Spain: Bishops’ Conference, rebroadcasting of celebrations, the guidelines out now

The Bishops’ Conference of Spain has presented the document with the “Guidelines on the rebroadcasting of Eucharistic celebrations”, worked out by the Episcopal Commissions on Communication and Liturgy and approved at the Plenary Assembly held from 20th to 24th November. The text explains that any rebroadcasting of Eucharistic celebrations by radio, TV or through the Internet must be conditional on the prior authorisation of the diocesan bishop. “The Bishop is responsible for ensuring the celebration of the Eucharist is flawless, in the interest of the people of God who are entrusted to him. In particular, the Bishop must make sure the celebrations are held in a dignified way, in compliance with liturgical rules, and sermons are carefully and excellently prepared, since rebroadcasting them means that anyone, in any corner of the world, can misuse them”, the document says. On a broader level, it points out that rebroadcasting can help those devotees who for some serious reason cannot attend the celebration of the Eucharist, but it adds that watching a broadcast celebration can by no means replace the active attendance thereof. Even though the Bishops mainly speak about Mass, such guidelines apply to other celebrations and liturgical services too.
Valentina Bombelli