PROPOSES REFORMING LITURGICAL REFORM IN ACCORDANCE WITH TRUE CATHOLIC TRADITION

The Liturgical Revolution of Paul VI “Implanted Protestantism in the Heart of the Church”

By Edwin Botero Correa

September 8, 2025. Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, former Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has initiated a profound debate on the need to reform fundamental aspects of the Mass according to the rite of Paul VI, known as the Novus Ordo, pointing out historical parallels with Martin Luther’s liturgical proposals that have generated considerable discussion in theological circles.

The current structure of the Novus Ordo, implemented after the Second Vatican Council, grants the celebrant a certain flexibility in several moments of the celebration—a characteristic that, according to various liturgical experts, can give rise to interpretations and practices not always in accord with Catholic tradition. This liturgical freedom, although intended to facilitate the participation of the faithful, has been a matter of concern for theologians respectful of and faithful to Sacred Tradition, not without weighty reasons on their part.

Among the proposed modifications, a return to the celebration ad orientem stands out, in which both the priest and the congregation face the liturgical east during the most sacred parts of the Mass, especially from the offertory onward. This common orientation in prayer represents, according to experts, a physical expression of the unity of the Church in her worship of God.

A crucial point of the suggested reform is the restoration of the Roman Canon as the only Eucharistic Prayer permitted in the Roman Rite. The term “canon,” meaning “rule” or “norm,” underscores the importance of maintaining an established and venerable form of Eucharistic prayer, avoiding the multiplicity of options that characterizes the current rite.

The manner of receiving Holy Communion is also under consideration. It is proposed to return to the age-old practice of receiving it kneeling and on the tongue, a gesture that emphasizes the reverence and adoration owed to the Blessed Sacrament. This form of reception expresses more clearly the faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The offertory prayers have been identified as a particularly problematic area. The current prayers, inspired by blessings from the Jewish Sabbath ritual and containing elements from the Talmud, do not adequately express the sacrificial character of the Mass, reducing its meaning to that of a simple commemorative meal. This historical modification reflects, according to critics, a direct influence of Martin Luther’s thought, who firmly opposed the Catholic conception of the Mass as a sacrifice.

The preservation of Latin, at least in the Roman Canon, is presented as another essential element for maintaining continuity with the Church’s liturgical tradition. The use of the Latin language, beyond its historical and universal value, serves as a tangible link with the Church’s two-thousand-year-old heritage.

These proposed reforms are framed within a broader context of reflection on the postconciliar liturgy and its relationship with Catholic tradition. Such modifications would strengthen Catholic identity and correct the deviations introduced during the liturgical reform of Paul VI.

The discussion on these proposed changes continues to generate debate among liturgists, theologians, and the faithful, reflecting a tension between tradition and renewal in the liturgical life of the Catholic Church. The dialogue on these fundamental issues remains a vital part of theological and ecclesial reflection on the best way to celebrate the sacred mysteries.