During a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on January 6, 2006, Benedict XVI invited a woman and her daughter to bring the Offertory gifts, above.

Before taking the chalice, the Pope gave the woman a caress-blessing, below. This seems to be the introduction of a "new sacramental" by Ratzinger that is open to interpretation: it is not certain whether he is giving just a caress, or a blessing that includes a collateral caress.

In either case, Benedict XVI continues John Paul II's habit, so convenient for Progressivism, of having women on the Altar. It accustoms Catholics to their presence there, opening doors for the establishment of women priests.

According to the Sacred Scriptures (1 Tim 2:12; 1 Cor 14:34-5), women should not have a place of prominence in the church.

Correctly interpreting these passages and reflecting a centuries-old tradition of modesty, the Code of Canon Law of 1917 by St. Pius X and Benedict XV formally forbade women to be acolytes at Mass or have access to the altar (Canon 813, # 2).