Suggestions and proposals to celebrate the Eucharist
Vatican City (AsiaNews) The Congregation for the Divine Cult and the Discipline of the Sacraments released today a 33-page document entitled Year of the Eucharist: suggestions and proposals which provides a set of guidelines meant to put into practice Mane nobiscum Domine, the Apostolic Letter John Paul II published a few days ago as part of the Year of the Eucharist that he will proclaim open this Sunday, October 17.
The guidelines seek to educate about how "to be in the Church" and facilitate "inner and outer participation", how to boost "the perpetual adoration of the Most Holy", how to "organise youth meetings at the diocesan level in preparation of Palm Sunday and in relation to the upcoming World Youth Day whose theme is "We have come to adore Him ", how to "reorganise where the Eucharist is kept and celebrated", how to "create or increase the size of parish-level liturgical groups", how to "pay more attention to liturgical singing", how to guarantee "the dignity and reverence towards the Most Holy" in Eucharistic processions and pay more attention the street decorations, flower ornaments and songs, and, lest we forget, how to offer spiritual support to those "who cannot receive the Eucharistic because they are in irregular situations".
The document is divided into five chapters and reminds the faithful that when they and the priest kneel before the Eucharist they are expressing their faith in the real presence in the sacrament of our Lord Jesus. In addition, it suggests ways on how to reflect, points to spiritual paths to follow and offers concrete initiatives to take at both the parish and diocesan levels. Thus, the entire faith community, from bishops, superiors of religious orders and sanctuary rectors to parish priests, religious associations and simple believers can participate and share.
After establishing the theological, spiritual and cultural frame of reference, the document urges bishops to "allocate the appropriate funds" for the expected activities.
One chapter is dedicated to radio and television. People are invited to pay attention to how "the Eucharistic celebrations are presented on radio and television focusing not only on the type and quality of programming" but also on how "other forms of prayer are broadcast". For this reason, if TV-worship is acceptable, the faithful must none the less be urged to go to church as well.
The cultural dimension of the Year of the Eucharist must be highlighted as well. People must be encouraged to "find out more about Eucharist-related art that their dioceses might have".
"A certain fluency in Latin and Gregorian chants" would be useful so that whenever necessary prayers can be recited in Latin in the tradition of the praying Church". (FP)
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