The bishop is the chief liturgist of his local Church. What he permits, restricts, and celebrates teaches his people what the Church believes about her worship. That is why Archbishop José Gomez’s recent column in Angelus, “Why Vatican II still matters today,” deserves a wide reading.
At a moment when some American bishops seem to be quietly narrowing the reach of the liturgical reform, whether by opening wide the doors to the pre-reformed rite or by pulling back the cup from the faithful, the Archbishop of Los Angeles speaks with refreshing clarity. He reminds us that every pope since the Council has received it as a work of the Holy Spirit, and that its liturgical reforms are an authentic, organic development of the Church’s living tradition. Catholics, he writes, cannot treat the Council as optional or choose how they want to worship.
He also recalls why the reform was needed. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he describes the “two parallel liturgies” of the old rite: the priest at the altar, the faithful in their own prayer books. Participatio actuosa was the Council’s answer, and it remains ours.
What moves me most is his personal witness. He speaks of loving the Mass we have been given, of the collects and prefaces staying with him through the day, and of the “noble simplicity” of the reformed rite prayed with reverence. Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi.
In Los Angeles, that conviction is not merely written; it is practiced: the reformed rite in its fullness, Communion under both kinds, the laity exercising their baptismal ministries. No compromise.
Read it here: https://angelusnews.com/
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