Open Letter to EWTN

Two changes I think would greatly improve your evangelical efficacy.

1. "Oreint" your televised masses, e.g., televise the Hanceville Mass daily. From the removed position of the television observer it is most compelling to look at a priest praying the Mass toward God. To see him saying Mass toward the people is a bit embarrassing and is unappealing, not quite obscene. Mass facing the people is much like the emperor without his clothes. We can do that much better.

2. Do not tolerate bad preaching. Your friars are not orators. They are usually doctrinally sound, but they are not even fair preachers. Only televise the most effective preachers. Hire the best preachers you can find for your televised Masses, which you have done in the past. Even have the preacher come in for the sermon and not stay for the Mass.

N.B. On a related point, priests are also allowed to attend Ordinary Form Masses "in choir," without themselves con-celebrating. That is not a privilege reserved for prelates. It is very moving to see priests praying, as priests, at the Mass of another priest.

These two practices should not be forbidden, and they would make much more sense with televised audiences.

The Church is indeed a field hospital. In such a scenario, why forbid what the Church permits? We must try to stop the hemorrhaging, by all means! including traditional means!

P.S. 3. I would also add a third point. Please fix the broken cross on top of the Hanceville Shrine. It looks hokey.😊