Thus from the sixth century onward in the Western Church there was (at least in some places) a period of gradual transition from the loud recital of the Canon (audible to the whole assembly) to the comparatively silent recital (inaudible even to those close to the altar) which prevailed in Rome around the end of the fifteenth century. --The Silent Recitation of the Canon of the Mass, Carlos A. Lewis, S.V.D., 1962, p. pp. 90-91 This monograph is an excerpt (chapters one through three; chapters four and five being omitted) of Dr Lewis dissertation of the same title. It is a useful reference, compiling a number of quotations from various patristic and mediaeval sources. I do not know whether the entire dissertation is available. For those who are inclined to say, aha, here is someone admitting that the silent recitation of the Canon is not a matter of immemorial tradition, my response is, what of it? What is, perhaps apart from the weekly celebration of the Lords resurrection, a matter of immemorial tradition? The audible recitation of the Canon has been reintroduced by two groups: the reformers of the sixteenth century, who were eager to deny (along with the bulk of Catholic doctrine) the sacrificial character of the Mass; and the reformers of the twentieth century who, even if one is charitable, were attempting to recreate a liturgical golden age (or at least the aspects that appealed to them).
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:34:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015