As we consider these photos (courtesy of The Eponymous Flower) of a “Beer
Tent Mass”, let us review a few items from Christus
Dominus, Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (my emphases):
Christus Dominus, Paragraph 2:
… Christ gave the
Apostles and their successors the command and the power to teach all nations,
to hallow men in the truth, and to feed them. Bishops, therefore, have been
made true and authentic teachers of the faith, pontiffs, and pastors through
the Holy Spirit, who has been given to them.
Christus Dominus, Paragraph 15
…Therefore bishops are the principal dispensers of the
mysteries of God, as well as being the governors, promoters, and guardians of
the entire liturgical life in the church committed to them.
They should, therefore, constantly exert themselves to have
the faithful know and live the paschal mystery more deeply through the
Eucharist and thus become a firmly-knit body in the unity of the charity of
Christ. "Intent upon prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4),
they should devote their labor to this end that all those committed to their care
may be of one mind in prayer and through the reception of the sacraments may
grow in grace and be faithful witnesses to the Lord.
As those who lead others to
perfection, bishops should be diligent in fostering holiness among their
clerics, religious, and laity according to the special vocation of each. They
should also be mindful of their obligation to give an example of holiness in
charity, humility, and simplicity of life. Let them so hallow the churches
entrusted to them that the feeling of the universal Church of Christ may shine
forth fully in them...
