During the Wednesday general audience, Pope Leo XIV continued speaking about one of the most important documents from the Second Vatican Council.
The reflection focused on the conciliar document Sacrosanctum Concilium, accompanied by an explanation of why there was a liturgical reformation.
FULL CATECHESIS SUMMARY IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters, in this final catechesis on the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, we recall the reasons the Council Fathers promoted a liturgical reform. When the Church carries out a reform of the liturgy — a constant process of development across the centuries — there is an important distinction to be made between the divine, immutable elements, and the human elements, which may undergo various modifications. The need arose for the faithful to celebrate the liturgies more consciously and actively, not “as strangers and silent spectators,” but participating fully in the salvific mystery. In this way, the Christian people learn to recognize sacred realities, offer themselves with and through the hands of the priest, and become more open to receiving God’s grace. At every celebration of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, let us ask for God’s help to be strengthened on our journey and to enter into a deeper relationship with the Lord.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly the groups from Malta, Senegal and Canada. A special greeting to those serving in the National Offices of the Pontifical Mission Societies. Upon you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
