Pope Francis on Feb. 14 met participants in the plenary assembly of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments that is discussing the liturgical formation of the people of God.

The Pope’s address on February 14th

“…on 8 May 1969, Saint Paul VI wished to establish the then Congregatio pro Cultu Divino, in order to give shape to the renewal desired by Vatican Council II. It was a matter of publishing the liturgical books according to the criteria and decisions of the Council Fathers, with a view to fostering, in the People of God, “active, conscious and pious” participation in the mysteries of Christ (cf. Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, 48). The praying tradition of the Church needed renewed expressions, without losing anything of its millennial wealth, even rediscovering the treasures of its origins. ”

NOTE: The collection of Gregorian melodies for Mass was renovated by the Ordo Cantus Missae of June 24, 1972 and made available by the publication of the new Roman Gradual (Graduale Romanum) in 1974

[…] “We know that it is not enough to change the liturgical books to improve the quality of the liturgy. To do this alone would be a deception. For life to be truly a praise pleasing to God, it is indeed necessary to change the heart.” […]

“Here we find also the challenge of formation, the specific object of your reflection.” […]

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church itself adopts the mystagogical way to illustrate the liturgy, valuing its prayers and signs. Mystagogy: this is a suitable way to enter the mystery of the liturgy, in the living encounter with the crucified and risen Lord. Mystagogy means discovering the new life we have received in the People of God through the Sacraments, and continually rediscovering the beauty of renewing it.”

[…] “Regarding the stages of formation, we know from experience that, in addition to the initial phase, it is necessary to cultivate the ongoing formation of the clergy and laity, especially those who are involved in the ministries serving the liturgy. ”