Customer Reviews

Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite: The Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours: A Manual for Clergy and All Involved in Liturical Ministries

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Msgr Elliott's extensive experience as a liturgist, priest, and teacher shines forth in this very detailed, thoughtful, and instructive book. Citations to the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM) and Ceremonial of Bishops abound. Elliott has his detractors, however, especially among those who refuse to accept the intention expressed by Pope Paul VI in the GIRM that continuity be maintained between the traditional Roman Rite and its revision after the Council. The Ceremonial of Bishops, with its extensive rubrics, clarifies many ambiguities in the earlier GIRM, and demonstrates the view of the Vatican that the new Ordo is a reform in the liturgy of the Roman Rite, not a revolution.

When Elliott does express his own opinion about how the liturgy ought to be done, he clearly marks this by saying, "It seems preferable that..." His suggestions are always thoughtful and pastoral, based in his experience of what is done in the Roman basilicas and in his sound sense of the aesthetic of liturgy, of what is fitting, proper, and beautiful. As Elliott notes, the "noble simplicity" called for by the Council, far from encouraging a casual celebration of the sacred mysteries, means offering our very best to God. Elliott shows how this can be done in a way that is totally in keeping with both the spirit and the letter of Vatican II.

This book is excellent. A priest let me borrow his copy and within minutes I was online ordering it. If you serve in the Roman Catholic Church this book is the key. Coving every last detail from children to pontiffs. From low mass to high Mass, to liturgy of the hours, even adorations. Covers vestments, movements, requirements. Recomended as reference and study, and for those who would like to just know whats going on. Also a must if you are planning any type of liturgical experiance!!!!!!BUY IT!!!!

This is an excellent resource for those concerned with planning, teaching and implementing liturgies in the Catholic Church. Also, for those future Masters of Ceremonies and Liturgists. From the minute I picked it up, I could not put it down. It explains in simple to understand terms all that occurs in a Catholic Liturgy and why. Elliot clearly clarifies all all the liturgical motions and their significance, sometimes even their history. Again a must have for priests, liturgists, seminarians, deacons, and anyone wanting to know more about the Catholic Liturgies and their symbols.

Before the changes to the liturgy following the Second Vatican Council, rubrics (liturgical laws) were a serious matter. They were observed by clergy under pain of sin, and many manuals were available to assist their proper execution. This approach had its strengths in that priests generally did what they were supposed to, and its weaknesses - sometimes they were observed in a dry, legalistic way, without regard for common sense, or good taste.

Whatever their limitations, they were - and despite liturgical malpractice of some, they remain - an indispensable element of the Church's public worship. They give order to and protect the meaning of the ceremonies given to us by the Church for the celebration of the Mass, and the other Sacraments and rites.

It is from this standpoint that Monsignor Elliott, an Australian priest, offers his manual, the first extensive book on the ceremonial of the Modern Roman Rite, at least in the English language. He draws upon his wide range of pastoral experience in various countries and the advice of many others to put together a work that is more than just a rubrical manual. Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite is an authoritative and traditional guide to the post-conciliar liturgy written with common sense and in the light of the author's appreciation of good liturgical taste.

It could be objected that such a work is thereby subjective, and carries little real authority. Undoubtedly there are many of the author's opinions with which one could enter into dialogue. He himself would admit this, provided such dialogue respects the `givens' of the Rite, which he outlines clearly.

The book's abiding value is that it offers clergy, seminarians, and other liturgical ministers who wish to celebrate the modern liturgy well a point of reference from which to start. The author provides guidance on the setting for the liturgy, vessels and vestments, the various liturgical ministries, ceremonial actions, detailed descriptions of the various forms of the celebration of Mass, the worship of the Eucharist outside of Mass, and the Liturgy of the Hours. A number of appendixes supply practical guidance with regard to Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Mass Stipends, and other topics. Curiously, diagrams relevant to earlier chapters are grouped together in one appendix.

The second edition (2005) takes full account of the modifications of the 2002 editio typica of the Missale Romanum as well as of the 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum.

In 1918 the Westminster priest, Dr Adrian Fortescue, wrote of his own book on Ceremonies "I loathed writing it. I do not think I have ever yet undertaken a job that I so hated carrying out. I did it solely `turpis lucri gratia'" Monsignor Elliott's motivation is somewhat different. Those who use his manual will find that it is written from the profound conviction that the new liturgy can and should be celebrated worthily and beautifully, that is, according to the mind of the Church as specified in her liturgical books.

Many lay people who have joined the parish liturgy or worship committee find it difficult to search through the massive amount of documents issued on various aspects of Roman Catholic ritual, particularly the mass. Most liturgy guides provide interpretations that go beyond what is prescribed. Hence, the common layman who wants to serve his or her parish competently is often confused about basic details of the mass. This book provides a concise and clean reference for such committees. Unlike other liturgy books, a presentation of the basic "noble simplicity" of the mass allows the reader to make intelligent decisions based upon individual parish circumstances and needs. No pop-psychology, no obtuse theology, no axes to grind. Get it.

Msgr. Elliott has done his homework and, clearly and simply, presents proper ceremonials for the grand rituals of the Church. At the same time he is not a mere dry rubricist but obviously a dedicated priest who loves the liturgy and wants to see it done with the respect it deserves. Of course, like all people, he has his opinions as well, and when he wishes to advance them, he makes it clear that he is doing so. It is a pity that such a practical guide was not published back when the liturgy was revised.

Msgr. Elliot has produced a classic liturgical work for the celebration of the Novus Ordo rite in Ceremonies of the Modern Roman Rite.

Though I am not a Roman Catholic, I found much to commend Elliot's suggestions and directions to me in a broader context as a joint-inheritor of the western liturgical tradition.

The book is laid out cleanly and is easy to read. While the book is a quick read, it is definately not a lightweight. Agree or disagree on points, but one must acknoweldge that Ellot knows his liturgy, and how to celebrate it.

I highly commend this book to those in and out of Rome who wish to celebrate the liturgy in a modern setting with reverence and respect.

This book is an excellent tool for all those involved in Liturgy. Based on Church teaching and recently revised to include instructions from recent documents. The book leaves no stone unturned when it comes to Mass, Adoration and Liturgy of the Hours. Not only is it a practical 'manual' down to every detail, but it contains sound theological and spiritual reflections on many elemnets of the Liturgy.

Easy to follow, puts a formal and simple guide with emphasis on Reverence -particularily for Servers- that need restoration in many parishes.

Unlike many others who attempt to make the sacred liturgy "watered down," Msgr. Elliott does an exquisite job in establishing a working-manual for those who have an interest in the Church and the meaning of the rites. Good resource for seminarians, MC's, and those who love the liturgy.