EUROPE/GERMANY - Initiatives and publications for Adoration and Celebration of the Eucharist and to encourage liturgy of ‘beauty’ also after the Year of the Eucharist

Bonn (Fides Service) - One of many initiatives in Catholic dioceses all over Germany in response to a call by the German Bishops’ Conference to mark the Year of the Eucharist, (pastoral letters, homilies, Hours of Adoration, pilgrimages, retreats, seminars and conferences on themes connected with the Eucharist and for all the different sectors of the people of God) is a handbook on the celebration and of Mass and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament prepared and published jointly by Liturgical Institutes in Germany, Austria and German speaking Switzerland “…Until you come in glory” (“…bis du kommst in Herrlichkeit”).
“For the Church the celebration of the Eucharist is the centre of its life...all the other sacraments, prayer and life are oriented towards the Eucharist” the presentation reads. The 136 page book give schemas for various occasions and different form of Adoration: Adoration and Benediction, Adoration for Vocations, Adoration with Rosary and Meditation as well as a selection of readings from Scripture, prayers and hymns. The introduction illustrates the significance of the Eucharist, Holy Communion and the service of Special Lay Ministers of the Eucharist.
Cologne archdiocese, for the Year of the Eucharist, published a volume of 50 liturgical hymns “Come to adore Christ” (“Kommen, um Christus anzubeten”) suitable for Mass, Adoration, Processions with the Blessed Sacrament. The book is interesting because it is a collection of hymns from the Renaissance to the modern day. Again the introduction explains the significance of Adoration and illustrates some of the earliest Eucharistic hymns written in the Middle Ages.
The archdiocese of München und Freising published a book “They recognised Him in the breaking of the bread” (“Sie erkannten ihn, als er das Brot brach”), with suggestions for better participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Church’s life. The book has four parts: theology and mystagogy of Holy Mass, rites, prayers and language, music and song. The purpose of all these publications is to help the faithful grow ever more in “wonder” for the Eucharist and to ensure that liturgical celebrations are rich in noble simplicity and beauty. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 11/10/2005 - 33 righe, 385 parole)