From Rubrics to Ars Celebrandi—Liturgical Law in the 21st Century
Alcuin Reid
From Rubrics to Ars Celebrandi—Liturgical Law in the 21st Century Alcuin Reid Introduction During 1970s and 1980s rubrics—even modern ones— were widely disregarded if not dismissed as irrelevant. They years when General Instruction of Roman Missal was too often treated simply a set guidelines itself mere planning resource. Liturgical law taken seriously grave liturgical abuses took place, even seminaries. Bishops infrequently “surprised” by occurrences liturgies over which they presided. Today immediate postconciliar decades seem largely—though entirely—to have ceased. The problem now is more one ignorance laissez-faire attitude ritual evacuates rites sacred lesser or greater extent renders each parish community’s celebration Liturgy Church has given it us, but “what we do here.” Thus subjectivization Church’s liturgy endures some places root. It gives rise question: Does positive place life twenty-first century? Or such devoid meaning authority ? Are there reasons for taking rubrics seriously?1 Nature What law? clearest definition may be found 1954 doctoral dissertation Msgr. Frederick R. McManus (1923–2005): “The ordering regulation Sacred 1 I am assuming that celebrations usus antiquior answer self-evident; cf. Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, Universae Ecclesiae (30 April 2011), no. 28. Antiphon 17.2 (2013): 139–167 140 make up law.”2 sees having divine origin dominical command: Hoc facite meam commemorationem (cf. Lk 22:19; Cor 11:23), Christ Mt 28:18-20). He regards part potestas ministerii Church.3 Historically, this exercised at local level; bishops their chapters gave assent modification texts necessary.4 At times secular princes—who no means “secular” sense separation State understand today—intervened regulation, most notable example whom Emperor Charlemagne (c. 742–814), what become known “the Carolingian reform” end eighth century.5 disputes denials Protestant Reformation decadence had them led Council Trent underline bishop’s duty correct sundry errors supervise observances.6 Interestingly, its seventh session (3 March 1547), asserted discipline quite strongly: If anyone says received approved Catholic customary use solemn administration sacraments may, without sin, neglected omitted choice ministers, can changed other new ones any pastor whatever: let him anathema.7 2 McManus, Congregation Rites (Washington DC: University America Press, 1954) 5. 3 Cf. ibid., 6–7. 4 Examples pre-Reformation books in: Archdale A. King, Liturgies Primatial Sees (London: Longmans, 1957). 5 See: Reid, Organic Development (2nd ed., San Francisco: Ignatius 2005) 22–27. 6 “Quæcumque diocesi ad Dei cultum spectant, ab ordinario diligenter curari atque iis, ubi oportet, provideri æquum est.” Session 21, canon 8. Norman P. Tanner, Decrees Ecumenical Councils, vol. II (London—Washington Sheed & Ward—Georgetown Press 1990) 731. 7 Canon 13: “Si quis dixerit, receptos et approbatos ecclesiæ catholicæ ritus solemni sacramentorum administatione adhiberi consuetos aut contemni, sine peccato ministris pro libito omitti, novos alios per quemcumque ecclesiarum pastorem mutari posse: anathema sit.” Tanner...
Antiphon