Applause is not appropriate inside the church. For
example, consider these quotations...
"Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of
some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has
totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment."
(Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI)
"It is not fitting that the servant should be applauded in
His Master's house." (Pope St. Pius X)
"...let him admire in silence: there is none to prevent
him... Even the heathen philosophers - we hear of their discoursing, and nowhere
do we find that noisy applause accompanied their words: we hear of the Apostles,
making public speeches, and yet nowhere do the accounts add, that in the midst
of their speeches the hearers interrupted the speakers with loud expressions of
approbation... Christ spoke publicly on the Mount: yet no one said aught... I do
not rob those who wish to be applauded: on the contrary, I make them to be more
admired. It is far better that one's hearer, having listened in silence, should
by his memory throughout all time applaud, both at home and abroad... Nothing so
becomes a Church as silence and good order. Noise belongs to theatres, and
baths, and public processions, and market-places: but where doctrines, and such
doctrines, are the subject of teaching, there should be stillness, and quiet,
and calm reflection, and a haven of much repose." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor
of the Church)
Look
here for a related flier which may contain the above quotations ('Applause
in Church?')
Reminder: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views.
All applicable items may be subject to change at any time without notice. Utilize any link(s) appearing on this page at your own risk.
For more terms information, see "Important Notice" below.
|