Pope Leo XIV appointed Cardinal Robert Sarah as Special Envoy for the July liturgical celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Saint Anne's apparitions in France. The appointment is likely to be well-received by many Catholics who admire Cardinal Sarah. Cardinal Sarah had disagreements with Pope Francis on several issues. Sarah is a supporter of the Traditional Latin Mass and retired in 2021.
17 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Robert Sarah as his Special Envoy to preside over the liturgical celebrations for the 400th anniversary of Saint Anne's apparitions in France 1. The event will take place in July 1.
Cardinal Sarah, a traditionalist, had disagreements with Pope Francis on issues like the Traditional Latin Mass and priestly celibacy 1. Pope Francis restricted the Traditional Latin Mass, a move opposed by Sarah 1. A book co-authored by Sarah (though the extent of his co-authorship was disputed) appeared to pit him against Pope Francis on the issue of priestly celibacy 1. Despite their differences, Francis allowed Sarah to remain in leadership until his retirement 1.
The appointment is viewed as an attempt by Pope Leo XIV to extend an olive branch to conservative Catholics who felt marginalized under Pope Francis 1. Many conservative Catholics had hoped Sarah would succeed Francis as pope 1. While Sarah was considered a potential papal candidate, Robert Prevost was ultimately elected 1. The role of Special Envoy is considered a relatively minor task 1.
The Church clarifies liturgical tradition's role in contemporary faith.
The Catholic Church emphasizes the vital role of liturgical tradition in contemporary faith, viewing it as a living connection to the past that enriches and guides the present. Liturgical tradition encompasses the Church's practices, rituals, and prayers, evolving through centuries and reflecting the "deposit of faith" .
Throughout history, liturgy has been essential for the spiritual unity and communion of the faithful . Liturgical celebrations and texts allow the faithful to draw deeply from biblical, patristic, theological, and spiritual riches, offering an experience of the Mystery to which these give access . Renewal of liturgical practices should be based on the Word of God, the tradition of each Church, and new insights of Christian theology and anthropology .
Sacred Scripture and Tradition are closely connected, both originating from the same divine source . Scripture, formed within the context of the liturgy, is already Tradition . Proclaimed and explained during the Eucharistic celebration of the Paschal Mystery, Scripture also becomes Tradition . The Church has accumulated a wealth of interpretation through centuries of liturgical celebration and proclamation .
The liturgy represents a unique manifestation of the relationship between Tradition and Scripture . The primary setting for scriptural interpretation is the life of the Church . The preacher should consider the liturgical origins of the Scriptures and understand how to reveal a text within the community, where the ancient text is still alive . The readings of a celebration provide an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of biblical passages within the living Tradition of the whole Church, as expressed in the selected readings and prayer texts of the liturgy .
Liturgical traditions have emerged through the Church's mission, with local churches celebrating the mystery of Christ through expressions characterized by their culture . These expressions include liturgical symbolism, the organization of fraternal communion, theological understanding, and various forms of holiness . The Church is catholic, capable of integrating authentic cultural riches into her unity while purifying them . Fidelity to apostolic Tradition assures unity amid the diversity of liturgical traditions, signifying and guaranteeing communion in faith and sacraments received from the apostles through apostolic succession . The Church recognizes various liturgical rites, such as the Latin, Byzantine, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, and Chaldean rites, as being of equal right and dignity .
The liturgy draws people into a living communion with Jesus Christ, revealing the Father's love in the Holy Spirit and allowing them to share in the life of the Holy Trinity . The Church continually offers the bread of life to the faithful from the table of the Word of God and the Body of Christ in the Eucharist . Proclamation of the Scriptures has been an integral part of the liturgy from the earliest days . The Second Vatican Council's reform of the lectionary offers a richer selection of biblical texts, including a nearly complete reading of each of the four Gospels . The liturgy is where one encounters the continuing, complete, and effective presentation of the Word of God .
The Church ensures the priority of God's action and safeguards the unity of the Body of Christ through the sacraments . Interventions of the Magisterium in sacramental matters are motivated by a concern for fidelity to the mystery being celebrated . Liturgical tradition lives on a correct and constant relationship between healthy tradition and legitimate progress . Tradition is a living reality that includes the principle of development and progress .
In summary, liturgical tradition plays a crucial role in contemporary faith by connecting the faithful to the past, enriching their spiritual lives, and guiding them in the present. It emphasizes the importance of both Scripture and Tradition, celebrates diversity within unity, and ensures fidelity to the apostolic Tradition while allowing for legitimate progress and renewal.