The Concept of Liturgical Reform in the Writings of Romano Guardini and Joseph Ratzinger / Pope Benedict XVI: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This present work is a comparative analysis of the theologies of the liturgy of Romano Guardini and Joseph Ratzinger. The concept of liturgical reform forms the focus, because understanding this makes it possible to see very concretely how the two view liturgy, and in particular, theological and practical changes to the liturgy. With the help of this analysis, the reader will not only better understand their ideas of liturgy and liturgical reform, but will also be able to evaluate the preconceptions underlying Guardini and Ratzinger’s theologies of the liturgy. According to which the former represents the spirit of Vatican II, opposing what liturgy was before Vatican II, while the latter represents the thinking of the time before the Council. Interpreting their thought each in its own historical context, the thesis reveals the dissolution of this apparent opposition.