The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to “abstain” from inappropriate clapping during the holy mass, emphasizing that the Eucharist serves as both a “joyful celebration and a remembrance of Calvary.”
In a Lenten message issued by Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, Ash Wednesday—which opens the season of Lent—gives us a good occasion to reflect on the value and importance of sobriety, silence and self-restraint in the pursuit of holiness of life.
“In particular, let us review the practice of applauding in the Church whether within the liturgy or after its celebration,” the former CBCP president said.
He cautioned that clapping during the service, “if not addressed promptly, can detract from the authentic significance of Christian liturgy and worship.”
Villegas said clapping at Mass, “if not nipped early, can rob us of the true meaning of Christian liturgy and worship.”
“Who would have clapped at Calvary? Would the Blessed Mother and John the Beloved have clapped?” Villegas said.
“The breaking of the Bread is a commemoration of the violent death that the Lord went through. Who claps while others are in pain? It is pain with love; yes, but it is still pain,” he said.
The archbishop particularly urged priests to refrain from using applause to keep their parishioners alert and awake during the homily.
Villegas emphasized that a “well prepared, brief, inspired and inspiring” homily “has a longer lifespan than intermittent clapping as you preach.”
If there was a need to give a post-communion message, he discouraged the naming of particular persons or groups who the parish wished to appreciate for their work or donations made to the Church.
Villegas also stressed that Lent has a somber and calm aura, the altar decors are restrained, and the musical instruments are subdued.
“We fast from pleasure and restrain our appetite. Let us add more abstinence to this sober season,” he said.
“Let us abstain from applause in Church. May this abstinence from clapping flow over into the other days of the year,” Villegas said.