To the Editor:
Fr. John Kiley's continuing ambivalence toward the post-Vatican II Church is seen once again as he erects a false dichotomy between the Mass as sacrifice and as celebratory meal. (The Quiet Corner, May 8, 2008).
Leaving aside his puzzling remarks about the "mumbled Latin" of the pre-Vatican II Mass, which somehow facilitated the "silent adoration of the devout," Fr. Kiley goes on to bemoan contemporary "priest(s) and people who offer the Mass simply as an exercise in fellowship."
Surely he knows that the adverb "simply" creates a red herring, and that, doubtless unintentionally, he manages to libel "priests and people" everywhere, who in my experience bring to Catholic worship reverence, devotion – and relevance.
William F. Reilly, Ph.D.
Providence
