Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pamplona (Agenzia Fides) - The Spanish Association of Professors of Liturgy (AEPL) held its 31st annual meeting in Pamplona, 30 August to 1 September on the theme “Ars celebrandi. The art of celebrating the mystery of Christ”. In a report to Fides AEOL secretary Aurelio García Macías, said the meeting was held at Larraona College and participants included clergy and laity from various dioceses. The first conference by Prof. F. M. Arocena, titled “Per visibilia ad invisibilia” illustrated the theology of the sign and laid the basis for the three days of study. Prof. P. Farnés gave a series of reflections in his paper titled “Per ritus et preces”, focussing on ritual and the theological illustration of liturgical rubrics. The first day concluded with Mass in Santa Maria de Pamplona Cathedral presided by Archbishop Fernando Sebastián of Pamplona.
The second day opened with Morning Prayer and a talk by Prof. J. J. Flores on “Creativity with Fidelity”, in which he urged priests to celebrate in fidelity while striving for “liturgy of beauty”, in order to radiate the beauty of Christ. In the afternoon the AEPL held its general assembly at Navarra University and the day closed with Mass in the Hispanic Rite at the parish of San Nicola, presided by Fr. G. Ramis, AEPL president on the feast day of San Saturnino, Patron of Pamplona. In these two days interesting communications were given by professors G. Seguí and A. Fontcuberta.
On the final day of the meeting Prof. C. Martínez de Tejada spoke about “The Beauty of the Celebration”. During this year’s meeting the participants recalled the passing of three well known Spanish liturgists: Fr. Castellanos Cervera, Fr. Aldazábal and Fr. Llabrés, offering a Mass for the repose of their souls. The conclusion of the event was a pilgrimage to Javier, where the participants, about 130 Professors of liturgy, gave thanks to the Lord for the birth 500 years ago of Saint Francis Xavier patron of the Church’s universal mission. It was announced that the AEPL meeting in 2007 will be hosted by the town of León from 27 to 30 August. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 7/9/2006; righe 27, parole 373)
