SUBSIDIARITY and the LITURGY

[Sarika]

What have any of you read about the principle of hierarchical “subsidiarity” itself, and also its specific application to liturgical music matters? Where were you able to get authoritative information on the subject?

 

[TheMc]

Don’t have any specific answers, but I’m replying so I can subscribe and see what happens. I’m very interested in what people will dig up.

 

[pnewton]

I just flipped over to the GIRM. I found five things given over to the authority of the bishops. Three had to do with what kind of music is to be used, the kneeling after the Agnus Dei and the sign of peace.

I do not think there is an hierarchial principle of liturgical subsidiarity spelled out in Catholic doctrine. The general principle is:

CCC #1883 The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good."7

It is a principle of human interaction, not specifically of liturgy.

 

[Sarika]

CCC #1883 The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good."7​

That’s what I was suspecting. It is more of a social/economic principle, that goes from the bottom up. Our Church is based on a hierarchical principle, that goes from the top on down.

 

[pnewton]

pnewton;7976537:

CCC #1883 The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity

, according to which "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good."7​

That’s what I was suspecting. It is more of a social/economic principle, that goes from the bottom up. Our Church is based on a hierarchical principle, that goes from the top on down.Except when it doesn’t. The Holy Father does not issue a list of music for the week, for example. Why? Because the Church, like society and Soylent Green, is made of people.

The readings, the GIRM all come from the top down. The bishops have the ordinary authority in their diocese. Individuals make decisions. It is authority that is always hierarchial. That authority is passed from the top down to allow those closer to the situation to make better decisions.

We have a thread here for music leaders to exchange ideas. None of us would presume to know what is best for the other.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

pnewton;7976537:

CCC #1883 The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity

, according to which "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good."7​

That’s what I was suspecting. It is more of a social/economic principle, that goes from the bottom up. Our Church is based on a hierarchical principle, that goes from the top on down.

The State is also heirarchical. My instincts tell me the same general principles that apply to secular government apply also to ecclesial government, though the practical applications will of course differ because of the different natures and missions of Church and State.

 

[buffalo]

I thought the principle of subsidiarity applied more to governments and people.