Hello,
We haven’t celebrated many Saint’s days over the last few weeks, especially with it being Holy Week and the Octave of Easter, but this week we have plenty of them. The one that got my attention isn’t one of the biggest names though, it was Pius V. He was Pope from 1566-1572 and is most remembered for incorporating the reforms of the Church from the Council of Trent, and specifically the Roman Missal for the celebration of Mass in 1570 that would set the standard for over 400 years up to Vatican II in the 1960’s.
When some look at the Tridentine Rite that continued through Vatican II they consider that it was all focused on the priest and they consider that it promotes clericalism, but looking at Pius V we realize at the time it was very different. Before he would promote the new standardized Roman Missal, he would first strive to reform the clergy. To make them more faithful, humble, and spiritually motivated. The greatly regimented ritual would strive to unite the Church against the divisions of the Reformation and also any laxity or abuses of the clergy, addressing the great concerns of the time. That was over 400 years ago, and while the Mass is still the same in the fundamentals our regulations have changed to address our more current concerns. At any time we realize the importance this recognizes in our central sacrament of the Eucharist.
This weekend that is particularly notable as we share this sacrament for the first time with our 2nd graders who will receive their First Communion. As the world was very different when we or maybe our parents received their First Communion so are some of our regulations. I remember my father telling me about the fasting rules required when he received his First Communion and if anyone stopped for a drink at the water fountain on the way to church they couldn’t receive that day. Today we have at least one child most years who has a gluten concern and a low gluten host is required for them to receive the Eucharist. We address the concerns of our days in maintaining the reverence and honor we can while recognizing it can never be truly appropriate for what we are receiving, and yet also realizing a need we have that can never be met except in the Eucharist.
As we remember Pius V, as we remember our First Communions, and as we celebrate those who will receive theirs today, may we continue to strive to allow it to unite us with Christ, and with all throughout the Church.
Peace,
Fr. Nick
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Clayton MO 