It is always interesting to observe how influential papal practice is. A few years ago, the use of six altar candlesticks upon the altar was barely seen, let alone the altar cross or a seventh candle for the Ordinary, but since the Pope has begun to renew these practices in his own liturgies, many have taken his lead. Be it small parish churches or pontifical liturgies, ever more frequently is it being found, all lending itself to a re-orientation of our focus within the Mass, and seeding the ground for a renewal of our tradition of
ad orientem liturgicum.
Recently for the Feast of Christ the King, Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong held an outdoor Mass where this arrangement was seen.
While there are a couple of minor adjustments that could be made to enhance this particular arrangement even moreso, it is a good start, particularly in temporary circumstances, and very encouraging to see these developments continue to spread.
