The way that Catholics worship has changed over the centuries, but one of the most noticeable differences is the direction that the priest faces during the Mass. Until the 1960s, most Catholics worshipped Ad Orientem, Latin for “toward the East”, with the priest and congregation facing the same direction during the liturgy. This ancient custom honored the resurrection of Christ and anticipated his coming in glory, as the East was seen as the symbol of light and life.
However, after the Second Vatican Council, a major reform of the Catholic Church in the 1960s, many churches adopted the practice of facing the people, called ad populum, in contrast to ad orientem. This change was not mandated by the Council or any official document, but rather emerged as a result of liturgical experimentation and adaptation. The idea was to make the Mass more accessible and participatory for the faithful, and to emphasize the communal aspect of the Eucharist.
But what was lost in this transition? And why are some Catholics today rediscovering and reclaiming the ancient practice of ad orientem? In this article, we will explore the historical and theological significance of ad orientem, and the reasons why some Catholics prefer it over ad populum.
The origins of ad orientem can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity, when the first churches and cemeteries were built along an East-West axis whenever possible. The oldest Christian church discovered in the world, the house church at Dura-Europos in Syria, dating from the early 200s, was found with its altar touching the wall, facing East. Churches were constructed throughout history in this same fashion, with the altar (whether against the wall or not) oriented toward the East.
The reason for this orientation was not only geographical, but also theological. The East was associated with the rising sun, the dawn of creation, the resurrection of Christ, and the hope of his second coming. As the prophet Malachi foretold, “But for you who fear my name, the sun of justice will arise with healing in its wings” (Mal 3:20). The East also represented the Garden of Eden, the original paradise, and the direction from which Christ will return, as he said, “For just as lightning comes from the east and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Mt 24:27).
By facing the East, the priest and the people expressed their common faith and orientation toward Christ, the true Sun and the source of all life. They also acknowledged their pilgrim status on earth, and their longing for the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God. The Mass was not a dialogue between the priest and the people, but a prayer of the whole Church to the Father, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit.
The practice of ad orientem was not exclusive to the Catholic Church, but was also shared by other major religions. Muslims pray towards Mecca, the holy city where Muhammad received his revelation. Jews pray towards Jerusalem, the holy city where the Temple of God stood. Even in the Old Testament, the sacrificial lambs were offered facing God, as a sign of worship and atonement.
The change from ad orientem to ad populum occurred gradually and unevenly after the Second Vatican Council, as some churches were renovated or rebuilt to accommodate the new orientation. The Council itself did not prescribe or prohibit any particular direction for the liturgy, but left room for adaptation and inculturation. The main document on the liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, stated, “The rites should be distinguished by a noble simplicity; they should be short, clear, and unencumbered by useless repetitions; they should be within the people’s powers of comprehension, and normally should not require much explanation” (SC 34).
Some liturgists and theologians interpreted this as a call for a more horizontal and human-centered approach to the Mass, where the priest would face the people and engage them in dialogue and interaction. They argued that this would foster a sense of community and participation, and reflect the nature of the Church as the people of God. They also claimed that this was more faithful to the original practice of the early Christians, who celebrated the Eucharist in their homes around a table.
However, these arguments have been challenged by other scholars and experts, who have shown that the historical and theological evidence does not support the claim that ad populum was the norm in the early Church. On the contrary, they have demonstrated that ad orientem was the universal and apostolic tradition of the Church, and that it expressed the true meaning and purpose of the Mass. They have also pointed out the negative consequences of ad populum, such as the loss of reverence, mystery, and transcendence, and the increase of clericalism, activism, and distraction.
In recent years, some Catholics have rediscovered and reclaimed the ancient practice of ad orientem, and have found it to be a source of spiritual renewal and enrichment. They have experienced a deeper sense of awe and wonder, a greater focus on Christ and his sacrifice, and a stronger bond with the universal Church and the saints. They have also witnessed the benefits of ad orientem for the priest, who is able to pray more fervently and humbly, and to lead the people more effectively and faithfully.
The practice of ad orientem is not a matter of preference or taste, but of fidelity and reverence. It is not a rejection of the Second Vatican Council, but a fulfillment of its authentic spirit and vision. It is not a return to the past, but a way to the future. It is not a divisive or controversial issue, but a common and sacred heritage. It is not a hindrance or obstacle, but a help and a blessing. It is not a problem or a challenge, but an opportunity and a gift. It is not a question of facing the people or facing God, but of facing God with the people.
Relevant articles:
– “Ad Orientem” Explained – Corpus Christi Watershed
– Why is ad orientem worship so controversial? – Catholic World Report
– Ad Orientem: Let’s Face It – Clarifying Catholicism