“The third lesson (Mt 28: 16-20) reminds the Bishop of Rome of his duties.
“The second duty, expressed in the word "baptize", refers to the sacraments and to the whole of the liturgy. The diocese of Rome has followed the programme of the CEI "Evangelization and Sacraments". It already knows that evangelization, sacraments, and holy life are three moments on the one course; evangelization prepares for the sacrament, the sacrament draws him who has received it to live in a Christian way. I should like this great concept to be applied in ever increasing measure. I should like also that Rome should in fact give a good example of Liturgy celebrated devoutly and without ill-placed "creativity". Certain abuses in liturgical matters have succeeded, through reaction, in favouring attitudes that have led to a taking up of positions that in themselves cannot be upheld and are in contrast with the Gospel. In appealing with affection and with hope to the sense of responsibility of everyone, before God and the Church, I should like to be able to give an assurance that every liturgical irregularity will be diligently avoided.
MASS ON THE OCCASION OF TAKING POSSESSION
OF THE CHAIR OF THE BISHOP OF ROME
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL I
Patriarchal Archbasilica of St John Lateran
Saturday, 23 September 1978
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