In Part II of the Eucharistic Conference on 12 July 2024, Ms. Corrinne May pointed out a common occurrence in many Churches today; the breaking into a rousing applause for the musician or choir, in which she herself experienced first-hand as a Church pianist back in Los Angeles.

Recognising that there are moments in certain liturgical celebrations when applause is welcomed, although not explicitly called for; in the ordination of a priest, there is a point at which the congregation is invited to give its approval to the candidate, she reiterated that fundamentally, music during Holy Mass, whether sung by the choir or by the congregation, is not a performance. It is meant to glorify God and sanctify the faithful. It is a form of prayer and should draw those present into deeper contact with the Lord, citing the late Pope Benedict XVI:

“Whenever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of the liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment.”

She further emphasised that the orientation during Holy Mass is profoundly symbolised by a common worship posture towards the Crucifix. Pope Benedict XVI himself was a strong advocate for placing a large, visible crucifix on the altar, and Pope Francis has maintained this tradition as well.

Pope Benedict explained, “It is not necessary in prayer, and more than that, it is not even appropriate to look at one another reciprocally; much less so when receiving Communion... In an exaggerated and misunderstood implementation of ‘celebration toward the people,’ in fact, the crosses at the centre of the altars were removed as a general norm - even in the basilica of St. Peter in Rome - so as to not obstruct the view between the celebrant and the people.

... However, the cross on the altar is not an impediment to sight, but rather a common point of reference. It is an ‘iconostasi’ that remains open, which does not impede being mutually in communion, but is a mediator and still signifies for everyone the image that concentrates and unifies our sight.”

All of us are invited to reflect on the wisdom of our late Holy Father.