Worship, City, Church, and Renewal

by John Francis Baldovin

John F. Baldovin takes a look at the historical setting of Christian worship in the first millennium and reflects on the future of Roman Catholic worship in the context of contemporary liturgical reform. He sheds new light on many areas of church tradition and present practice

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[FrDrStel Muksuris · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this volume, Fr. John Baldovin, a Jesuit liturgical scholar, provides his readership with a series of essays on the liturgical life and practices of the Catholic Church. These papers competently address an array of themes dealing with: the context of worship, Eucharist and ministry, and liturgical renewal in the Roman communion. Baldovin gives us knowledgeable insights into such subtopics as the feasts of the Church, the lectionary and hagiologion, daily vs. Sunday eucharistic celebrations, concelebrations, the role of the laity in worship, liturgical presidency in the Eucharist, and the homily, among several others. The author makes ample use of examples from the East, thus demonstrating his openness and appreciation of Eastern liturgical practices, not to mention his knowledge of the Orient's rich ritual practices and history. Perhaps Baldovin's greatest contribution is his bold treatment of such controversial issues as male celibacy and the ordination of women to the presbyterate. I will not reveal where he stands, but one could surmise the answer just by my very statement. It is worth the read, for both Western and Eastern Christians alike.