THE MEETING OF THE PRIEST WITH MARY
1. Eucharist, the Church and Mary, in relation to the priest
"If we wish to rediscover in all its richness the profound relationship between the Church and the Eucharist, we can not neglect Mary, Mother and model of the Church "[1]. These words of the venerable Pope John Paul II is a track appropriate to introduce the theme that we try to develop briefly these: The meeting of the priest with Mary in the Eucharistic celebration.
Where the Church celebrates the Eucharist, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, "is realized the work of our redemption" [2] and for this we can say that "there is a causal influence to the origins of the Eucharist Church's own "[3]. In the Eucharist, Christ gives himself to us, the constant building as his body. 'Therefore, in the striking interplay between the Eucharist builds the Church and the Church that makes the Eucharist, the primary causality is expressed in the first formula: the Church can celebrate and adore the mystery of Christ in the Eucharist precisely because Christ himself it first gave to it in the sacrifice of the cross "[4]. Ontologically and chronologically precedes the Eucharist and the Church in this way it is shown again that the Lord has "loved first."
At the same time, Jesus made his perpetual personal donation by instituting the Eucharist at the Last Supper. In that '"Now, Jesus anticipated his death and His resurrection. Hence we can say that "this gift Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church the perennial making present of the paschal mystery" [5]. Everything is like the Triduum paschale included, anticipated and "concentrated" forever in the Eucharistic gift. Therefore, any priest who celebrates Holy Mass, together with the community belonging to it, returns to the 'hours' of the cross and glorification, he returned in spirit to the place of redemption and the hora sancta [6]. In the Eucharist, we enter sacrificial act of Jesus and thus, participating in his bid, his Body and his Blood, we join with God [7].
In this "memorial" of Calvary is all that Christ accomplished by his passion and death. "Consequently all that Christ did with regard to the Mother for our sake" [8]. In every celebration of Holy Mass, we hear again quell '"Behold your son" the son said to his Mother, while he himself repeats to us: "Behold your Mother" (Jn 19:26-27).
"take Mary with means to introduce dynamism in its entire existence - is not something external - and in all that constitutes the horizon of his apostolate" [9]. Thus, "Experiencing the memorial of Christ's death also means continually receiving this gift. [...] Mary is present, with Church and as the Mother of the Church in each of our Eucharistic celebrations. If the Church and the Eucharist are inseparably united, the same ought to be said of Mary and the Eucharist "[10].
The recommendation from the daily celebration of Holy Mass, even when there was no participation of the faithful, comes from a part of the objectively infinite value of every Eucharistic celebration, "and then draws from its unique effectiveness spiritual reason, why, if lived with attention and faith, the Mass is formative in the deepest sense of the term, as it promotes the conformation to Christ and strengthens the priest in his vocation "[11]. In this process of transformation and conformation, the meeting the priest at Mass with Maria is particularly important. In fact, "for their identification and conformation sacramental Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, every priest can and should feel truly favorite son of this loftiest and most humble Mother" [12].
2. In the Mass of Paul VI
In Roman Missal in its editio typica tertia, Lex orandi ordinary expression of the Catholic Church of Latin rite, the maternal presence of Mary is experienced in two significant moments of the Eucharistic celebration: the act of penance and Confiteor the Eucharistic Prayer.
2.1. The Confiteor. On the way to the Lord, we realize of our unworthiness. The man in front of God are sinful and naturally arises from his lips the confession of his own misery. It is necessary to ask in the celebration that God transforms us and let us agree to participate in the actio Dei which is the liturgy. In fact, the spirit of constant conversion is one of those personal conditions that make possible the active participation of the faithful and the same priest celebrant. "We can not wait for an active participation in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, if one approaches it superficially, without an examination of his life [...]. A heart reconciled to God makes genuine participation '[13].
The Act of Penitence, that "is accomplished through the formula of general confession of the whole community" [14], helps us to conform to the sentiments of Christ and to place the means for realizing this "being with God," while "force" to remove ourselves from themselves, encourages us to pray with and for others we are not alone. Thanks to the communion of saints, and help us feel supported and helped each other. It is in this context that we find one of Marian liturgical prayer mode, which presents itself as a reminder of the intercession of Mary in Confiteor. As Paul VI pointed out, "the people of God invokes as Comforter of the afflicted, Health of the Sick, Refuge of sinners, to get consolation in tribulation, relief in sickness, liberating power of sin, because you, free of all sin, leads her children to this: with energetic determination to overcome sin "[15]. The
Confiteor, genuine formula of confession, we meet in different redactions, from sec. IX, within the monastery. From there will go to the churches of the secular clergy and are fixed as part of the Ordo Papal Curia prior to 1227 [16]:
"Ideo Precor beatam Mariam semper Virginem ...».
"Therefore pray the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin ...».
Maria, in communion with Christ the one Mediator, pray to the Father for all the faithful, her children. How do you remember Vatican Council II: "The maternal role of Mary toward men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power. All the saving influences of the Blessed Virgin on men originates not from some inner necessity, but from the purely free of God, and flows from the superabundance of the merits of Christ and therefore is based on mediation, it depends entirely on and draws all its effectiveness, and do not impede the immediate union of believers with Christ, but rather fosters "[17].
Mary "cares for the brethren of her Son who still journey on earth surrounded by dangers and difficulties, until they are led into their blessed home" [18]. Simile cura Ella la dimostra particolarmente per i sacerdoti. «Maria li predilige infatti per due ragioni: perché sono più simili a Gesù, amore supremo del suo cuore, e perché anch'essi, come Lei, sono impegnati nella missione di proclamare, testimoniare e dare Cristo al mondo»[19]. Così si spiega che il concilio Vaticano II affermi: «Essa è la Madre del Sommo ed Eterno Sacerdote, la Regina degli Apostoli, il sostegno del loro ministero: essi [i presbiteri] devono quindi venerarla e amarla con devozione e culto filiale»[20].
2.2. La Preghiera eucaristica. Per quanto riguarda la memoria di Maria nelle preghiere eucaristiche del Messale Romano, «questa memoria quotidiana, per la sua collocazione al centro del santo Sacrificio, deve essere ritenuta come una forma particolarmente espressiva del culto che la Chiesa rende alla Benedetta dall'Altissimo (cf. Lc 1,28)»[21].
Questo ricordo di Maria Santissima si manifesta in due modi: la sua presenza nell'incarnazione e la sua intercessione gloriosa. Circa il primo modo, possiamo ricordare che il «sì» di Maria è la porta per la quale Dio si incarna, entra nel mondo. In questo modo, Maria è realmente e profondamente coinvolta nel mistero dell'incarnazione e pertanto della nostra salvezza. «L'incarnazione, il farsi uomo del Figlio, era dall'inizio finalizzata al dono di sé; al donarsi con molto amore nella croce, per farsi pane per la life of the world. So sacrifice, priesthood and incarnation go together and Mary is at the center of this mystery "[22].
This is expressed, for example, in the Preface of the Eucharistic Prayer II, which refers to the Apostolic Tradition and the Post-Sanctus of the IV. The two expressions are very similar:
"... and you sent us the Saviour and Redeemer, made man by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary" (PE II).
"He became man by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary" (EP IV).
In the context of the Eucharistic Prayer, the confession of faith emphasizes the cooperation of Mary in the mistero dell'incarnazione e il suo legame con Cristo, come pure l'azione dello Spirito Santo. Con essa si intende presentare l'Eucaristia come presenza vera ed autentica del Verbo incarnato che ha sofferto ed è stato glorificato. L'Eucaristia, mentre rimanda alla Passione e risurrezione, sta allo stesso tempo in continuità con l'incarnazione.
Giovanni Paolo II segnala che «Maria concepì nell'annunciazione il Figlio divino nella verità anche fisica del Corpo e del Sangue, anticipando in sé ciò che in qualche misura si realizza sacramentalmente in ogni credente che riceve, nel segno del pane e del vino, il Corpo e il Sangue del Signore»[23]. Maria appare così legata alla relazione «Incarnazione-Eucaristia».
On the other hand, the presence of Mary in the Eucharistic Prayer also shows us her glorious intercession. The memory of you in the communion of saints is a traditional feature of the Roman Canon and finds himself in the other Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Missal, in line with the oriental anaphora. "The eschatological tension kindled by the Eucharist expresses and reinforces our communion with the Church in heaven. It is no coincidence that the Eastern Anaphoras and the Latin Eucharistic Prayers [...] remember with reverence the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ "[24].
memory of Mary in the Roman Canon was enriched with headlines that remind us of the solemn proclamation of the dogma of divine maternity of the Council of Ephesus (431) and probably derive expressions of the pontiff's homily [25]. The solemn words of the Roman Canon states
'... primarily gloriosae Genetricis semper virginis Mariae Dei, et Domini our Iesu Christi. "
"We venerate the memory, first, the glorious and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ" (Roman Canon).
Mary is exalted title with glorious semper Virgo, as it is called St Epiphanius [26]. On the other hand, the expression Genetrix Dei is used frequently by the Latin Fathers, especially St. Ambrose. Its inclusion in the Roman Canon is the earlier time Pope Leo the Great, and was probably introduced before the Council of Ephesus [27]. It should also be pointed out that Mary is remembered first of all the saints.
The meaning of this term and this memory can be three-fold [28]: first, by the memory of Mary Church enter into communion with her, and second, that recollection is logical, because it is derived from the condition of your holiness and glory of the Mother of God [29] Finally, because of the intercession with God that she exercises [30]: "For their merits and their prayers [of Mary and the saints] always give us [Lord] help and protection" (Roman Canon ).
In a context similar to that of the Roman Canon, even with small changes, we meet our request to Mary and the saints to reach eternal life
'... make us worthy to share eternal life together with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God .. "(PE II).
'... because we can get together with the inheritance of your saints, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God .. "(EP III) [31].
'... grant us, your children, get with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God [...] the eternal inheritance of your kingdom ...»( EP IV).
3. In the Mass of St. Pius V
Finally, note that in the Roman Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962, an extraordinary expression of Lex orandi della Chiesa cattolica di rito latino, incontriamo menzionata Maria Santissima in altri due momenti della Celebrazione eucaristica, oltre a quelli rimasti anche nella forma ordinaria. Innanzitutto, nella supplica alla Santissima Trinità che il sacerdote prega dopo il Lavabo e che pone fine ai riti offertoriali. Vi si legge:
«Suscipe sancta Trinitas, hanc oblationem quam tibi offerimus ob memoriam passionis [...]; et in honorem beatae Mariae semper Virginis...»
Questa preghiera riassume le intenzioni e i frutti del sacrificio come epilogo dell'Offertorio. In effetti, dopo aver ricordato che l'offerta si compie in memoria della Passione, risurrezione e ascensione del Signore, si menzionano la Santissima Vergine and St. John the Baptist, Peter and Paul. The mention of Mary is within the context of that veneration which the holy Church bestows special love because of the inextricable link that exists between you and the saving work of her Son. At the same time, you and admires the most splendid fruit of redemption [32]. In this prayer, please note that "the Eucharist the Church is completely united to Christ and his sacrifice, and doing just the spirit of Mary" [33].
The mention of Mary meets then nell'embolismo Libera nos that follows the Pater Noster, in which we express ourselves in these terms:
"Libera nos, quaesumus Domine, ab omnibus Malis, praeteritis, et praesentibus futuris: et et interceding blessed glorious semper Virgine Dei Genetrix Maria [...] by pacem in diebus nostris propitius ...».
Even this prayer expresses the perfect unity between Lex and Lex orandi we realize as the "fountain of our faith and the eucharistic liturgy is in fact the same event: the gift that Christ has made of himself in the Paschal Mystery" [ 34]. In fact, this prayer shows that 'because of his intercession, which is first manifested at Cana in Galilee, Mary's mediation continues in the history of the Church and the world "[35].
4. Conclusion
conclude this short overview sull'Ordo Missae, made significant meetings with Mary, we can say with one of the great saints of our time: "For me, the first Marian devotion - I like to think so - is the Holy Mass. [...]. This is in fact an action of the Trinity: the Father's will, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, the Son offers himself in sacrifice of redemption. In this unfathomable mystery, there are signs, such as through the veil, the face of pure Maria: Daughter of God the Father, the Mother of God the Son, Spouse of God the Holy Spirit. The encounter with Jesus in the Sacrifice of the altar necessarily involves an encounter with Mary his mother "[36].
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--------------------------------- [1] John Paolo II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 53.
[2] Concilio Vaticano II, Lumen gentium, n. 3.
[3] Giovanni Paolo II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 21.
[4] Benedetto XVI, Sacramentum caritatis, n. 14.
[5] Giovanni Paolo II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 5.
[6] Cf. ibid., n. 4.
[7] Cf. Benedetto XVI, Deus caritas est, n. 13.
[8] Giovanni Paolo II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 57.
[9] Benedetto XVI, Udienza generale, 12.08.2009.
[10] Giovanni Paolo II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, n. 57.
[11] Benedetto XVI, Sacramentum caritatis, n. 80.
[12] Benedetto XVI, Udienza generale, 12.08.2009.
[13] Benedetto XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, n. 55.
[14] Institutio Generalis Romani Missalis No 55.
[15] Paul VI, Marialis cultus, n. 57.
[16] V. Raffa, Liturgy of the Eucharist. MYSTAGOGY of the Mass: the history and theology to pastoral practice, Rome 2003, pp. 272-274.
[17] Vatican Council II, Lumen Gentium, 60.
[18] Ibid., N. 62.
[19] Benedict XVI, General Audience, 12.08.2009.
[20] Second Vatican Council, PO No 18.
[21] Paul VI, Marialis cultus, n. 10.
[22] Benedict XVI, General Audience, 12.08.2009.
[23] John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 55.
[24] Ibid., N. 19.
[25] Cf S. Meo, "The Marian formula semper Virgo Maria Gloriosa Dei et Domini Genitrix our Iesu Christi in the Roman Canon and at two Popes of the fifth century ', in Pontificia Academia Mariana Internationalis, De primordiis Marian cultus. Acta Congressus Mariological-Marian year 1967 celebrated in Lusitania, Romae 1970, II, pp. 439-458.
[26] Cf M. Righetti, Historia de la liturgy, Madrid, 1956 I, p. 334.
[27] M. Augé, The Liturgical Year: Christ himself is present in his Church, Vatican City, 2009, p. 247.
[28] Cf J. Castellano, "In union with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Variety of liturgical expressions of Marian prayer, "liturgical Magazine 75 (1988), p. 59.
[29] "The sanctity copy of the Virgin moves the faithful to raise their eyes to Mary who shines as a model of virtue before all the congregation of the elect "(Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 57).
[30] "The Devotion to the Mother of the Lord is converted to the faithful on the occasion of growing in divine grace, purpose of all pastoral activity last few. Why is it impossible to honor all of grace (Luke 1:28) without honoring in oneself the state re grace, namely, friendship with God, communion with Him and the indwelling of the Spirit "(Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 57).
[31] "The recent Eucharistic Prayer III expresses with intense yearning desire of those praying to share with Mother's legacy children "(ibid., 10).
[32] Cf Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 102.
[33] John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 58.
[34] Benedict XVI, Sacramentum Caritatis, n. 34.
[35] John Paul II, Redemptoris Mater, n. 40.
[36] J. Escriva, La Virgen del Pilar. Libro de Aragón, Madrid 1976, p. 99.