Although celebration of Mass "facing the people" from behind a free-standing altar has become the norm in this country and throughout the world, there has been a growing interest in the option of celebrating Mass facing "liturgical east" with the people. An unbiased reading of the current rubrics would indicate that, in fact, this is the normative orientation of the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer. Yet the mere suggestion often meets with a vehement and negative reaction from many priests. They seem to equate this with a return to everything that they consider was "bad" in the pre-conciliar Church.
It should be made clear from the beginning, therefore, that those of us who advocate the ad orientem option are NOT calling for a return to the ceremonial of the Tridentine Rite (though most of us have nothing against this ancient and venerable form of the Roman Rite). A Novus Ordo Mass celebrated ad orientem would not look like a Tridentine Mass, where the entire liturgy — including the readings — was said facing the altar. Rather, the priest would turn his back to the people only during the Preparation of the Gifts and the Canon itself. In other words, during those parts of the Mass specifically directed toward Almighty God. The entire Liturgy of the Word, the concluding rite, as well as several shorter dialogues would be celebrated at the ambo, the chair or in front of the altar facing the people.
It is not my purpose here to explain or defend this practice (the following articles do that admirably). I only wish to express the hope that discussion will continue on this topic, and that this legitimate liturgical option be given the respect it deserves.
Below, are links to some recent articles on this subject. Anyone with an open mind should find them interesting and thought-provoking.
[Re]Turn to the East? — Cogent arguments for the ad orientem position.
Bishop's decree raises questions — A balanced and respectful response to Bishop Foley's recent legislation.
Celebration of Mass ad orientem in a parish setting — How one priest actually got this going in his parish.
Statement by The Saint Joseph Foundation on Bishop Foley Decree — This is an external link to the Una Voce site (which has some other information concerning this matter)
The sources for these articles are indicated on their respective pages. They are provided here solely for private, educational, non-commercial use.