Peace to the Hizzay

Well the Apostolic Exhortation's out and I must say, I feel exhorted already, although I've only had time to skim it in the baldest fashion.

One paragraph in particular caught my eye.

Even so, during the Synod of Bishops there was discussion about the appropriateness of greater restraint in this gesture, which can be exaggerated and cause a certain distraction in the assembly just before the reception of Communion. It should be kept in mind that nothing is lost when the sign of peace is marked by a sobriety which preserves the proper spirit of the celebration, as, for example, when it is restricted to one's immediate neighbours (150).

Bracing stuff for one who's waged a lonely war against the excesses of the sign of peace as celebrated at Notre Dame. Hugging absolutely everyone you may have met in the chapel while discussing your weekend is perhaps less than respectful of the body and blood of Christ physically present on the altar.

Here's footnote 150:

150) Taking into account ancient and venerable customs and the wishes expressed by the Synod Fathers, I have asked the competent curial offices to study the possibility of moving the sign of peace to another place, such as before the presentation of the gifts at the altar. To do so would also serve as a significant reminder of the Lord's insistence that we be reconciled with others before offering our gifts to God (cf. Mt 5:23 ff.); cf. Propositio 23.

Way to go Benny. He may have to stick around for a few more years.