Description
Book SynopsisMusings and Memoir
Trade ReviewWhat, Then, is Liturgy? Musings and Memoir has left me with a greater understanding and appreciation of the way we as Catholics celebrate our faith. It is also a timely work which should be read by all concerned with and involved in the current liturgical changes.Suzanne Sykes, M.A., Seat of Wisdom
This is not your usual historical book on liturgy. It is, however, a chance for the reader to sit at the foot of a master teacher and liturgist, one who has taught well, lived the spirit of the gospel, and has dedicated his life to ensuring that history and pastoral practice enliven the faith and give us a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy.Emmanuel
Anyone in a responsible ministerial role in the coming year would benefit greatly by studying these pages carefully.Pastoral Music
Anscar Chupungco’s latest book offers a needed perspective in the midst of the present debates on the future of church life and liturgical reform. With the skills of a master teacher he reminds us of the central theological concerns underlying the last half-century of liturgical changes, offers thoughtful and balanced criticism of possible gaps and misdirections in implementing these changes, but most importantly provides a confident sense of hope for the future. Like Bernard Botte’s From Silence to Participation, Fr. Anscar’s ‘musings and memoir’ give us a vivid account of the thinking of those who shaped the post-Vatican II liturgical renewal in the light of its reception in varied cultures in the years since. Highly recommended for those who are seeking a scholarly yet accessible, principled yet irenic account of post-Vatican II Roman Rite liturgical reform in an era of liturgical polemics.Fr. Jan Michael Joncas
Associate Professor of Catholic
The genuine voice of Anscar Chupungco sounds in these pages—with the characteristic notes of deep fidelity to Catholic tradition, utter clarity, gracious wisdom, Benedictine humility, and gentle hints of humor. That voice is a treasure. Chupungco articulates a vital memory of the very heart of the liturgical movement and many of its formative leaders, and one slowly comes to see that he himself has been one such leader. He speaks a clear and authoritative criticism of the recently too frequent cases of liturgical reaction on the part of some Roman Catholic leaders, yet he loses neither hope nor dignity in the process. Reading this book, you will discover again the basic principles of Catholic liturgical reform and its ecumenical resonances. You will also be encouraged to sentire esse ecclesiam, to recover the empowered sense of being the church: yourself with others as you gather around the presence of Christ now in word and sacrament.Gordon W. Lathro
