The Powers of Bishops’ Conferences Regarding the Celebration of the Holy Mass in the Light of the Newly Introduced Roman Missal

The year 2002 witnessed the publication of the third, slightly altered, edition of the post-conciliar Roman Missal. The tome contains modified General Introduction that lays down legal norms regarding the celebration of the Eucharist. Some of them award conferences of bishops unique powers in terms of possibilities of adjusting liturgy to the conditions prevailing in the areas under their governance. The article first presents earlier powers that were given to conferences by the Second Vatican Council as well as those granted by the post-conciliar legislation. It also discusses the new acts, modified in 2002. These include: the possibility of having liturgical texts translated into national languages, a concern for sacral music, determination of certain elements in the celebration of the Holy Mass, such as an appropriate posture, liturgical gestures, manners and circumstances under which the congregation may receive Holy Communion under the species of Bread and Wine, objects that constitute the altar table, and liturgical vessels and robes. The article presents procedures that are required by the Holy See if bishops' conferences are to introduce major changes in liturgy. All local churches must form unity with the Universal Church, not only in regard to professed faith, but also in terms of commonly accepted liturgical customs, not infrequently going back to the apostolic tradition. The unity of liturgy in the Church prevents various misunderstandings and errors, thus contributing to the promotion of unwavering faith