Peter A. Coughlan
The New Order of the Mass: ¡ recent developments future possibilities There has been a perceptible shift in liturgical studies in the past ten years. There is a desire to see liturgy in its wider dimensions in the light of the social sciences. This. shift in focus comes at a time when the horizons of liturgical renewal are opening in the direction of cultural adaptation.
This article will have two parts. Firstly, it will consider a few of the features that constitute a context for the new Order of the Mass, the Lectionary, and the Missal. Secondly, it will look briefly at the reform itself and at some recent developments. There will be a semi-bibliographical element in the article; but it is in no sense exhaustive and is restricted to a number of publications in English. PART I: FEATURES OF A CONTEXT • .
I
CHRISTIAN COLLECTIVE MEMORY
"Do this 'for the anamnesis' of me." And as Gregory Dix remarks, was ever another command so obeyed? Among every race on earth, and in every conceivable human circumstance, the action of taking, blessing, breaking and giving of bread and the taking, 75