Theology and Liturgical Principles at the Service of Evangelization—Towards a Catholic Renewal

Abstract

Evangelization is not only about the preaching of the kerygma (prophetic evangelization) but also has a liturgical tone (priestly evangelization) and a charity aspect (royal evangelization). When looking for ways to conduct new evangelization, we cannot neglect the liturgical aspect, especially the celebration of the Eucharist and dynamics of the church year. In this respect, the article presents the basic opportunities created by the liturgical reality for the evangelization of both the faithful and others who happen to be present at a celebration, or watching it. The article shows what tensions exist between the liturgical regulations and requirements of evangelization, but also points to various moments in the Eucharist, liturgy of sacraments or various aspects of the liturgical year which have been left unexploited. The author identifies specific challenges for liturgical evangelization and points to how to deal with them in practice. This expresses the eucharistic and liturgical spirituality of the postconciliar renewal of the Church.