The Feast of Faith: Approaches to a Theology of the Liturgy [Paperback]

Benedict XVI (Author), Victoria H. Lane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1986

In these instructive and inspiring essays, Cardinal Ratzinger presents "approaches to the theology of the liturgy," the product of serious scholarship and deep love for the Church.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Press; 1st Ed. edition (September 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898700566
• ISBN-13: 978-0898700565
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #868,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in 1927 in Germany as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI has been head of the Roman Catholic Church since April 2005. A prolific author, theologian and university professor, Ratzinger served as an "expert" at the Second Vatican Council, and was tapped in 1977 by Pope Paul VI to lead the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to head the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served until his papal election.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mass, a Fundamental Clarification, July 29, 2000

By 

Deacon William C. Wagner, MA - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Feast of Faith: Approaches to a Theology of the Liturgy (Paperback)

It is most surprising to me that a book which has been on the market for such a length of time has yet to receive a review in this location. When one of the Church's premier theologians writes as profoundly as this concerning a source of great confusion among Catholics today, we should surely pay attention.

Cardinal Ratzinger returns us to something that is very basic where the Mass is concerned. It is first and foremost a sacrifice which expresses a reality with which Catholics are required to come to grips for as the Cardinal, himself says, "Its price was the death of Christ himself."

If there is confusion in the Eucharistic Liturgy today, and I believe that the now "famous poll" bears this out, then this little tome is the perfect antidote to begin to set things aright. The author combines theological expertise and a profound depth of spirituality before which one can only stand in awe.

This should be madatory reading for every liturgist and musician in the Church today.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Set Reflections on the Nature of Eucharistic Liturgy, April 20, 2006

By 

Matthew K. Minerd "The Coding Catholic" (Herdon, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Feast of Faith: Approaches to a Theology of the Liturgy (Paperback)

As always, Ratzinger addresses his subject with depth and clarity, striving after the truth. Due to the weight of the issue at hand, some of his comments are indeed reactionary. However, he is not attempting to expound a view which he feels is his personally but is, instead, the true view of the Church on matters of the Eucharistic Liturgy.

With his moderate, scholarly temper, Ratzinger first aims to expose the weaknesses inherent in the modern conception of the Eucharist as an almost exclusively meal-oriented event. He stresses the place of the Last Supper with respect to the Liturgy and shows how it is related to the future development of the Church's understanding of the Eucharist. He emphasizes the fact that it is at its core, a sacrifice, united with the Cross and the Resurrection. Therefore, to understand the Eucharist as anything less than a sacrificial-meal in which the faithful come into communion with the Lamb of God is to undercut the entire Liturgy.

Beyond this, the text has a compilation of thought-provoking reflections on the Liturgy with respect to change and music, as well as considerations on the facing of the priest, his experiences and thoughts about the current celebration of Corpus Christi, and a homily addressed to the Bishop's Conference in Fulda.

I highly recommend this text as a short treatment on the Eucharistic Liturgy. It is by no means extensive but serves as an excellent set of reflections and considerations.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for understanding the mind of Benedict XVI, March 23, 2006

By 

Jeffry V. Richter (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Feast of Faith: Approaches to a Theology of the Liturgy (Paperback)

As a preview to Spirit of the Ligurgy, this text opens up the mind of the current Holy Father to the reader in regards to his understanding of the liturgy and Catholic theology. Originally written in 1981, this book brings out the indepth knowledge and love for the ligurgy held by then Cardinal Ratzinger. Easy reading for anyone interested in the topics of Catholic Liturgy and theology.