A moment of the
liturgy (ANSA)
Pope: Liturgical leaders are servants of prayer and
community
From the Gemelli Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment
for pneumonia, Pope Francis sends a message to staff and students of the
Pontifical Institute of Liturgy marking the inauguration of the course for
those responsible for liturgical ceremonies celebrated by a bishop.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis has sent a message to participants in the course
for those responsible for episcopal liturgical celebrations at the St. Anselm
Pontifical Institute of Liturgy in which he offers words of encouragement and
advice in their mission to promote and safeguard liturgical life.
The Pope’s message, “from Gemelli Hospital” and dated 26
February, was written as he undergoes treatment for bilateral pneumonia at
Rome's Polyclinic. Twice-daily health bulletins have noted that the Pope
continues to engage in work-related activities as he continues his medical
therapies.
Addressing the Abbot Primate of the Institute and its Dean,
as well as professors and students, the Pope acknowledged their commitment to
deepening liturgical knowledge and highlighted the importance of studying the
liturgy both theologically and in terms of its celebratory practice, which he
described as essential to the spiritual life of the People of God.
"The person responsible for liturgical celebrations is
not just a teacher of theology; he is not a scribe, who applies the norms; he
is not a sacristan, who prepares what is needed for the celebration,” he
stated, “He is a teacher placed at the service of the prayer of the community.”
Attention towards theology and pastoral ministry
Pope Francis underlined the role of liturgical leaders as
mystagogues, responsible for preparing celebrations with attention to both
theological principles and pastoral practice. He pointed to their duty to
assist bishops in promoting and safeguarding liturgical life, allowing the
diocesan community to participate fully in worship.
"I urge you, therefore, to propose and foster a
liturgical style that expresses the following of Jesus, avoiding unnecessary
pageantry or prominence," he wrote. He called for discretion in ministry
and urged those responsible for celebrations to carry out their roles without
seeking personal recognition. This attitude, he noted, should be instilled in
those serving in the liturgy, such as altar servers, lectors, and cantors.
Reflecting on the relationship between divine and human
wisdom, Pope Francis cited St. Teresa of Avila, describing her mystical
experience as "a love that becomes light and wisdom: the wisdom of the
divine and the human."
He encouraged liturgical leaders to acquire divine wisdom
through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, and to develop human wisdom
through study, analysis, and attentive listening.
Pope Francis concluded by reminding liturgical leaders to
remain attentive to the people they serve and understand the needs of the
faithful to foster participation in the Church's liturgical life. I hope that
every one of you will always have at heart the People of God, whom you
accompany in worship with wisdom and love," he said, adding, "And do
not forget to pray for me."
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