Priest Presides Over Novus Ordo Rubber Boat Eucharist

Father Josef Reisenhofer of Hartberg parish, Graz Diocese, Austria, presided a July 11 Eucharist at the shore of lake Greinbach. For the sermon, he rowed onto the lake in a bright yellow rubber boat.

The songs played were banal and profane, and the liturgical texts free-style. At the alleged consecration, Reisenhofer said “Take and drink from it, all of you, this is the cup of love, my blood poured out for you, for all, for reconciliation and peace. Celebrate again and again, so that you do not forget my love.”

The Eucharist was broadcast by Austrian state television. In October, Graz diocese finally reacted saying that Reisenhofer was allowed to continue abusing the Novus Ordo in his church and on the Internet but may no longer be broadcast on television.

Reisenhofer defended his show: “A mass must be celebrated, not read. Otherwise the spark isn't pass on.”

A diocesan spokesperson explained that Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl did not want his diocese to appear like a "free radical" which could damage Krautwaschl's reputation in the Vatican and worldwide - which makes clear what is most important to him.

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