Biblical formation and liturgical formation are each essential for fostering the liturgical reform the Second Vatican Council encouraged, Pope Leo XIV advised in a Nov. 17 address to diocesan liturgical pastoral workers participating in a Pontifical Liturgical Institute course.
The course, according to the Pope, aligns with the institute’s mission.
“As the Holy Father Benedict XVI hoped, it continues its service to the Church with enthusiasm, in full fidelity to the liturgical tradition and to the reform desired by the Second Vatican Council, according to the guidelines of Sacrosanctum Concilium and the pronouncements of the Magisterium,” he said. “On the other hand, initiatives such as this serve to implement the formative missions set out in the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis gaudium, such as the formation of ministers and the faithful to prepare them for their service in pastoral care and liturgy.”
Dioceses and parishes should provide biblical and liturgical courses for the faithful to learn more about the theological aspects of the liturgy, according to the Pope.
Referencing Sacrosanctum Concilium, Pope Leo added that the institute “could qualify [such courses] to help particular Churches and parish communities to be formed by the Word of God, explaining the texts of the weekday and feast day Lectionary, and also to continue a Christian and liturgical initiation that helps the faithful to understand, through rites, prayers and visible signs, the mystery of faith that is celebrated.”
He advised directors of liturgical pastoral offices to be aware of the formation of lectors and ensure that those who regularly lector “are thoroughly prepared.”
“Basic biblical knowledge, clear diction, the ability to sing the responsorial psalm, as well as to compose prayers of the faithful for the community are important aspects that implement liturgical reform and help the People of God grow on their path,” Pope Leo said.
Liturgical formation is one of the main themes of Vatican II and in post-Vatican II efforts, Pope Leo said, later adding, “Let us not tire: let us enthusiastically resume the good initiatives inspired by the reform and, at the same time, seek new ways and new methods.”
The Pope also stressed that liturgical formation should have a goal of reverent liturgy and meaningful participation of the faithful.
“The office for liturgical ministry is responsible in each diocese for the ongoing liturgical formation of the clergy and the faithful, for preparation for ministries, and for the care of parish liturgical groups, altar servers, lectors, and cantors,” he said. “The aim is to foster the fruitful participation of the People of God, as well as a dignified liturgy that is attentive to different sensibilities and sober in its solemnity.”
Pope Leo encouraged parishes to make participating in volunteer groups’ efforts to prepare the church before Mass more approachable, noting this helps the parish priest.
“In this way, we avoid delegating everything to him and leaving only a few people responsible for singing, proclaiming the Word, and decorating the church,” he said. “Over time, unfortunately, some of these groups have dwindled to the point of disappearing, as if they had lost their identity; it is therefore necessary to work to make this area of Church life attractive again, capable of involving people who are competent or at least inclined to this type of service.”
Liturgical ministry directors could also offer formation courses for parish priests, consolidate liturgical groups in parishes, and offer training for the groups’ members, he suggested.
Concluding, the Pontiff blessed those taking the course and expressed hope “that the phase in Rome, in the Jubilee Year, as well as offering you tools for deeper understanding, will reinvigorate your spiritual energies, so that, returning to the local Churches, you may continue your pastoral action in the service of the liturgy with renewed impetus.”
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