The Boston College School of Theology and Ministry frequently holds Continuing Education programs that foster faith-based discussion amongst students, faculty, and the public. One of these events, held on October 17, addressed liturgical reform in the Catholic Church from the mid-19th century to the present. The program, entitled “Reforming the Liturgy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” was presented by Father John F. Baldovin, S.J., a professor of historical and liturgical theology at Boston College.
Fr. John began his talk with a grim image from Walker Percy’s 1971 satirical novel, Love in the Ruins. In this work, Percy illustrates a Catholic Church fragmented into three groups: The first faction is the American Catholic Church, which “retained the Latin mass and plays the Star-Spangled Banner at the elevation.” Meanwhile, the Dutch schismatics “believe in relevance but not God” while the Roman Catholic remnant is a “tiny scattered flock with no place to go.”
While Fr. John ensured his talk would be far less grim than Percy’s vision, he acknowledged that the 1971 novel was somewhat prophetic of current happenings. According to Fr. John, “We are at a crossroads in the Catholic Church.” Through his address, he hoped to outline “a broad sweep of what’s at stake here, and maybe some steps forward.”
During the first portion of his talk, Fr. John outlined the liturgical movement from the mid-19th century until the Second Vatican Council, otherwise known as Vatican II. One early figure was Prosper Louis Pascal Guéranger, a Benedictine monk and priest who some consider to be founder of the liturgical movement. In 1831, he founded Solesmes Abbey in France. His vision was a return to the Roman Liturgy following the turmoil of the French Revolution, and this monastery became known for contributing to the revival of Gregorian chant.
Another defining figure was Pope St. Pius X , who encouraged frequent reception of in the Eucharist and claimed that the “indispensable font” of the Christian spirit is the “active participation in the most holy mysteries and in the public and solemn prayer of the Church.”
Other key players in liturgical reform include Dom Lambert Beauduin, who emphasized piety and the importance of the liturgy, and Dom Odo Casel, who believed the mystery of Christ is found in the liturgy and not just scholastic theology. Additionally, Dom Virgil Michel explored the connection between the liturgy and social justice.
Reform was also executed in formal changes, such as Pope Venerable Pius XII moving the Easter Vigil to the evening and reducing the Eucharistic fast. In 1959, Pope St. John XXIII invoked the Second Vatican Council, a source of many changes for the liturgy and Church as a whole. The Council was met with cautious acceptance from some, outright rejection from others, and even others who saw the council as just the beginning for future reform.
One major concept addressed in the council was a move from ecclesiology to collegiality—instead of viewing the Church as ruled from the top, emphasis was placed on the role of all its members. Other major topics were the acceptance of historicity, to study the past and learn from it, as well as conciliar hermeneutics.
Key principles enforced by Vatican II include the notion that the liturgy is the manifestation of the Church, and the belief that Christ is always present in the Church—in the assembly, in the Word, in the minister, and in the consecrated bread and wine especially during liturgical celebrations and sacraments.
Fr. John then outlined five main approaches Catholics have adopted following the council. Many support the current liturgy. Others call for a “reform of the reform,” by returning some aspects of the pre-Vatican II liturgy. Still, others desire to enculturate the Roman Rite even more. Another portion of faithful call for more informality and less regulation. And, finally, the last attitude is one of traditionalist rejection and a call to return to the pre-Vatican II liturgy completely.
Despite these disagreements within the Church, Fr. John’s outlook seems more hopeful than that of Walker Percy. He encouraged perpetual emphasis on the liturgy, comparing it to a “team sport” in which our active participation and cooperation is demanded. According to Fr. John, “it’s indispensable that we receive the liturgy as a gift, as God’s gift.”
Quentin is studying biology at Boston College. He enjoys spending his time outdoors, whether it be hiking, camping, or canoeing. His other favorite pastimes include running, writing for The Torch, eating obscene amounts of chocolate, and crushing his opponents at Catan.
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