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Wednesday, 28 August 2013

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.

Opening up of liturgy direction to lay faithful and introduction of new practices added on to the wind of change. Celebration of mass in native languages and involvement of lay men in previously guarded practices heralded a new era. This was a departure from a tradition that had been held jealously and preserved for the clergy. It was a total break from the past.

Catholics worshiped in a legalistic and formal manner, a trend that still permeated into their daily lives. This would change with the inclusion of an individualistic approach to faith. This called upon the faithful to experience Christ in a more personal way. The previous approach was general and guided by strict rules and regulations. This move saw communities and individuals introduce personal and unique features in their mass celebrations. This is evident from one diocese or community to the other.

Pius the Twelfth is regarded as the pope who accelerated the wind of change. This was through an encyclical called Divino Afflante Spiritu that opened up this church to change. Translating the bible from the original manuscript had the consequence of introducing freedom in interpretation. The Second Vatican Council would create more room through such documents as Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation.

The Second Vatican Council extended the freedoms and opened up more avenues for revival. One of the defining decisions that resulted from this conference was the translation of the bible in all possible mother tongues. This meant that faithful had a chance to read on their own and share information that was a preserve of priests. The council also emphasized the role of biblical reflections in Christian faith.

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.

The results of Catholic renewal have seen unity within the church face a major challenge. Charismatism is considered a misinterpretation of scripture in some quotas. Others view it as return to the early church that had mystical powers attributed to gifts of the Holy Spirit. There is increasing uniqueness as one moves across dioceses. This dynamism is one challenge the papacy has to confront.




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