Understanding The Process Of Catholic Renewal

By Amanda Baird


Catholic renewal refers to a phase in the existence Roman Catholic Church when there was a drastic change in liturgy and the manner of running affairs. The most dramatic phase was what happened in the Twentieth Century. There was a total shift that saw the church make major strides that would give it a different feel and appearance. Its operations changed as was its association with conservativeness.

Three major areas were the center of change over the entire process of revival. What changed was the way the church hierarchy and faithful viewed the bible. The freedom to translate the scriptures from Latin vulgate into other languages was a big step towards change. Critical editions were produced from the original language and the monopoly of this information left the safety and control of priesthood.

There was a drastic shift in the liturgy with introduction of new practices and participants. Lay men became more involved in liturgy as the mass was celebrated in contemporary languages. This gave more people access to the powers and liturgical privileges that were only enjoyed by priests. Liturgical celebrations opened doors to more persons contrary to traditions that had been sustained for years.

The mode of Eucharistic celebration changed from a formal and legalistic manner into a more open and individualized approach. This was emphasized in the practice of faith as well. There was a call for the faithful to seek personal encounters and experiences with Christ. This was a complete departure from generalized approach that had many regulations and laws. This was the origin of diocesan and individual differences that can be seen even today.

Pius the Twelfth is said to have initiated the biblical renewal in 1943. This move commenced when the encyclical called Divino Afflante Spiritu was released. This letter paved way for translations to originate from original manuscripts. This move will then set the stage for the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, among other documents, to emanate from the Second Vatican Council.

Revival would pick pace after the Second Vatican Council allowed more freedoms within the hierarchy. It was decided that the bible should be translated in all mother tongues possible in order to reach more people. Information that was exclusively available to the clergy and those who knew traditional church languages was now available to the masses. This placed the bible at the center of Christian life.

One can authoritatively say that the Second Vatican Council fueled the renewal because of the documents and discussions that followed. This would permanently change the path followed by the Roman Catholic Church. Catechism took center stage as some dioceses picked charismatism. There was a rise in faith healing, worship outside the church and prophesy.

Catholic renewal has divided the church hierarchy with some accusing the charismatic followers of misinterpreting the bible. Charismatic faithful site the early church that had miraculous powers like speaking in tongues. The wave of change has spread with increasing individuality of dioceses and decentralization of some liturgical practices. This church has become more dynamic as it makes strides into the future.




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