Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31337/oz.72.2.5
The Liturgical Spirituality of Bl. Ivan Merz
Franjo Podgorelec
orcid.org/0000-0002-1088-7878
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Crnković
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Today, experience is again valued in theology. In this respect, the need is stressed for
truths and values, aside from abstract notions involving man’s rational dimension, to
be transmitted by way of a „model“ which includes also the experiential–emotional
dimension. Through the „model“ method a particular truth and value is presented
in the manner in which it is embodied and lived by a specific person, thus gaining in
appeal. In this article, Ivan Merz is depicted as the model which existentially brought
to pass the sustainable idea of a liturgical movement, of which he was an adherent,
and also of a conciliar liturgical reform: to reestablish the liturgy as the source of
spiritual life. In doing so, he skillfully avoids any one–sidedness and exclusivity. He
stresses, and rightly so, the primacy of the liturgy, but without entering into a kind
of „panliturgism“. Furthermore, he values extra–liturgical devotions, as well as individual
prayer, but does not detach them from the liturgical context. Finally, he is
aware that the liturgy must shape our mentality and activites in our daily lives and in
society, however, by giving primacy to the contemplative dimension, he avoids allowing
Christian involvement to be transformed into just another type of social program.
Therefore, Merz is an example to us of an integral approach in which all three dimensions
are intertwined, this not always being the case in ecclesial practice. The paper
uses the analytical method to examine Merz’s works, his experience and numerous
testimonies about him. Some controversies over the liturgical spirituality of his time
are presented through the historical–descriptive method.
Keywords
liturgical spirituality; extra–liturgical devotions; Catholic Action; primacy of contemplation; liturgical movement; unity of life
Hrčak ID:
184145
URI
Publication date:
10.7.2017.
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