Vatican official notes Pope’s attention to detail in liturgy

Rome, Italy, Nov 9, 2011 / 16:05 pm

Msgr. Guido Marini, the master of ceremonies for papal liturgies, spoke of Pope Benedict XVI’s loving concern for detail in the celebration of the Mass.

The Pope takes great care to “develop the liturgy as the celebration of the mystery of Christ,” and “often repeats that the liturgy is the Church’s greatest act of adoration,” Msgr. Marini told CNA on Oct. 28.

He said the Pope believes it is very important to contemplate the crucifix during the celebration of the Eucharist.

When Pope Benedict presides over a Mass, “one of the most significant aspects is that of the centrality of the crucifix on the altar,” the liturgist said. At the moment of the consecration, it is essential that everyone direct their eyes and hearts “towards him who is at the center, the Lord, in order to renew his sacrifice of love for the salvation of all.”

Msgr. Marini also observed how participating in a Mass celebrated by the Pope is an opportunity to strengthen one’s faith. “At those moments I think to myself, ‘I am at the side of the Vicar of Christ,’ and I renew my faith,” he said.

The priest noted how the liturgy is made up of “many little things,” such as kneeling while receiving Communion or keeping silent at the appropriate times. Attention to these details is important in order for the Mass to be a true conversation with the Lord, he added.

“I pay attention to everything that goes into the rite in order to really help those participating to experience God and to help those who are in a spirit of adoration,” Msgr. Marini said.

He also said that attention to detail is crucial in order to affirm “the centrality of the presence of the Lord” and “the authentic meaning of participation in the mystery of Christ.”

God “is truly the great liturgical protagonist and in which participation is authentic in the measure in which one enters into the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of the Lord.”