The offertory rite in the Ordines Romani

Abstract

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican II, when it speaks on the general principles of liturgical renewal, says amongst other things, that, 'the rites should be distinguished by a noble simplicity; they should be short, clear and unencumbered by any useless repetitions; they should be within the people's power of comprehension, and normally should not require much explanation' (n. 34). Later on, in subsequent articles, the same Constitution speaks on more particular principles is it treats on more specific liturgical celebrations. Thus in chapter: U, when it speaks on the Mystery of the Eucharist, it says that 'the rite of the Mass is to be revised in such a way that the intrinsic nature and purpose of its several parts, as also the connection between them, may be more clearly manifested, and that devout and active participation by the people may be more easily achieved' (n.50). In the same article it then stresses the need of simplifying the rites with due consideration to the preservation of their substance; the discarding of those elements which are superfluous and of little advantage, and the reintroduction and restoring of those elements which have suffered injury through accidents of history.