Henceforth, the Congregation for Divine Worship (CDW) will not play the role it does now in preparing liturgical translations, but will largely limit itself to approving – or withholding approval – the texts prepared by bishops’ conferences.
Read MoreCardinal Robert Sarah’s call for “liturgical reconciliation” between the Extraordinary Form and Ordinary Form of the Mass, and my comment upon it in these pages, generated a quick, thoughtful, and mostly negative reaction from the EF community. The responses are noteworthy.
Read MoreCardinal Sarah wrote in favour of the “mutual enrichment” of the two forms of the Roman Rite, a phrase of Benedict XVI’s arguing that both forms have riches that would enhance the other if incorporated.
Read MoreThe joint statement doesn’t say that the Orthodox will recognize Catholic baptisms as valid as a general principle, but commits the Coptic Orthodox to “seek sincerely” not to re-baptize. It is a clear step in the recognition of common baptism and momentous for that reason.
Read MoreNearly every Catholic parish and diocese across the land speaks of “weekend Masses” – the anticipated Mass on Saturday evening along with the Masses offered on Sunday. The concept of “weekend” is not a Christian one, but its complete cultural adoption by Christians has weakened a key pillar of discipleship – keeping the Lord’s Day holy.
Read MoreThe Edicule in Jerusalem marks what used to be a grave, but has long ceased to be: “Here He does not lie…” As the angel said that first Easter morning: “He is not here.”
Read MoreLent gives us two solemn feasts, St. Joseph and the Annunciation of the Lord. Both fell in the last weeks of March, and it is likely that a majority of Canadian parishes did not celebrate both of them; a great many likely celebrated neither.
Read MoreOn Lenten Sundays, Catholics might wonder why the Gospel readings are so long. They are long because they are intended to be a biblical course on baptism, preparing for which is the purpose of Lent.
Read MoreWhy do Catholics — and to be sure, other Christians, especially of the Eastern traditions, both Catholic and Orthodox — readily consider Lent to be the most spiritually fruitful time of the year?
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