Several people in the diocese attended the first symposium on the documents of the Second Vatican Council at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Parish Dec. 1. Timothy Hatch, for South Texas Catholic
Council called for liturgy to be of a more “noble >> The simplicity” so as to not distract from its central action, the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. understand it. “People want to understand the meaning of the signs they make, particularly the signs of sanctification,” Father Hammond said. The Council called for liturgy to be of a more “noble simplicity” so as to not distract from its central action, the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. For example, while the Council encouraged beautiful, artful statues, the tabernacle and Crucifix must always be centrally located within the sanctuary. Secondly, the liturgical calendar must always keep central the celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. The Sunday celebration of Christ’s Resurrection would now trump the celebration of a saint’s feast day that may fall on a particular Sunday, except for solemnities. Finally, Mass could be celebrated in the vernacular with the use of cultural adaptations compatible with the Church’s proper celebration of the liturgy. These adaptations gave rise to the numerous rites in the
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Church. One celebrating Mass in a different rite can easily see the cultural differences, but can, at the same time, recognize the universality of the Church’s celebration of the Eucharist. “This was an effort to refine our focus so as to really look into the important things first most deeply. These principles had to do with as much as everything in providing greater access for all of the faithful to these realities of our salvation,” Father Hammond said. The second part of the Vatican II Symposium will be held on March 9, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Father Donald Nesti will speak on Gaudium et Spes, Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, and Father Thomas Norris will speak on Dei Verbum, Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Admission is free and lunch will be provided. To sign up or for more information, call (361) 882-6191, ext. 631 by Feb. 27, 2013. www.SouthTexasCatholic.com