Understanding The Process Of Catholic Renewal

By Amanda Baird


Catholic renewal is a term that describes the defining changes that were experienced in the Roman Catholic Church especially from the Twentieth Century onwards. The change involved pivotal individuals and church decisions with a permanent effect. Some had began early but exploded at this time. They caused a dramatic turn of events that would change the future of a church that was regarded as conservative.

Three major areas were the center of change over the entire process of revival. What changed was the way the church hierarchy and faithful viewed the bible. The freedom to translate the scriptures from Latin vulgate into other languages was a big step towards change. Critical editions were produced from the original language and the monopoly of this information left the safety and control of priesthood.

The liturgy opened up participation to lay people and drastic change was introduced in practice. Mass would be celebrated in native languages as lay people moved closer to the center of liturgical proceedings. The doors opened wider and allowed previously prohibited practices. The clergy lost crucial duties that were preserved for them. They could be performed by lay men and women.

Catholics worshiped in a legalistic and formal manner, a trend that still permeated into their daily lives. This would change with the inclusion of an individualistic approach to faith. This called upon the faithful to experience Christ in a more personal way. The previous approach was general and guided by strict rules and regulations. This move saw communities and individuals introduce personal and unique features in their mass celebrations. This is evident from one diocese or community to the other.

Pius the Twelfth is said to have initiated the biblical renewal in 1943. This move commenced when the encyclical called Divino Afflante Spiritu was released. This letter paved way for translations to originate from original manuscripts. This move will then set the stage for the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, among other documents, to emanate from the Second Vatican Council.

The discussions that resulted from the Second Vatican Council opened more avenues for revival. They included availability of the bible in more vernacular languages. More people could read the bible on their own. The clergy no longer enjoyed the monopoly of information they did before. Biblical reflections became a central part of Christian life.

Many other documents would arise from the deliberations of the Second Vatican Council. They gradually and permanently altered the destiny of Catholic faith. There was increased attention of the role of catechism among the faithful. Some dioceses and parishes picked up prophesy, faith healing and worship outside mass. The charismatic renewal thus gained roots.

Catholic renewal has divided the church hierarchy with some accusing the charismatic followers of misinterpreting the bible. Charismatic faithful site the early church that had miraculous powers like speaking in tongues. The wave of change has spread with increasing individuality of dioceses and decentralization of some liturgical practices. This church has become more dynamic as it makes strides into the future.




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