Pope Benedict XVI: Living the Liturgy

Pope Benedict today met with participants taking part in the 9^th International Congress on
Liturgy which is being promoted by the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Sant Anselmo in the 50^th year of its foundation.

Greeting the participants of the 9^th International Congress on Liturgy in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace on Friday, the Pope took time to focus on the theme for the gathering “the Pontifical Liturgical Institute Between memory and prophecy."

Touching on the term “Prophesy”, the Holy Father explained that the term signifies the view of opening up new horizons and he added that, at times the liturgy has been taken more as an object of reform and not as a subject capable of renewing the Christian life.

Regarding memory, the Pope noted that it was important to remember the abundant fruits inspired by the Holy Spirit in half a century, since the founding of Pontifical Liturgical Institute, and for that, he added, we thank the Giver of all good.

The Holy Father went on to say that the "the exercise of the priestly mission of Jesus has been an integral part of the life of the heads and members of the institute.

Thanks to the important job training at Sant Anselmo, continued the Pope, a high number of graduates now provide a vital service to the Church in various parts of the world, helping people to live the Liturgy as an expression of the Church in prayer.

In his concluding comments to those gathered, the Holy Father expressed the hope that this School of Sacred Liturgy would continue its service to the Church, in full fidelity to it’s rich and valuable tradition and the Liturgical Reform desired by Vatican II. Listen