Mysterium Fidei (encyclical)

After the opening words Mysterium fidei is the third encyclical of Pope Paul VI. referred to. In it, the traditional eucharistic faith of the Catholic Church was explained during the Second Vatican Council and in the context of the modern new shows ( published September 3, 1965).

The term Mysterium fidei ( " Mystery of Faith " ) is taken from the words of consecration of the Roman canon measurement. The subtitle font is Encyclical of Pope Paul VI. on the Holy Eucharist. This encyclical went inter alia two important encyclicals on the subject of liturgy and the Eucharist ahead:

• Mirae Caritatis by Pope Leo XIII. on May 28, 1902

• Mediator Dei of Pius XII. on November 20, 1947

In the course of the liturgical reform, the same pope in 1969 decided these words, of unknown origin and in the midst of the words of consecration are difficult to translate into vernacular languages ​​to be interpreted as a call to the people. This responds with an acclamation. In the German version of the Roman Missal states since then:

• P: " Mystery of Faith "
• A: " O Lord, we proclaim your death. Your resurrection, until you come in glory. "

The Latin version knows several variants of the acclamation.

In fact, this acclamation contains one almost succinct commitment to the central mysteries of the Christian faith. The priest has the words of consecration spoken in persona Christi ( " Do this in (! ) Memory " ), answers the church " Christ-centered " ( " Christ has died .. ").

Because most expressed at this point the renewed rite the active participation of the faithful in the liturgical action, the interpretation of the words " mysterium fidei " is attacked particularly severe in pastoral function of the critics who imagine only the Tridentine Mass as a valid form of celebration.