Only Priests May Celebrate Mass
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VATICAN CITY — Pope John Paul II’s Holy Thursday encyclical included a stern reminder that only priests can celebrate Mass.
John Paul II expressed concern about parishes that are without priests. But while he said it is “praiseworthy” that nuns or laity in these communities lead the other faithful in prayer, only priests can celebrate Mass.
The pope also warned against loose interpretations by those hoping to foster closer relations among various Christian denominations.
He ruled out as “unthinkable” the practice of substituting obligatory Sunday Mass with celebrations of prayer with Christians from other faiths “or even participation in their own liturgical services.”
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