Liturgy and rituals are major sources of lived spirituality. They nourish and direct spiritual processes. This is very evident in the history of liturgical spirituality, not only in Christianity but also in Judaism, Islam and other major spiritual traditions.
The research aim is to describe and interpret liturgical texts and rituals as constitutive models for the development of spiritual awareness.
Research at the Titus Brandsma Institute is confined to liturgical spirituality in Christian traditions, past and present.
The methodology naturally includes literary historical study, but focuses particularly on liturgy as an architectural form that guides people on their spiritual way (mystagogical angle). |
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Projects
Mystagogical aspects of liturgy
Conductor: Ad de Keyzer
In the two cardinal liturgical components - the eucharist and divine office - appropriation of the word by the people plays a key role. The study focuses mainly on the textual rendering of the psalms, since they are paradigmatic for liturgical prayer.
Liturgical feasts de tempore and de sanctis in the ancient diocese of Cambrai (ca. 1200-ca. 1500)
Conductor: Charles Caspers An edition of and commentary on the liber ordinarius (manuscript in Nijmegen, Radboud University library) of the ancient diocese of Cambrai, with special reference to liturgy as a constituent of spirituality.
Eucharistic devotions past and present
Conductors: Charles Caspers I.S.M., Peter Jan Margry
A historical background to the so-called Sacramenten van Mirakel (Sacraments of Miracle) and medieval exemplum literature is followed by a study of Stille Omgang (Silent Procession). The Amsterdam Silent Procession, held annually in March, started in the late 19th century as an emancipation movement of Dutch Catholics. Eventually it expanded into an ecumenical pilgrimage. |
