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| Duccio, "Apostle Simon" |
RS 142-145 are concerned with Eucharistic Congresses and Eucharistic Processions for the purpose of promoting the adoration and Eucharistic piety of the faithful. The bishop is to lay down regulations governing how they are carried out. RS 143 recommends that Processions through the public streets be held wherever it is possible in the judgment of the bishop. It mentions these, especially in reference to the Feast of Corpus Christi. RS 144, acknowledging that procession cannot happen in all places, still cautions against the tradition being lost. It encourages seeking new ways of having them suited to the local conditions.
RS Chapter VII: Extraordinary Functions of the Lay faithful.
This chapter has prefatory paragraphs followed by four sections: 1) extraordinary ministers of holy communion (EMHC); 2) Preaching; 3) Particular Celebrations in the absence of a priest; 4) Those who have left the clerical state.
Before we dive into the specifics of this section it’s worth asking what it has to do with the security of the MBS. We’ve seen that the custody of the MBS is principally the responsibility of the priest. Nullo did indicate that a certain delegation was possible. But the priest remained ultimately responsible. Insofar, then, as a layman must handle or keep custody of the MBS, these paragraphs apply to him.
RS 146: This chapter’s opening paragraph emphasizes that there can be no substitute for the ministerial priesthood. It refers to the functioning of Christ within a community as its head as an exercize fulfilled sacramentally by the priest. It reminds that only the priest confects the sacrament of the Eucharist.
RS 147 speaks of the circumstances where the needs of the Church and the lack of ministers may require laymen to supply certain liturgical offices. This work is carried out according to the norm of the Church’s law. RS 148 mentions the important role of catechists in spreading the faith.
