Nov
12
Written by:
Todd Williamson
11/12/2010 3:01 PM
Last week I posted about the gathering of priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago that took place on Tuesday, October 19. The purpose of the gathering was to hear Father Michael Joncas in preparation to receive and implement the English translation of the third edition of The Roman Missal. As I noted then, it was quite an experience to be part of a gathering of almost 1,200 priests who celebrate the Eucharist in this Archdiocese (attendees were all priests who celebrate the Mass in the Archdiocese--diocesan, religious, externs, etc.). Many of the attendees noted that they’ve never been part of such a large gathering of priests. I think it was an extraordinary experience for them too. I have found myself reflecting on this aspect of that day, ever since.
It’s not like the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago don’t gather. Every year there are two days offered for them, as priests of the Archdiocese, to come together, and every three years there is a three-day convocation. At these gatherings there are usually a good percentage of the priests that attend--for example, there are normally approximately 500 who come to the convocation.
The subject around which they gather varies. Often it will be on some aspect of their identity as priest, or on issues that they face as the presbyterate of Chicago. But the gathering this last October 19 was slightly different. Its sole subject had to do with the celebration of the Eucharist. I think this is what I find so powerful in my continued reflection. A few of the priests that day made mention of having this same reaction.
In the midst of preparing to implement the English translation of the third edition of The Roman Missal, one often hears the comment, “Isn’t there something more important that we should be focusing on? Doesn’t the Church have anything better to do than to worry about translations?” What struck me at this gathering of priests, the subject of which was the celebration of the liturgy, was--no! There is not anything else that is more important than this!
Yes, there is a lot that is happening in our world and in our Church that is worthy of our attention and our effort. There is much that occupies our minds and our hearts in this country, at this time in our history. But what the priests gathered around on October 19, what the efforts of me and the other staff members of the Office for Divine Worship are focused on these days, what this very website is concerned with, is the celebration of the Eucharist in our parishes and in the Church of this country. Quite frankly, there is nothing that is more important than that--at any time; whether we’re preparing for a revised translation of the texts of The Roman Missal, or not!
The Eucharist is the very heart and soul of who we are as Catholics. The weekly offering of the great prayer of praise and thanksgiving is that around which our lives of faith revolve. The very offering of ourselves, which we pray each week Christ will gather to his own self-offering is, in the end, what gives us life!