The Variants of the Roman Rite: Their Legitimacy and Revival
Miklós István Földváry
This paper argues that the historical variants of Roman Rite can — and should be restored to liturgical use. Uniformity has never been an absolute requirement in Catholic practice, even within substantial unity Carolingian period later, there was considerable scope for local variation text, music, ceremonial custom. It said medieval differed less among themselves than ‘Tridentine’ rite differs from its own later forms (e.g. Ordo Missae 1965). Before restoring any variant uses, it is important distinguish ‘hard’ (unchangeable) ‘soft’ (variable) elements characterize rite; this study helps us appreciate value variants: their witness (in many cases) more ancient liturgy Rome itself; as a guide future developments practice; character expressions or national spiritual tradition. Any restoration must begin with what currently permitted e.g. melodic Mass chants, public recitation older Divine Office.
Usus Antiquior