Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi. Loosely translated: āThe norm of prayer governs the norm of belief; the norm of belief governs the norm of living.ā Many priests nowadays (including myself) are asking, āWhat if thereās deficient lex in the orandi? Wonāt that diminish the credendi and vivendi?ā
Iāll summarize here the very many conversations Iāve had with numerous priests from across the country. These are faithful priests with a zeal for souls. Precisely because they are good shepherds, theyāve found themselves becoming increasingly bewildered and heartsick. Their pain now follows a predictable pattern. Their anguish and discouragement spikes on weekends, when they must offer Masses with their congregations. Why?