Let Us Pray?The Liturgical Revolution of the 1960's | Prof. Christopher Ruddy
Jan 14, 2019
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Expert in liturgical studies, Prof. Christopher Ruddy, delves into the liturgical changes of the 1960s, discussing the shift from Latin to vernacular language, the importance of tradition in rituals, the impact of modern distractions on liturgical practices, and the balance between preserving church musical traditions and embracing innovation.
God communicates through liturgy, revealing His presence in unexpected ways.
1960s cultural shifts influenced Catholic education and liturgical practices.
Balancing tradition and modernity in liturgy is crucial for genuine spiritual connection.
Deep dives
The Importance of Liturgy in Catholic Faith
Liturgy is a crucial aspect of the Catholic faith, deeply treasured by Catholics as the heart of their beliefs. Father Carlton Jones highlighted that God is always speaking, emphasizing divine communication. The podcast speaker's reflection on his high school yearbooks revealed God's presence in unexpected ways. Through the changing quotes in various yearbooks from 1960 to 1973, the evolution in cultural influences and Catholic education was observed, underscoring shifts in societal values over time.
Historical Context of 1968 and Liturgical Transformations
The podcast delved into the historical events of 1968, a tumultuous year marked by social unrest and significant changes worldwide. The political assassinations, Vietnam War, student revolutions in Europe, and the impact of Humanae Vitae encyclical in the Catholic Church reflected a transformative era. The narrative highlighted the parallel evolution in liturgical practices, evident in the shifting interpretations of liturgical quotes and representations in Archbishop Molloy High School yearbooks following cultural trends.
Challenges in Liturgical Reforms and Active Participation
Exploring the implementation of liturgical reforms post-Vatican II, the podcast addressed the complexities of active participation in Catholic liturgy. The tension between traditional practices and modern interpretations surfaced, reflecting differing preferences in liturgical expressions. The call for a deeper understanding of active participation encompassed both external and internal engagement, emphasizing the balance between tradition and evolving liturgical practices to foster a genuine spiritual connection.
Importance of Retaining Tradition and Embracing Renewal
Navigating the fine line between tradition and renewal, the podcast underscored the significance of upholding historical liturgical practices while embracing necessary reforms. The debate between conservative and liberal approaches to liturgy highlighted the need for informed decisions based on church directives. Balancing the preservation of sacred traditions with openness to contemporary expressions in liturgy called for a harmonious blend of reverence for the past and adaptability to modern needs.
Unity in Liturgical Diversity and Reverence for Divine Worship
Amidst diverse liturgical practices in different parishes, the podcast emphasized the underlying unity in the richness of Catholic worship traditions. Encouraging a holistic approach to liturgical experiences, the narrative urged a shift from narrow interpretations of liturgical divergence to a deeper reverence for the Eucharist. The need for congregational unity in embracing liturgical changes and honoring the sacredness of divine worship underscored the essence of appreciating diversity within a cohesive liturgical framework.
This lecture was held at St. Gretrude's parish on October 9th, 2018. It was cosponsored by the Aquinas Society of Cincinnati and the Thomistic Institute. For more information about upcoming TI events, visit: thomisticinstitute.org/events-1/
About the event:
What is the liturgy? Why is liturgy so important? Why would would you reform the liturgy and how would you do it? - These are some of the fascinating questions that Dr. Ruddy (CUA) undertakes in his sweeping lecture.
Speaker Bio:
Christopher Ruddy is associate professor of systematic theology at The Catholic University of America. He was formerly associate professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and also taught at St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota. A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Divinity School, he received his doctorate in systematic theology from the University of Notre Dame.
His two books are titled The Local Church: Tillard and the Future of Catholic Ecclesiology and Tested in Every Way: The Catholic Priesthood in Today’s Church (both Herder & Herder). His articles and reviews have appeared in America, Christian Century, Commonweal, Ecclesiology, Heythrop Journal, Horizons, Irish Theological Quarterly, Josephinium Journal of Theology, Logos, Nova et Vetera, Origins, Theological Studies, The Thomist, and Worship. His theological interests include ecclesiology, Vatican II, the nouvelle théologie and ressourcement movements, and the relationship of Christianity and culture. New York natives, he and his wife, Deborah, have four sons.
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