Some 60 years on, the reform of the liturgy following the Second Vatican Council is at an inflection point. At this critical juncture, how shall we find a way forward that will help the Catholic liturgy to fulfill its mission of helping us to live the Gospel? Understanding how God brings us together in worship—in other words, the priority of God’s action and invitation—can help. The synodal and liturgical vision of Pope Francis is also key.
Let me begin by outlining what I see to be five different approaches that Catholics take when seeking to understand the liturgy today. (I confess I am writing from a North American perspective and cannot speak for other areas, like the Global South, which bring with them a number of different issues, especially with regard to popular piety.) So, what are these five approaches?
1. Support the current reformed liturgies of the Roman Rite. The reforms of the Mass and other liturgies by and large have been enthusiastically received. They may have taken some getting used to, especially the change to the vernacular and the change of the position of the priest at the altar, which were indeed radical. The reforms also included the vast enrichment of the readings at Mass and a fairly significant restructuring of the liturgical year.
This was not the only important reform. Others included the transformation of the rite of baptism of children into one that paid attention to the condition of children and the responsibility of the parents. Further, an order for the Christian initiation of adults was introduced. It was now possible to celebrate penance in three different forms, with communal penance becoming perhaps the most popular. And finally, the rite of anointing of the sick was no longer reserved for the deathbed but could be used in the circumstances of any life-threatening illness, as well as advanced age.
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John F. Baldovin, S.J., is a professor of historical and liturgical theology at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry. This essay is adapted from a talk originally delivered at Fairfield University on Feb. 27, 2025.
With thanks to the America Magazine and John F. Baldovin S.J, where this article originally appeared.
