The Future of Vatican II Liturgical Renewal

By Rita Ferrone
The past fifty years since the promulgation of Sacrosanctum Concilium have been a tumultuous time in the world of liturgy-one which has included excitement, change, and hope, as well as disappointment, resistance, and critique. Not without cost, the liturgical renewal has also shared in a fundamental and irrevocable way the Council's desire for deeper engagement with Sacred Scripture, ecumenism, evangelization, dialogue with other religions, and solidarity with all people. What is the state of Vatican II-inspired liturgical renewal today? What healthy developments might we look forward to in the future? What are the "idols" we must do battle with, in order to worship the one true God? What are the wellsprings of hope that give us courage for the journey?