Beginning from October 24, the Yomiuri Shimbun is now serializing columns by Archbishop Joseph Pittau, former president of Sophia University. His view on the Second Vatican Council reflects that of many bishops in Japan. The Archbishop praises almost everything introduced by the Council.
For example, in a most recent column dated October 31, the Archbishop appraises the idea of inculturation taking the example of kneeling in Japan. He writes the situation before the Council. When a woman in kimono knelt, her legs would be exposed but it was also done in Japan. He explains kneeling is a custom in ancient Rome, and it was introduced to Christianity.
His stay in Japan spans more than 40 years, but he still cannot understand the customs in Japan as well as other Japanese bishops who also explain that kneeling is not a Japanese custom. In fact, kneeling has been also a Japanese custom. But due to their misunderstanding, kneeling is replaced by bowing in liturgy.
On the contrary, the late Maryknoll priest, Fr. James Hayatt who started Kokoro no tomoshibi (The Light in Heart) movement in Kyoto had a completely different view on kneeling he wrote:
It is said that kneeling is not a Japanese custom. Indeed, it may not be Japanese but it is also neither European nor American. Kneeling before the Holy Eucharist is a Catholic custom. It is a very important Catholic practice beyond all nations. Bowing is a greeting between people. When you cross before the tabernacle, to Our Lord Jesus who exists in the Holy Eucharist, you shall not greet Him just like as man but adore Him as the Almighty God. It is a pity not kneeling before the Holy Eucharist. I think it a great loss for the Catholic Church in Japan.
Unfortunately, Archbishop Joseph Pittau is now an adviser to Catholic Action Fellowship Association, a "conservative" Catholic group in Japan. As long as he leads the association, it is almost impossible to openly attend the Tridentine Mass at any diocesan church in Japan.
For example, in a most recent column dated October 31, the Archbishop appraises the idea of inculturation taking the example of kneeling in Japan. He writes the situation before the Council. When a woman in kimono knelt, her legs would be exposed but it was also done in Japan. He explains kneeling is a custom in ancient Rome, and it was introduced to Christianity.
His stay in Japan spans more than 40 years, but he still cannot understand the customs in Japan as well as other Japanese bishops who also explain that kneeling is not a Japanese custom. In fact, kneeling has been also a Japanese custom. But due to their misunderstanding, kneeling is replaced by bowing in liturgy.
On the contrary, the late Maryknoll priest, Fr. James Hayatt who started Kokoro no tomoshibi (The Light in Heart) movement in Kyoto had a completely different view on kneeling he wrote:
It is said that kneeling is not a Japanese custom. Indeed, it may not be Japanese but it is also neither European nor American. Kneeling before the Holy Eucharist is a Catholic custom. It is a very important Catholic practice beyond all nations. Bowing is a greeting between people. When you cross before the tabernacle, to Our Lord Jesus who exists in the Holy Eucharist, you shall not greet Him just like as man but adore Him as the Almighty God. It is a pity not kneeling before the Holy Eucharist. I think it a great loss for the Catholic Church in Japan.
Unfortunately, Archbishop Joseph Pittau is now an adviser to Catholic Action Fellowship Association, a "conservative" Catholic group in Japan. As long as he leads the association, it is almost impossible to openly attend the Tridentine Mass at any diocesan church in Japan.
