Follow Up On Memorials

[DominaNostra]

Thank you for the answer to my previous question. I am curious: was there any logic or reason to changing the name from feast to memorial? I know there memorials for all kinds of things: war hereos, political leaders, etc., was this designed as a way of making the Saints (or, some of the Saints) in a similar category? Also, if the term Solemnity was used in the past and is still used now, why was feast not kept for the Saints who were not celebrated with a Solemnity but who still had days celebrated by the Church? Thanks so much. God bless.

[Pontifex]

[quote]was there any logic or reason to changing the name from feast to memorial?[/quote]

A Feast is a higher ranking celebration than a memorial. In the Church ranking of celebrations, there are a number of categories, which I will list from smallest to greatest.

optional memorial- It is a Saint who the Church recognizes but with low solemnity. A priest when offering mass has the option to vocalize this celebration by using the appropriate prayers in the Sacramentary or He may use the prayers of the day and not vocalize it.

Obligatory Memorial- It is a Saint who the Church recognizes with a higher amount of attention. The Priest is obliged to use the prayers and vocalize the Saints name.

Feast- A celebration that the Church recognizes with even greater attention. It is obligatory for the priest to celebrate and at the Mass we add the Gloria to show special reverence for this day.

Solemnity- It is the highest of celebrations in the Church. Each Sunday is a solemnity. It is of course obligatory for the priest to celebrate and we add the Gloria, the Creed, and a Second Reading. Usually the presence of incense and added music and church decor signify a special this type of celebration as well.

In basic, it is what the Church calls progressive solemnity. We build from small celebrations to bigger ones. One should be able to tell the level of solemnity when the enter into the Mass. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

I hope this helps.

Peace.