Cardinal defends adaptation of rite: Jesus did not celebrate Tridentine Mass

The Mexican Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel has defended the indigenous elements in the mass authorised by the Vatican against criticism. "Traditionalists want nothing to be changed in the Mass and for the Roman rite to be preserved as it was before the Second Vatican Council, but neither Jesus nor the apostles celebrated with the Tridentine missal. It dates back to the 16th century," writes Esquivel in a commentary for the Mexican church medium "Desde la fe" (Tuesday). The critical reactions to the liturgical adaptations made by the Vatican therefore primarily reflect a lack of knowledge about the liturgy and the culture of the indigenous people in the state of Chiapas. There was "nothing pagan or contradictory to the Catholic faith" about the liturgical adaptations.

At the beginning of November , the Dicastery for Divine Worship issued a decree which, in addition to a translation of the missal into the Tzeltal language spoken in Chiapas, also provides for special features such as ritual dances and special powers for lay people. These are responsible for the incense in the mass in accordance with indigenous traditions. Last Friday, the Mexican Bishops' Conference published explanatory notes on the adaptations to the missal. In it, the bishops reject the term "Mayan rite". It is neither a new rite nor substantial changes to the structure of the masses, but rather optional adaptations of the Roman rite. Furthermore, the adapted liturgy does not include the use of "Mayan altars" or prayers in the four cardinal directions.

"He instituted the Eucharist not in Latin, but in Aramaic"

Esquivel emphasised in his commentary that Jesus celebrated the breaking of bread as the first mass with various Jewish rites. "It is the best example of inculturation with Jewish ritual signs," said the cardinal. "He instituted the Eucharist not in Latin, but in Aramaic, the language of those with whom he lived at the time." The bread that Jesus used is also not comparable to the wafers that are used in the service today. The basis of the Eucharistic celebration has not changed as a result of the adaptations.

Esquivel, who was responsible for the liturgical concerns of indigenous believers in the Mexican Bishops' Conference, called for the process of inculturation of the liturgy to be continued. It is important to be faithful to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church so that "our people can also live their faith in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in their cultural forms". (cbr)