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recommendation. "The Great Amen at the eqd of the eucharistic prayer r~quires care. It is difficult 'to make enthusiastic acclamation of the single two-syllable word. Composers shoufd feel free to repeat it several times or to explicate its many meanings when setting it to music." .("The Place of Music in Eucharistic Celebrations," Crux: Special (February 16, 1968), IV, B, I, b.) The same BCL in conjunction with the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, further enforces this position: "The worshippers assent to the ellcharistic prayer and make it their own in the Great Amen. To be most effective, the Amen may be repeated or augmented. Choirs may harmonize and expand' upon the people's acclamation". (Music in Catholic Worship, 58 [Washington, D.C., 1972], p. 14; see also nos. 53-57). Much effort has been extended in the Church in North America to give due emphasis to the Great Amen as a sung acclamation by the people. Nearly all approved aids for participation in the Mass contain provision for a sung Amen. Frequently, if not in the majority of instances, the Amen is in fact doubled or even tripled. Often it is coupled with Alleluia or other appropriate phrases. Much of course will depend on the particular congregation, their liturgical background and previous formation. Most importantly, the success of the Great Amen or any acclamation will depend on how the practice of popular participation is presented to the individua 1 assembly by those charged with the responsibility of leadership. CONCLUSION
Our purpose has been to review the biblical, patristic, medieval and modern understanding of the Amen response as it relates to the conclusion of the eucharistic prayer. Our method has been historical, in order to illustrate the highs and lows of liturgical experience through the ages. The only true conclusion to what we have discussed cannot be relegated to the terminus of an article such as this. Our history is a living history. Our worship is a living worship. The .only reasonable co~clusion is that which is effected in. the pastoral practices of our churches. Our conclusion is the challenge articulated so well by¡ Jerome to thunder our affirmation. This challenge will be met when the echo of our Amen rings not only through the halls of our temples, but when it rings deeply within the hearts of God's people who once again bind themselves in covenant to the Father of all blessing.