Controversy for how a woman celebrates the word in the absence of presbyter

The way in which a woman designated by the bishopric of Tuy-Vigo presided over a celebration of the word has unleashed a controversy in Spain.

Almudena Suárez, to whom the Galician diocese authorized to direct the celebration of the word in the absence of a presbyter, appeared in some images broadcast on television in which it is placed in the presbytery after the altar and from there, with open arms, he addresses the group of faithful congregated in one of the churches that have been entrusted.

The way in which the cameras show how the function contradicts some of the indications of the Directory for Sunday celebrations in the absence of presbyterthat at point 40 points out that the layman should not use the presidential headquarters or placed in the presbytery, and that the altar only serves to place the consecrated bread before communion.

In the video the woman appears after the altar, in presidential attitude, which has generated confusion with what is the celebration of a mass.

Avoid “all confusion” with Mass

In 1988, the Congregation for Divine Worship, today Dicastery, published Board of Directors to respond to the reality that “not always everywhere it is possible to achieve a full celebration on Sunday.”

It states that, “among the forms found in the liturgical tradition, when it is not possible to celebrate the Mass, the celebration of the Word of God is greatly recommended, which according to the circumstances can be completed with the Eucharistic communion.”

Among other warnings, the document requires that “carefully confusion between meetings of this genre and the Eucharistic celebration,” indicates that “the layman who guides the participants will behave as one among equals” and details that “it will dress in a dignified way of his ministry, or will take the clothing eventually established by the bishop.”

On the use of the altar and the presbytery, it is added: “It will not use presidential headquarters, but rather prepare a headquarters outside the presbytery. The altar, which is the table of sacrifice and the Pascual Convite, use only to deposit the consecrated bread, before the distribution of communion.”

Authorized since 2004

On September 1, the Diocese of Tui-Vigo published the usual parish priest designationsin which he included authorization to Almudena Suárez Calviño “to direct the celebration of the word in the absence of presbyter (adapt)” in seven parishes.

Asked by ACI Prensa for the appointment, sources authorized by the bishopric said that “no more than confirming the authorization that the bishop at that time, Monsignor José Diéguez, gave Almudena Suárez in 2004, has been done for the celebration of assemblies in the absence of presbyter.”

They added that the authorization was carried out “after evaluating their degree of training”, which according to the bishopric includes a degree in Biological Sciences and Religious Sciences and a master’s degree in social doctrine of the Church, by the Pontifical University of Comillas.

“Since then, Almudena has been performing this function in accordance with current regulations,” said the same sources.

The Diocese of Tui-Vigo is loud of the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela and, since last year, its bishop is Mons. Antonio José Valín. Of the 159 diocesan priests, 89 are retired and 66 active. But they must attend 275 parishes, which is difficult despite the collaboration of the 47 religious presbyters.

ACI Press contacted the Diocese of Tui-Vigo to speak with the Liturgy delegate, but replied that “it is not available.”

An interview with Almudena Suárez was also requested, but from the bishopric they ensure that “this topic already begins to interfere with his work as a teacher and his personal life.”