By Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan

This is a third of a series of seven articles written by the archbishop to assist the people of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in an understanding of the fuller worship in which they have been called to participate.

III. One Part of the Present Great Renewal

When your parish priest begins the Introit in clear, audible English on some Sunday in the future, this will be one of the first fruits of the new age of the Vatican Council. But the vernacular is only one feature of the updating. Although it will be dramatic, it should not obscure what is really going on.

In the new liturgy, the Church demonstrates for us several vital truths:

1. Because the Mass is “an action of Christ the Priest and His Body which is the Church,” it surpasses all other sacred activity. Because the Sacraments and sacramentals give “access to the stream of divine grace,” they can sanctify almost every event of our lives. Because the Divine Office is the very prayer of Christ Himself, priests, religious and laity are sharing “in the greatest honor of Christ’s spouse, the Church.”

2. The liturgy is the public action of the whole Christian community, God’s “Holy people,” each sharing his own assignment -- laymen, religious, priest, bishop.

What then becomes of preaching and instruction? Of good works and penitence? Of personal meditation on the spiritual life? Of private, non-liturgical devotions? These are all seriously considered. In the new law each is seen in its proper perspective. The Church will continue to announce the good news of salvation, preach the need of faith and penance, teach observance of the law and invite the men to the works of charity, piety and the apostolate -- but all in the light of the liturgy which is both the summit for her activity and the fount of her power. Alongside public prayer with our brothers, we are called by Our Lord to pray also in secret, and this (as Saint Paul says) “without ceasing.” The liturgy simply gives our private prayer tone and direction.

Moreover, popular devotions like novenas, etc., have their place but they must harmonize with the liturgy. Indeed these devotions should be derived from it, and lead people to it. For the liturgy, according to the new law, “far surpasses any of them.”

With the Constitution on the Liturgy now effective, the Council Fathers now move to other vital areas. For the Council was called to give more vigor to Christian life; to adapt the Church to the needs of our times, and to help all men, especially the baptized, into the household of the Church. It is impossible now to predict the steps to realize these aims. But, after two sessions, it is fairly clear some of the action that may be taken: (a) Within the structure of the Church, two relationships to be defined more precisely: that of pope and bishop in government; that of clergy and laity in collaboration. (b) in her approach to the baptized not in communion with the Church, certain ecumenical guidelines to be formed; the present “openness” to be insured.

(c) In bridging the gulf to modern society, the Christian concept of religious liberty to be properly defined and proclaimed.

To these vital steps, we might add reforms in organization and discipline; new insights in the missionary program; and an updating of seminary formation. Running through them all we can expect a central place to be given to scriptural study and understanding, and the pastoral role of the Church in the twentieth century.

Liturgy leads the way, and gives meaning to it all. Pope Paul has said, “Let there be no other light than Christ.” Each move of the great renewal, like the liturgy, is being made in that divine reflection.