Numerus concelebrantium
Numerus concelebrantium

Summary/Abstract: The concelebration of Mass restored in the Latin Church by the Constitution on Divine Liturgy (no. 57–58) was initially permitted only in specific situations. One of the requirements was for the Bishop or his Delegate to preside. In the process of concelebration rite preparation the Congregation for Divine Worship attempted to determine the permitted number of concelebrants. However, in Ritus servandus, published in 1965, we can only find information that the number of concelebrants is dependent on the particular circumstances in which concelebration is taking place, such as the size of the presbyterium. Ritus servandus indicates that the concelebrants need to surround the altar, at the same time not obscuring the view for the faithful. Currently, the concelebrated Mass can be presided by any presbyter. This form of Mass celebration has become ordinary practice and is advised when there are many priests and there is no need for individual celebration for the sake of the faithful. In recent years a tendency to limit the number of concelebrants can be noticed.

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