VATICAN - “It is urgent that in parish communities and church associations and movements adequate formation be guaranteed so that the liturgy and the richness of its language may be better known and lived to the full” the Pope says in a message to the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

Vatican City (Fides Service) - From the Gemelli hospital Pope John Paul sent a message to African born Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, on the occasion of that Congregation’s plenary assembly on the theme ‘the art of liturgical celebration’. “Ars celebrandi expresses the ability of the ordained ministers and the entire assembly gathered for the celebration, to make and live the sense of each liturgical gesture- the Holy Father said in the message -. It is an art which is one with commitment for contemplation and Christian consistency. Through the rites and prayers we must let ourselves be reached and profoundly pervaded by the Mystery.”
Remarking that the assembly will give special attention to preaching the homily, the Pope said the homily should foster “an encounter, as intimate and fruitful as possible, between God who speaks and the community which listens. It is important that the homily should not be lacking especially at the Sunday Eucharist. In the context of new evangelisation the homily is a valuable, and for many the only, formative opportunity.” The Pope’s message stresses the importance of liturgical formation, “fundamental component of the preparation of future priests, deacons, instituted ministers and men and women religious, but also permanent dimension of catechesis for all the faithful. It is urgent that in parish communities and church associations and movements adequate formation be guaranteed so that the liturgy and the richness of its language may be better known and lived to the full. To the extent to which this is done, beneficial influence will be felt in personal and community life.”
Lastly the Pope encouraged the Congregation to persevere, in collaboration with Bishops’ Conferences and individual bishops, in efforts to promote the liturgy: “The Liturgical reform of Vatican II has borne much fruit but now is to time to pass "from renewal to in-depth study", so that the Liturgy may have an ever greater effect on the life of individuals and communities becoming a source of holiness, communion and missionary impulse.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 3/3/2005; Righe 24 - Parole 315)