“Liturgy as a place of solidarity with the poor”[/caption]
Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, reflects for Vatican News on Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation. In his meditation he recalls the words of Saint John XXIII before opening the Second Vatican Council: the Church must be the Church of all and “particularly the Church of the poor.”
Of the many insights gained from reading Dilexi Te (DT), I was particularly struck by Pope Leo’s observation that “The Second Vatican Council represented a milestone in the Church’s understanding of the poor in God’s saving plan,” and that this milestone shaped the entire direction of the Council and its reforms.
He notes that while the theme of the poor was only marginally alluded to in the preparatory documents, Saint Pope John XXIII called attention to it in a radio address a month before the opening of the Council, stating “the Church presents herself as she is and as she wishes to be: the Church of all and in particular the Church of the poor.”
These comments, according to Pope Leo, spurred theologians and experts to give the Council a new direction, which Cardinal Lercaro, the Archbishop of Bologna summed up in his intervention of December 6, 1962. He stated: “The mystery of Christ in the Church has always been and today is, in a particular way, the mystery of Christ in the poor….this is not simply one theme among others, but in some sense the only theme of the Council as a whole. ”
Lecaro later commented that in preparing his intervention he came to see the Council differently: “This is the hour of the poor, of the millions of the poor throughout the world,” he wrote. “This is the hour of the mystery of the Church as mother of the poor. This is the hour of the mystery of Christ, present especially in the poor.”
It is in this context that DT offers a particularly revealing comment that provides us with a fresh understanding of the Council Father’s reform of the liturgy. “There was a growing sense of the need for a new image of Church, one simpler and more sober, embracing the entire people of God and its presence in history. A Church more closely resembling her Lord than worldly powers and working to foster a concrete commitment on the part of all humanity to solving the immense problem of poverty in the world.”
In other words, the noble simplicity that Sacrosanctum Concilium pursued in calling for the restoration of the liturgy was not just some antiquarianism or simplicity for simplicity’s sake. Rather, it was in tune with this “growing sense of the need for a new image of the Church, one simpler and more sober…” The liturgical reform aimed at allowing God’s activity for us in the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, to shine forth more clearly. The renewal of our worship was pursued in keeping with the Council Fathers’ desire to present to the world a church defined not by the trappings of world power but marked by sobriety and simplicity, enabling it to speak the people of this age in a way that more closely resembles the Lord and allowing it to take up in a fresh way the mission of proclaiming good news to the poor.
The liturgical reform benefited from scholarly research into liturgical resources, identifying those adaptations, introduced over time, which incorporated elements from imperial and royal courts. That research made clear that many of these adaptations had transformed the liturgy’s aesthetics and meaning, making the liturgy more of a spectacle rather than the active participation of all the baptized for them to be formed to join in the saving action of Christ crucified. By purifying the liturgy of these adaptations, the aim was to enable the liturgy to sustain the Church’s renewed sense of herself, which St. Pope Paul VI noted in his address for the opening of the Council’s second session was in keeping with his predecessor’s inspiration in calling the Council, “to open new horizons for the Church and to channel over the earth the new and yet untapped spring waters of Christ our Lord’s doctrine and grace.”
It was also designed to empower the Eucharist to once again, as St. Pope John Paull II stated in his Apostolic Letter, Mane Nobiscum Domine, to be “a project of solidarity with all of humanity”, making those who participate in it “a promotor of communion, peace and solidarity in every situation. More than ever,” he continued, “our world (troubled)…with the spectre of terrorism and the tragedy of war, demands that Christians learn to experience the Eucharist as a great school of peace, forming men and women who, at various levels of responsibility in social, cultural and political life, can become promotors of dialogue and communion.” The saintly pope concluded in a way that foreshadows the teaching of Pope Leo by noting that it will be “by our mutual love and, in particular, by our concern for those in need (that) we will be recognized as true followers of Christ (cf. Jn 13:35; Mt 25:31-46). This will be the criterion by which the authenticity of our Eucharistic celebrations is judged.”
With the recovery of the ancient sobriety of the Roman Rite the Eucharist is once again the locus of genuine peace and solidarity with the poor in a fractured world.
This article from Vatican News on Oct. 30 replaces Oct. 29 one from Infovaticana. Thanks to our reader Daniel Gallup for providing the Vatican News link.
While Cardinal Cupich is not a good bishop, where did he say that the Liturgy is “not about God?”
If we decry dissenting liberals for making stuff up about those who are more conservative and traditional, we should not be making stuff up about liberal dissenters. Honesty and truth matter. To say the cardinal or anyone said something they did not say is a sin. The linked article provides no evidence or reference that the Cardinal said that. To write, “In other words” and then put words into someone else’s mouth is simply unjust. If evidence of him saying that can be found, I would sincerely like to see it.
Let’s be honest and truthful, even with and about those with whom we disagree. Christians especially should be. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” Truth can stand on its own and will win the day, in the end.
I also noticed that (“In other words”). Yes, we need to be impartial and fair, even if we’re antipodally opposed to one another.
Please read this article written by Cardinal Cupich that was published Oct. 21st in “Vatican News.” Here is the link:
https://share.google/pBmPQNViVwIPqEH3k
Oh– this link in my comment of 10/29 at 2:24pm has a typing error! Try this one:
https://share.google/pBmPQNViVwlPqEH3k
I found the actual words of Cdl. Cupich at https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-10/dilexi-te-and-the-reform-of-the-liturgy-cardinal-cupich.html.
The article of Cdl. Cupich reflects only his own twisted worldly, political beliefs, applying liturgical concepts mistakenly, of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to “the poor.” Cupich totally misunderstands the meaning and purpose of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper– Christ’s Holy Sacrifice for the salvation of our souls– regardless of our earthly economic situations. Cdl. Cupich writes as though he never had a Catechism lesson on preparing children for First Holy Communion– and never in his life read the Vatican II document on the liturgy, “Sacrosanctum Concilium.” He should never have entered a seminary.
I agree totally with the author of the article from InfoVaticana.
^^^ – I tried the link and it was an error.
Sorry for the typing error! Try this link:
https://share.google/pBmPQNViVwlPqEH3k
I tried as well. Might “Cardinal Cupich’s article” tell us where it was published?
I’m not agreeing with the Cardinal’s understanding and direction of the Liturgy. But, I doubt he said it’s “not about God.”
We got the story from one of our trustworthy correspondents who got it from InfoVaticana
English version:
http://www.blogcatolico.com/2025/10/cupich-convierte-la-misa-en-un-proyecto.html
But since there is a lack of links, if none of our readers can provide original sources, we will remove story from Cal Catholic.
All these liturgical abuses started after Vatican 2. I grew up with Clown masses, then rock guitar masses, changing the words of the Eucharistic prayers during the mass. according to a well researched author, 80 percent of the curia are practicing homosexuals. If you can’t follow the commandments, you sure won’t stand for Christ. Am 68 and so tired of these liberal cardinals who few believe in Satan or hell. They will when they get there
The guy is a wolf in sheep’s clothing… wake up!
The original article concerning Card. Cupich greatly
disturbed me, because of previous disagreements with the cardinal’s positions caused me to view anything he might say with suspicion.
But “anonymous clergyman”’s comment made me step back . He is absolutely right that it’s is SINFUL to present as fact motives and interpretations which are not backed up.
As another person commented, there was that phrase “ in other words…” dangerous words indeed! (Haven’t we often used them to try to win an argument ?)
I went to the InfaVaticana article and I must admit I was stunned at how different a reaction I had to the cardinal’s words! It is actually pricking my conscience on my judgmentalism!!!!
My dear mother frequently told us that the Blessed Mother told us never to criticize a priest, instead to pray for him. I thank those commenters on this site who reminded me of that wise advice.
Please be sure to read the links provided, of the original article in “Vatican News,” written by Cdl. Cupich. Then, please re-read the InfoVaticana article. You will easily see the intelligent and valid criticisms (not biased and malicious) of the writer of the InfoVaticana author, and the reasons behind the criticisms. Of course, we should respect the Catholic clergy. But “Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing”– is much wiser advice. The Catholic Church has proven to be consistently very, very untrustworthy, in many areas, especially in the post-Conciliar era. The area of clerical child sex abuse/cover-ups is also a great worry. Very worrisome, the case of the evil Marko Rupnik, at the Vatican– any justice for “Rapenik’s” poor suffering victims– after all these years?
Commenting on misleading confusing falsehoods when a priest…bishop…or cardinal utters nonsense is not criticism. It is defending the faith.and the truth which we are supposed to do. The whole never criticize a priest is taken way out of context. For example if a prelate in a homily express obviously acceptance of same sex ma… and I’ve heard it….One should report it to the bishop and if he as many do…. Ignores it then go to the papal nuncio.. T
The Vatican is going to hold a press conference and state that Mary should not be addressed as Coredemptrix nor Mediatrix.
The Vatican said that it will issue a document on Nov. 4th to clarify the terms often used for Our Blessed Mother, as “Co-Mediatrix” and “Co-Redemptrix” in Heaven– terms which many past popes have freely used– including Pope St. John Paul II. This document will only be a clarification of these terms– and will not be dogmatic.
Looking forward to this. Mary cannot be the mediatrix of all graces because grace was given in Old Testament times before Mary existed.
I’m sure the top theologians in the Vatican have come up with a persuasive teaching document.
To simple logic– Try reading this article from the Holy See, from the Wed. General Audience of Pope St. John Paul II, on 1 Oct. 1997. This will explain things for you. Here is the link:
https://share.google/cN8wQQRShyYIsrStn
reply to reply to simple logic: thank you. This quote says it all: “Care was therefore taken not to associate it with any particular theology of mediation, but merely to list it among Mary’s other recognized titles.”
Mary can be considered a mediator/intercessor, as are ALL the saints. Since she is female, the feminine form “mediatrix” may be used.
The Church does not teach that Mary is “mediatrix of all graces” as some misguided Catholics like to claim. Nor could it ever teach that because it makes no sense to claim that she mediates all graces.
Just mediatrix.
Be careful. Our Blessed Mother has a unique and special place as Christ’s most holy Mother. She is also called the Mother of God. If I were you, I would stop criticizing others who wish to honor her. The world is treacherously filled with sin– even in the Church. We need Our Lady’s powerful intercession more than ever in today’s world. Crown her with great love and honor, each time you pray the Rosary.
Original story replaced with Vatican News one. Thanks to Daniel Gallup for link.
Thank you for the correction, as the Cardinal did not say what was in the previous headline. And, he was quoting St. John Paul in calling the Liturgy a “school of peace.” I think what the Cardinal wrote is uninformed, misguided and misleading, unwise and untimely. But, at least now we know what he wrote. Criticisms of that may be valid.
But he’s right that Vatican II and Bugnini and Paul VI made the Mass better.
Fully agree, and I wish the church would just once and for all clamp down and certify that the old Mass should no longer be celebrated anywhere by anyone.
“…Vatican II and Bugnini and Paul VI made the Mass better.” I have never been to the Mass of the Ages, so I have no metric to measure the “better” in your comment. Certainly the intention was to make the Mass better, whatever the architects of the Novus Ordo meant by “better.” But now two things bother me: 1). there are those who do not regard the Novus Ordo as better and are willing to drive long distances to attend the traditional rite; moreover they take pains to point out why they prefer the tradtional Mass; and 2). if the New Mass is better why oh why is there such a hemorrhage of attendees? People do tend to vote with their feet. About all I can attest to in my experience as a Catholic is that some Novus Ordos are celebrated beautifully with reverence, and some celebrated in an indifferent, perfunctory manner. The former inspires–the latter — well enough said. In either case Christ is present, body and blood, soul and divinity.