Pope Leo XIV Highlights Liturgical Training in Oregon
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of adhering to liturgical norms during a message sent to a gathering in Oregon. The event, which takes place from August 14 to 19, is organized by the Dicastery for Divine Worship…
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of adhering to liturgical norms during a message sent to a gathering in Oregon. The event, which takes place from August 14 to 19, is organized by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments at the Benedictine Abbey of Mount Angel.
As Cardinals, Bishops, and laypeople convened in Oregon, Pope Leo expressed his support for discussions centered around the liturgical formation of the faithful. His message was directed to Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Prefect of the Dicastery, and underscored the need for ongoing education in liturgical practices. This meeting aims to define practical proposals to enhance the Church's liturgical life in response to themes raised in Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Desiderio Desideravi, which explored the beauty and depth of liturgical theology.
The gathering seeks to encourage dialogue within a monastic community. Pope Leo noted that the ideal outcome of such formation should not only create a specialized group of liturgical experts but should also nurture an “inner disposition of all the People of God.”
In his address, Pope Leo highlighted the Sunday Eucharist as a vital opportunity for liturgical education. He explained that these celebrations should reflect the centrality of the Paschal Mystery and contribute to a deeper understanding of the “ars celebrandi.” He articulated that through participation in Sunday Mass, Catholics are formed both by and for the liturgy.
Pope Leo recalled his recent catechesis series during Wednesday General Audiences, which focused on the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium. He stressed the necessity for those preparing the divine mysteries, particularly priests, to remain faithful to the rites established by Pope St. Paul VI and Pope St. John Paul II.
He concluded by stating that a deep respect for liturgical norms ought to stem from humility and fidelity to ecclesial unity. Additionally, Pope Leo entrusted the Oregon meeting to Mary, Seat of Wisdom, offering prayers for the participants' spiritual discernment regarding the Church's sacred liturgy.
