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.

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.

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.

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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