longer be seen as foreign but as very much a part of the Indian nation. Criticism:
22

Rev. Dr. Paul M. Collins, Christian Inculturation in India. Liturgy, Worship and Society Series. (Aldershot, Hampshire, UK: Ashgate, 2007).

There was resistance to the experimental deeds of Amalorpavadass towards inculturation of Catholicism into the Indian context. Matthew N. Schmalz points out that many Indian Catholics resisted inculturation . South Indian Catholics took Amalorpavadass to court to stop the experimentation since they believed that these adaptations threatened their own distinctive identity. Further, majority of North Indian Catholics who were Dalits felt that the inculturation methods were Brahminical. *The Catholic ashram movement is New Age. See my report CATHOLIC ASHRAMS http://ephesians-511.net/docs/CATHOLIC_ASHRAMS.doc

Inculturation in India
http://jputhen.blogspot.in/2009/08/inculturation-in-india.html EXTRACT By Fr. Joseph Puthenpurakal, SDB, August 27, 2009 The role NBCLC (National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre), Bangalore, has played over the years deserves a special mention here because of the sustained effort it made in the area of inculturation particularly under the guidance of its founder-director Fr. D.S. Amalorpavadass [or Fr. Amalor, as he was affectionately known]. The All India Seminar of 1969 to implement the teachings of the Second Vatican Council gave a good start for inculturation. Fr. Amalor spoke, wrote and animated through various programmes like seminars and courses in NBCLC and in the different parts of the Church in India. He highlighted "important areas of inculturation such as spirituality, worship, ministry and catechesis, theological reflection, cultures and proclamation" thus underlining the all embracing role of inculturation. Fr. Amalor also pointed out the three chronological dimensions of inculturation: it is oriented towards the future, it is involved in the reality of the present and is rooted in the cultural heritage and religious traditions of the past (The Contemporary Theologians, Bangalore: ATC, 2006, 18). He also affirmed that from an "anthropological perspective inculturation is an encounter and interaction between the Gospel and culture on an equal footing and in a dialectical process of reciprocity and mutual respect" (Ibid.). Amalor was instrumental in proposing a creative and inculturated Mass for India which finally ended up in the 12 points of adaptation (Ibid., 19) for the creation of an Indian Liturgy.

BOOKS
THE GOLDEN SHEAF- A COLLECTION OF ARTICLES DEALING WITH ECCLESIASTICAL ABERRATIONS http://ephesians-511.net/docs/THE_GOLDEN_SHEAFA_COLLECTION_OF_ARTICLES_DEALING_WITH_ECCLESIASTICAL_ABERRATIONS.doc THE ONGOING ROBBERY OF FAITH- FR P K GEORGE SJ http://ephesians-511.net/docs/THE_ONGOING_ROBBERY_OF_FAITH-FR_P_K_GEORGE.doc THE PAGANIZED CATHOLIC CHURCH IN INDIA- VICTOR J F KULANDAY http://ephesians-511.net/docs/THE_PAGANIZED_CATHOLIC_CHURCH_IN_INDIA-VICTOR_J_F_KULANDAY.doc

REPORTS
INCULTURATION OF THE LITURGY AND SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM- JON ANDERSON- AND MY RESPONSE http://ephesians-511.net/docs/INCULTURATION_OF_THE_LITURGY_AND_SACROSANCTUM_CONCILIUM-JON_ANDERSONAND_MY_RESPONSE.doc LOTUS AND THE CROSS- THE HINDUISATION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN INDIA http://ephesians-511.net/docs/LOTUS_AND_THE_CROSSTHE_HINDUISATION_OF_THE_CATHOLIC_CHURCH_IN_INDIA.doc