Patriotism in the Liturgy: The Place and Method of Commemorating Historical Events in Celebrations

Abstract

Many liturgical celebrations make references to the shared history (of the nation, state, etc.), although the nature of such references varies. This paper seeks to answer the question of what place historical events not directly related to the mystery of salvation celebrated on a given day hold in the liturgy and in what manner they are commemorated. The first part of the paper provides an overview of and attempts to systematise the relations of selected liturgical celebrations with historical events. The second part addresses the issue of selecting celebration-related texts within the context of post-conciliar liturgical standards for the selection of texts to be used in liturgical celebrations that have a patriotic context. The third part is devoted to the practical ability to link liturgical gestures and symbols with national symbols. It also provides examples drawn from the military ceremonial and analyses them for consistency with the standards and spirit of the liturgy.