Why did we move our National & Papal flags from the sanctuary at OLQP?

The origin of the display of the American flag in many parishes in the United States appears to have its origins in the offering of prayers for those who served during the Second World War (1941-1945). At that time, many bishops and pastors provided a book of remembrance near the American flag, requesting prayers for loved ones – especially those serving their country in the armed forces – as a way of keeping before the attention of the faithful the needs of military families. This practice has since been confirmed in many places during the Korean, Viet Nam and Iraqi conflicts. In the past, the US Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy has encouraged pastors not to place the flag within the sanctuary itself, in order to reserve that space for the altar, the tabernacle, the ambo and the presidential chair. The USCCB and diocesan guidelines generally discourage National/Papal flags in the sanctuary due to liturgical focus, suggesting places like the narthex (entryway) instead, to avoid distracting from worship. God Bless!

                                  Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti