Bishop at Priest Jubilee
The Bishop’s Participation at a Priest’s Jubilee
The dubium asked whether it was licit for a Bishop to concelebrate at the jubilee Mass of one of his Priests, ceding the role of principal celebrant to the Priest celebrating his jubilee. The Congregation determined that this is not licit. While it is certainly appropriate for the jubilarian himself to function as the principal celebrant, the role of the Bishop in this case is to preside, and the norms found in the Ceremonial of Bishops, Chapter 3, no’s 175-185 (Mass at which the Bishop presides but not as Celebrant), should be followed. The norms also permit that the bishop may participate "in choir" as described in the Ceremonial at no. 186: "If the bishop does not preside… he should participate in the Mass wearing the mozzetta and rochet, and at some suitable place other than the bishop’s chair (cathedra)."