The Final Word

The Holy Spirit and the Eucharist

Volume 18, Issue 9The occasion of the annual feast of Pentecost gives me the opportunity in this, the third part of my reflection upon Pope Benedict XVI’s Post-Synodal Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis, to reflect upon the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist. 1. The Holy Spirit Guides the Development of the LiturgyThere have been many changes in the 40 years since the Second Vatican Council to the way in which the Mass is celebrated in the Catholic Church. Where the liturgical norms have been faithfully observed (the phrase the Holy Father favours is “with docility!”)...

Wedding banquet of the Lamb

Volume 18, Issue 8

Aspects of Sacramentum Caritatis: Part two of a four-part series

The institution of marriage is both universal and ancient. But just as ancient and universal is the institution of the wedding feast. Wherever marriages are celebrated, it has always been done in the context of a meal characterised by exceptional joy and extravagance. In many cultures the feast can include entire communities and last for days on end. Our modern western marriage customs are comparatively subdued in this respect.

Volume 18, Issue 7

In October 2005 in Rome, the Synod on the Eucharist completed the ‘Year of the Eucharist.’ At its close, the 256 participating bishops presented Pope Benedict with 50 ‘propositions’ that arose out of their discussions. This year, on March 13, Pope Benedict XVI released his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis (‘The Sacrament of Love’).

The deacon in the mission of the Church

Volume 18, Issue 6

TODAY, I announce that, in line with the discipline of the Universal Church, the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate will be introduced in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Our Easter Eucharist

Volume 18, Issue 5

For Catholics, Holy Week and Easter is dominated by the celebration of the Holy Mass. From the first celebration on the Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday), to the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral on Tuesday, to the Mass of Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) on the night before Good Friday, to the joyous Easter Vigil and the Eucharists of Easter morning and Easter night, the Mass is our constant companion and chief form of worship.