Steps toward Liturgical Propriety

On this feast of Pope St. Gregory the Great, it is necessary to honor the memory of this great reformer of the Catholic Church.  Since his greatest contribution (among many) was in the area of liturgical life, it is well that this post should have that focus, too.

In our modern church, we are overrun with liturgical reform.  Some reforms are excellent; others are the result of poor understanding of liturgical theology; in the worst cases, some reforms have added an element of "performance" where there should be none.  The problem, then, is that few people have the catechetical knowledge that is necessary to understand which reforms are good, and which are bad.

At last, there is change on the horizon!  A return to proper liturgical principles is being wrought by the Holy Spirit in our Church!  Such a transformation will come not only through a revised English translation of the Roman Missal (due to be implemented sometime in 2009), but also through wonderful liturgical scholarship and catechesis in parishes and dioceses throughout the country.

The links below should give readers some context for the forthcoming transformation. 

Liturgical Norms: Our Keys to Spriritual Nourishment, Evangelization and Unity by Mary Anne Moresco provides clear perspective on what the faithful receive from the liturgy.  The gifts passed on to them through the public actions are diminished and even removed when the rubrics are modified to suit "personal preference."

Catholic World News Report: "Vatican Approves New English Translation for Mass" is a straightforward commentary on the first changes that will be implemented.  Quite simply: the new translation will be more faithful to the original Latin text than the translation currently in use.  The minor, but noticeable changes will bring American Catholics more perfectly into communion with Catholics who worship around the world.

Catholic World News Feature Story: "Vatican Directive: 'YAHWEH' Inappropriate for Liturgical Use" seeks to help readers understand why certain words and actions should not be a part of our liturgical life.  Holy Mother Church, infinite in Her wisdom, always desires that the souls of the faithful should be protected from pride and arrogance.  The directive that is discussed here is one such example.

Pray that liturgical propriety will soon return to the Catholic Church.  Pray that the Liturgy will once again lead Catholics into a fruitful spirituality.

God bless! 

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