Teaching Documents by Josefina M . Manabat
Two aspects of the Eucharist-as Cup of Sacrifice and as Banquet of the Kingdom-are discussed here... more Two aspects of the Eucharist-as Cup of Sacrifice and as Banquet of the Kingdom-are discussed here not from a purely theological and academic standpoint but from the perspective of Eucharistic spirituality. Concern for Eucharistic spirituality means that we want to celebrate the Eucharist the way we should, which connotes realizing on the levels of life, relationships, and social responsibility the meaning and vision that Christ himself had for and through this most sublime Sacrament. What we hear, say, and do in our Eucharistic celebrations should influence our thinking, speaking, and behaving beyond the confines of the celebrative time and space. The Eucharist must become the source of Christian discipleship to which we are called, following Jesus in his love that culminated in his sacrifice on the Cross.
The phrase “patristic liturgical preaching” sends one back to the early centuries when some grea... more The phrase “patristic liturgical preaching” sends one back to the early centuries when some great bishops delivered their instructions to catechumens and to neophytes to lead them to further understand and live out the Christian faith after they were baptized, anointed, and celebrated the Eucharist fully for the first time on Easter Vigil. These instructions which were given in the form of homilies within the sacramental celebrations have become representative of the great oral and literary heritage of that epoch.
In this essay the above-described mystagogical instructions coming from around the late fourth century are considered. Do these time-honored treatises still have useful and relevant things to say to those who have interest in liturgy and liturgical education-formation today? Are liturgy and liturgical education-formation among those areas in the Church’s ministry that stand to benefit from a movement to “return to the sources”? Can patristic liturgical preaching be relied upon to provide stimulus and orientation to the liturgico- formative task of the Church in its search for an identity, a new language, and more appropriate methods? More particularly, aside from its profound theological content which has been perennially recognized and acknowledged, does patristic liturgical teaching have sound anthropological underpinnings which can be relied upon by the contemporary task of liturgical education-formation in the more serious attention that it has been paying to the human subject of the liturgy in the recent years?
Conference Presentations by Josefina M . Manabat
Acts of the 3th National Meeting of Diocesan Directors of Liturgy, 2024
In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis has invited the Church to revisit the four... more In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis has invited the Church to revisit the four constitutions of the Second Vatican Council-Sacrosanctum Concilium, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Gaudium et Spes-to align with the Jubilee's theme, Pilgrims of Hope, and foster spiritual renewal and evangelization. This initiative underscores their continued relevance in shaping the Church's life and mission. The Pope's call for a revisit of these four constitutions of Vatican II is in view of liturgical revitalization for deeper communal worship, a renewed understanding of the Church's missionary identity, enhanced engagement with Scripture as the foundation of faith, and a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges with Gospel values. Rooted in the rich theological and pastoral insights of Vatican II, the initiative seeks to prepare the faithful for a transformative Jubilee celebration, inspiring unity, purpose, and a renewed sense of mission as they journey forward as Pilgrims of Hope.
Congress Papers (51st International Eucharistic Congress), 2016
Two aspects of the Eucharist-as Cup of Sacrifice and as Banquet of the Kingdom-are discussed here... more Two aspects of the Eucharist-as Cup of Sacrifice and as Banquet of the Kingdom-are discussed here not from a purely theological and academic standpoint but from the perspective of Eucharistic spirituality. Concern for Eucharistic spirituality means that we want to celebrate the Eucharist the way we should, which connotes realizing on the levels of life, relationships, and social responsibility the meaning and vision that Christ himself had for and through this most sublime Sacrament. What we hear, say, and do in our Eucharistic celebrations should influence our thinking, speaking, and behaving beyond the confines of the celebrative time and space. The Eucharist must become the source of Christian discipleship to which we are called, following Jesus in his love that culminated in his sacrifice on the Cross. KEY WORDS: Eucharist Eucharistic Spirituality Eucharist and Eschatology Eucharist and Social Justice The eschatological tension inherent in the Eucharist spurs us on our journey through history and plants a seed of living hope in our daily commitment to the work before us. Certainly the Christian vision leads to the expectation of "new heavens" and "a new earth" (Rev 21:1), but this increases, rather than lessens, our sense of responsibility for the world today (GS 39).
The key to striking a correct harmony between liturgical worship and popular piety is a sound und... more The key to striking a correct harmony between liturgical worship and popular piety is a sound understanding of their proper relationship. An accurate reading of the Vatican II Liturgy Constitution’s articulation of the relationship between the two expressions of Marian Piety, that is, the liturgy and popular devotion—makes it clear that such relationship is “not one of contradiction, equality, or of substitution” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, n. 186; Marialis Cultus, n. 50). While the Constitution is unflinching in affirming the primacy of the Sacred Liturgy over forms of popular religiosity in expressing the singular affection and honor that the Church reserves for the Blessed Mother, it is also with great solicitude that she recommends such popular forms of Marian piety for the Christian faithful’s observance, particularly those that are in accord with the sacred Liturgy and in harmony with the liturgical seasons, for which they have been given ecclesiastical approval. Proper understanding of this relationship between liturgy and popular piety accords the many forms of Marian devotion “an active evangelizing power” that is an essential feature of the new evangelization (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 126).
Papers by Josefina M . Manabat
TBA, 2022
Pope Francis' motu proprio Spiritus Domini marks a significant development in the ministry of wom... more Pope Francis' motu proprio Spiritus Domini marks a significant development in the ministry of women in the liturgy by authorizing their formal institution as lectors and acolytes. This decision represents an organic continuation of tradition while opening avenues for legitimate progress in the Church's liturgical life. Grounded in the theology of baptismal priesthood, Spiritus Domini affirms the capacity of women to exercise ministries that complement the ordained priesthood and acknowledges their unique spiritual sensitivity and potential for effective service. The move also highlights the broader ecclesial commitment to Pope Paul VI's Ministeria Quaedam, inviting a fuller implementation of its principles on instituted ministries. However, the exercise of these ministries requires discernment and formation. Canon 230 §1 and related magisterial documents emphasize that aspirants, whether male or female, must possess the requisite gifts and qualifications. Spiritus Domini calls on local Churches to ensure proper preparation and continuous formation for ministers, fostering their capability to build up the Church and proclaim the Gospel. As such, the Pope's initiative is not merely an endpoint but a dynamic means to deepen the Church's mission through the inclusion of women in instituted ministries.
Marian Devotion and Liturgy in the Church’s Evangelizing Mission in Asia
The phenomenon of a vibrant Marian devotion in Asia would never escape notice with its various ma... more The phenomenon of a vibrant Marian devotion in Asia would never escape notice with its various manifestations that are embedded in the religious cultures and consciousness of the Asian people. In the Philippines alone, such manifestations include numerous parishes, barrio chapels, shrines, and oratories dedicated to Mary. Other than being called a Christian nation, Filipinos love to be called a Marian nation. However, the reality of Marian popular piety in the Philippines is not without its shadows. The otherwise bright horizon is at times dotted with elements that need to be purified and re-aligned with orthodox faith and practice. This is particularly evident in the failure to see the proper relationship between Marian popular religiosity and the Church’s liturgy. Achieving this proper relationship will disclose the crucial role that devotion to Mary can play in the task of evangelization in Asia. Indeed, Mary was evangelizer par excellence because she brought the Good News to the world.
Marian Devotion and Liturgy in the Church’s Evangelizing Mission in Asia
The phenomenon of a vibrant Marian devotion in Asia would never escape notice with its various ma... more The phenomenon of a vibrant Marian devotion in Asia would never escape notice with its various manifestations that are embedded in the religious cultures and consciousness of the Asian people. In the Philippines alone, such manifestations include numerous parishes, barrio chapels, shrines, and oratories dedicated to Mary. Other than being called a Christian nation, Filipinos love to be called a Marian nation. However, the reality of Marian popular piety in the Philippines is not without its shadows. The otherwise bright horizon is at times dotted with elements that need to be purified and re-aligned with orthodox faith and practice. This is particularly evident in the failure to see the proper relationship between Marian popular religiosity and the Church’s liturgy. Achieving this proper relationship will disclose the crucial role that devotion to Mary can play in the task of evangelization in Asia. Indeed, Mary was evangelizer par excellence because she brought the Good News to the...
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Teaching Documents by Josefina M . Manabat
In this essay the above-described mystagogical instructions coming from around the late fourth century are considered. Do these time-honored treatises still have useful and relevant things to say to those who have interest in liturgy and liturgical education-formation today? Are liturgy and liturgical education-formation among those areas in the Church’s ministry that stand to benefit from a movement to “return to the sources”? Can patristic liturgical preaching be relied upon to provide stimulus and orientation to the liturgico- formative task of the Church in its search for an identity, a new language, and more appropriate methods? More particularly, aside from its profound theological content which has been perennially recognized and acknowledged, does patristic liturgical teaching have sound anthropological underpinnings which can be relied upon by the contemporary task of liturgical education-formation in the more serious attention that it has been paying to the human subject of the liturgy in the recent years?
Conference Presentations by Josefina M . Manabat
Papers by Josefina M . Manabat