We had the American priest for mass again. He made us call out “promise-bridge-freedom” during the sermon. Several times. We called out lustily because we knew he wouldn’t stop until we had made enough noise. But our tone was distinctly doleful. For the creed, he made us say “absolutely” as he read out each line in turn. Priest: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” Pause. Cringe. Congregation: “Absolutely”. And so on.
That is so weird. I grew up in the States and none of our priests made us do that (they ere all extremely traidtional). Of course most of them were straight from Ireland…or were Bostonians so Irish descendants…
Power corrupts. And the power to infantilise your congregation corrupts … altogether now … absolutely.
“Totally” or even “totes” would have been better.
Well, Ellani, this man is a Bostonian, so I suppose he’s one of our own. I just think that over the years, it was the more enthusiastic Irish people who emigrated to America.
MT, amen to that.
Lesley, the horror!
Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?
Oh very good Michael. Will save that up for when he appears next.