On June 29, Pope Francis released a new Apostolic Letter entitled Desiderio Desideravi, on the liturgical formation of the People of God. The title comes from Luke 22:15 where Jesus says: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”

The Letter provides a summary of liturgical theology and calls for “serious and vital liturgical formation.” The pope wants “to invite the whole Church to rediscover, to safeguard, and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration.”

In the letter, Pope Francis addresses the nature of sacramental encounter, of symbols and symbolic language, of ars celebrandi, and the need to engage all the baptized in the fruitful celebration of the Paschal Mystery.

“The action of the celebration is the place in which, by means of memorial, the Paschal Mystery is made present so that the baptized, through their participation, can experienc it in their own lives."

Please take some time to read this letter and reflect on your right to participate in the Liturgy with full and active understanding.