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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.

There was a drastic shift in the liturgy with introduction of new practices and participants. Lay men became more involved in liturgy as the mass was celebrated in contemporary languages. This gave more people access to the powers and liturgical privileges that were only enjoyed by priests. Liturgical celebrations opened doors to more persons contrary to traditions that had been sustained for years.

The mode of Eucharistic celebration changed from a formal and legalistic manner into a more open and individualized approach. This was emphasized in the practice of faith as well. There was a call for the faithful to seek personal encounters and experiences with Christ. This was a complete departure from generalized approach that had many regulations and laws. This was the origin of diocesan and individual differences that can be seen even today.

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.

Revival would pick pace after the Second Vatican Council allowed more freedoms within the hierarchy. It was decided that the bible should be translated in all mother tongues possible in order to reach more people. Information that was exclusively available to the clergy and those who knew traditional church languages was now available to the masses. This placed the bible at the center 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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