By Martin Barillas
Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jan 28, 2025 / 09:30 am
In an exclusive interview with CNA, Professor Mary Healy of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Michigan shared insights into her recent appointment by Pope Francis to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Headed by British Cardinal Arthur Roche, this dicastery plays a crucial role in advising the pope on matters related to sacraments, the Mass, and liturgies of the Latin rite. The diverse membership of the dicastery includes cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople from across the globe.
Dr. Healy, a New York native, was already serving as a consultor to the dicastery before this appointment. With a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University and other advanced degrees, she has been a professor of Scripture at the Detroit seminary since 2008.
Her expertise led Pope Francis to appoint her to the Pontifical Biblical Commission in 2014, a position she was reappointed to in 2021. Dr. Healy has also contributed to the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and currently chairs the Charismatic Renewal International Service (CHARIS) in Rome.
Renowned for her scholarly work, Dr. Healy has authored several books, including “Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World,” “Scripture, Mercy, and Homosexuality,” and “Men and Women are from Eden.” She is also the general editor of the “Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture” and author of volumes on “The Gospel of Mark” and “The Gospel of Hebrews.”
Advocating for a deeper engagement with the Bible, Dr. Healy has been instrumental in projects such as “The Great Adventure Catholic Bible” and serves as a consultant to the Renewal Ministries apostolate based in Michigan, which focuses on evangelization and Church renewal.
The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, as outlined on its website, is dedicated to promoting the sacred liturgy in line with the reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council.
Welcome to the Liturgical Formation Blog!
The Apostolic See encompasses all matters related to the regulation and promotion of sacred liturgy. It ensures that the laws of the Church and liturgical norms are faithfully observed in every place.
What is the Role of the Dicastery?
While there has been ongoing debate about liturgical reforms since the council, the current focus is on providing liturgical formation for all Catholics. This aims to help individuals engage more deeply with the liturgy and experience its transformative power in their lives. As a layperson, I bring a unique perspective to the dicastery, complementing the viewpoints of ordained ministers.
Steps Towards Church Reform
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Emphasize the study of the Bible to help Catholics develop a love for Scripture. Understanding the story of salvation enables a deeper engagement with the sacrifice of Christ in the liturgy.
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Encourage Catholics to be open to the Holy Spirit and his charisms. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit allows for a vibrant life in Christ through the Scriptures and sacraments.
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Promote evangelization and the call to become missionary disciples. Renewed emphasis on spreading the Gospel can lead to a more dynamic and active faith.
By focusing on these aspects, we can continue the mission of Vatican II to renew the Church in holiness for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel effectively in today’s world. Join us on this journey of liturgical formation and spiritual growth!
Welcome to Our Blog!
Witnessing someone come to faith in Christ through your testimony can be a truly invigorating experience that strengthens your own faith. It is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on others through our actions and words.
At the core of our beliefs as Catholics is the liturgy and sacraments through which we experience the awesome mystery of redemption. Providing liturgical formation is essential for Catholics to fully understand and engage with this profound aspect of our faith.
The November 2022 article co-authored in Church Life Journal emphasizes the importance of reclaiming and promoting the authentic teachings of Vatican II to counteract movements that may misinterpret or disparage the council. It is crucial to engage with the documents of Vatican II, such as those on divine revelation, the Church, and the liturgy, to understand the profound insights they offer.
As a member of the dicastery, there is a focus on promoting the full, active, conscious participation of the faithful in the liturgy, aligning with the council’s reforms. The goal is for every Catholic to be fully present and engaged in the liturgy, encountering the Lord in a transformative way.
When it comes to young Catholics, it is important for them to recognize that Vatican II was not a rejection of tradition but a renewal of the Church’s living tradition. The council sought to bring forth the transcendent, sublime, and enduring aspects of our faith while discarding elements that may have obscured the true message of Christ.
Overall, Vatican II serves as a guide for modern Catholics to deepen their understanding of the faith, engage more fully in the liturgy, and embrace the rich tradition of the Church in a way that is relevant and meaningful today.
