Cardinal Sarah addressed the importance of maintaining continuity in the liturgy, noting that the root cause of the Church’s crisis is the lack of clarity on God’s priority in the liturgy.
Newsroom Gaudium Press In his lecture during the 3rd International Congress of the Catholic Clergy Fraternities, Cardinal Robert Sarah emphasized the urgent need for liturgical renewal in the Catholic Church. This renewal is integral to the vitality of the Church and the mission of priests. Cardinal Sarah highlighted how continuity with the Church’s sacred traditions is crucial for a faithful celebration of the liturgy, helping the Church remain grounded in its sacred past while moving forward.
A Reform in Continuity
Cardinal Sarah addressed the importance of maintaining continuity in the liturgy, referencing Pope Benedict XVI’s view on the need for a “reform in continuity,” not a break with the past. He noted that the liturgical books reformed after Vatican II must stay rooted in traditional practices to be truly meaningful for today’s Church.
The Beauty of Liturgical Practices
As part of the liturgical renewal in the Catholic Church, Cardinal Sarah emphasized the significance of beauty in liturgy. Beautiful and sacred liturgies elevate the spiritual life of the faithful and priests, drawing attention to the holiness of the rituals and the importance of sacred music, such as Gregorian chant.
Liturgy as Pastoral Duty
The focus on beauty is not merely aesthetic, but a pastoral duty. Priests must lead by example, celebrating the liturgy with integrity and devotion. Cardinal Sarah called for priests to dedicate themselves to a true celebration of the liturgy to inspire the faithful and deepen their worship experience.
Cardinal Sarah’s Call for Priestly Priority
In his lecture, Cardinal Sarah called on priests to make the liturgical renewal in the Catholic Church their top priority. The altar is the heart of a priest’s duty, and only through faithful, beautiful celebrations can the Church flourish and fulfill its mission.
Compiled by Donna Smolders
