Akt pokuty we współczesnym mszale

Abstract

Conducted research showed that there was a centuries-old tradition of penance initiation of the Eucharistic celebration, because it requires holiness of the priests and the faithful. Various forms of preparation played an important role, especially in the period preceding the frequent use of the sacrament of Penance. The pope’s liturgy had also an impact on the development of the introductory rites of the Mass. Development of act of repentance took place in the Middle Ages under the influence of numerous apology regarded as the prayers of the celebrant referring to his sinfulness and unworthiness. The act of penance beginning the Mass was finally defined as Confiteor in the Missal of Pius V. Missal of Paul VI has simplified the penitential rite, simultaneously also providing many variants for it. In addition, it has been exposed in the third edition of the Missal by introducing a new header „Actus paenitentialis”. The reform also enabled the replacement of an act of penance by other liturgical rites in order to prepare for proper participation in the Eucharist. This applies, in particular, to Asperges, celebrated to commemorate the baptism, which also was further emphasized in the last edition of the Missal.