The Liturgical Formation of Clerics after the Second Vatican Council

The aim of liturgical formation is to understand how the mystery of salvation is celebrated and expressed. The foundation of liturgical formation is the saving work of Jesus and human participation in the Paschal mystery of Christ through faith and the sacraments. This formation is to be mystagogical, so it is to include primarily participation in the liturgy, which itself has the power to influence its participants. That is why the documents always prioritize participation in the liturgy as in the work of Christ’s salvation, and only science and practical initiation into the rites. Therefore, the documents always put participation in the liturgy in the first place, and only then study and practical initiation into the rites. As for the liturgical life in the seminary, it is to focus on daily participation in the Eucharist. Next to her, there is also concern for frequent celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and the proper experience of the liturgical year. Also important are the timely received lecturers and acolytes. In the New Ratio studiorum for Poland, the teaching of the liturgy was inscribed in a new division of the entire seminary formation, i.e., the “introductory stage”, “the stage of becoming a disciple of Jesus,” “the stage of becoming conformed to Christ” and the pastoral stage. The ratio studiorum for Poland provides for only 120 hours of liturgy during studies (85 hours of lectures and 35 hours of practice), and the subject “Liturgical Service of the Presbyter” at the pastoral stage (15 hours of practice).