Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic by Giles Dimock, O.P.

Abstract

Reviewed by: Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic by Giles Dimock, O.P. Gerald Dennis Gill Giles Dimock O.P. Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic Discerning Hearts, 2020 195 pages, Paperback. $11.99. Dominican Father Giles Dimock, a pioneering member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy, enjoys a fine reputation for his seriousness about the study and celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. His book, Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic, is introduced with a foreword by Dr. Anthony Lilles, another member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy and a former student of the author. Lilles aptly describes Fr. Giles and, in so doing, the content of book as well: "Whereas some charismatic circles saw spirit-filled praise as an activity reserved for a prayer meeting and the Rosary as an entirely different devotion, [Fr. Giles] trailblazed a path of spirituality that was at once charismatic, Marian and liturgical" (i). Lilles further explains how the author was able to combine seamlessly the charismatic and liturgical underpinnings of his musings: "He could do this because he had learned obedience in a very disobedient time, discovered beauty during a very ugly period, and humbly embraced the truth when many others walked away" (i). Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic consists of published columns written by Fr. Giles over the years, especially for the National Catholic Register. These articles are arranged under six titles, and consequently chapters, in the book, all with an emphasis on renewal. These titles include "Renewal in the Holy Spirit," "Renewal of Devotion to Our Lady," "Renewal of Liturgy, Prayer [End Page 317] and Devotion," "Renewal of the Liturgical Seasons," "Renewal of Truth, Beauty and Goodness," as well as "Renewal of the Church's Mission." The author's keen sense of the times, the need for clarity in instruction and a fidelity to the truth and tradition surfaces consistently throughout each of these six chapters. The project of liturgical reform and renewal begun prior to the Second Vatican Council and institutionalized with the promulgation of the Council's Sacrosanctum Concilium (December 4, 1963) endures. The ebb and flow of this project over these many years has generated a considerable amount of discussion, argument, and some confusion. Presently, we are in moment when the topic of the liturgy and its reform is once again in relief in the life of the Church. Chapter three of Musings: Liturgical and Charismatic is especially helpful in this regard. It makes significant straightforward points that benefit today's discussions, "The Mystery of the Mass Still Remains," "It's the Mass that Matters," "Love of the Mass." The chapter continues addressing such topics as the development of the Mass, the language used in the celebration of Mass, and restoring a sacred spirit, among others. In this chapter as well as all throughout the entire book, the reader meets the scholars and teachers of the liturgy that have shaped the mind of the author. Fr. Giles' book is not the result of scholarly research nor a critical review of the topics presented. In some instances the material overlaps and ideas are repeated. Yet, the reader will enjoy the refreshing frankness of the author and the timeliness of his pastoral response to the questions at hand. After all, these are the musings of a priest with half a century of dedicated service to the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. [End Page 318] Gerald Dennis Gill Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright © 2022 Society for Catholic Liturgy