US liturgist to speak in NZ on the art of celebrating Mass

Fr Turner will begin his national tour in Hamilton Diocese on July 21 and conclude in Christchurch on August 8. The focus of the talks he will give is ars celebrandi, the art of celebrating Mass.

“I hope to give everyone a deeper appreciation of the richness of our liturgy,” Fr Turner said.

While the task of leading the celebration of Mass falls to the priest, Fr Turner said the laity are deeply engaged in the sacred event.

“I think lay people have always had an interest in the liturgy,” he said. “The focus of their interest may change from time to time, but everyone has experiences and memories they treasure and hopes for which they aspire.”

Asked what advice he would offer clergy, and the laity, in supporting a profound experience at Mass, he offered the same answer.

“Pay attention to everything that happens,” he suggested, adding that one of the priest’s tasks is to “help people engage in the mystery”.

Bishop Steve Lowe, president of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, said as a member of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy he has seen Fr Turner’s love for and knowledge of the Church’s liturgy.

“The Bishops Conference is delighted Fr Turner accepted our invitation to speak in New Zealand. His visit is a response to Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi, which invites us to contemplate the beauty and truth of Christian celebration.

“We hope his visit will strengthen the faithful’s understanding of the liturgy and advise our priests on how to celebrate the Mass in ways that enhance the faith of all,” Bishop Lowe said.

“The Mass is the greatest prayer we have, and the Eucharist is our source and summit. I encourage people to take this opportunity to deepen our connection with these treasures of our faith.”

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US liturgist set to visit New Zealand (NZCBC)