Understanding The Process Of Catholic Renewal

By Amanda Baird


The catholic renewal can be described as a wave of change that became more prominent in the Twentieth Century. The phrase is used to denote both the events and processes that were involved in the transformation of the Roman Catholic Church. These events are spread across centuries but became more pronounced in the twentieth century. They involved a number of persons and had a drastic effect on the way the church operated.

There were three main areas that affected the traditions practiced by Catholics. One of them was the prominence given to the bible in the liturgy and the life of practicing catholics. The source of translations changed from vulgate Latin to original manuscripts of the bible. This expanded access to information and took away the monopoly that was enjoyed by the clergy. It was viewed as the church giving away control over information.

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.

The Second Vatican Council produced other pivotal documents that would shape the future of liturgical practice. Expansion of the role of catechism in the life of faithful played a vital role in charismatism. There was the introduction of worship outside mass, prophesy and faith healing, among other non conventional practices. The rise of charismatic movement is considered a results of this revival.

The Catholic renewal has resulted in both diversity and division. This has shaken the unity of the church to the core. Charismatic movement is regarded by some as misinterpretation of scripture while supporters find backing in the practices of early church. They site this as an aspect that has been lost for years and is being rediscovered. Dioceses have exhibited uniqueness ever since, which threatens to shake the foundations of their faith.




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