“On Dances in the Sacred Liturgy”

The Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments responded to a letter of inquiry sent by an individual who inquired about the liturgical dance and ministry of the parish which he belongs to. This individual faithful was concerned regarding the practice of liturgical dances in the masses celebrated in his parish since there is no clear legislation on the practice of dances in the liturgy.

The Congregation answered that “the liturgical law of the Roman Rite does not foresee the use of dance or drama within the Sacred Liturgy, unless particular legislation has been enacted by the Bishops’ Conference and confirmed by the Holy See. Any other practice is to be considered an abuse.” However, the congregation anticipated liturgical dance can be useful for catechesis and evangelization when done outside the mass provided that it should be guided by the Bishop and his clergy.

The Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments is the congregation of the Roman Curia in charge of the handles most affairs relating to liturgical practices of the Latin Rite and also some technical matters relating to the Sacraments. The current Cardinal prefect of this Congregation is Antonio Cañizares Cardinal Llovera, the Archbishop Secretary is Arthur Archbishop Roche and the undersecretary, whose signature appears in the response, is Monsignor Anthony Ward, S.M.

Below is the complete transcript of the letter of Response from The Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments:

CONGREGATIO DE CULTO DIVINO

ET DISCIPLINA SACRAMENTORUM

Prot. N. 544/12/L

Rome, 10 September 2012

Dear Mr._______,

This Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments writes in response to your letter of 25 June regarding the performance of a “liturgical dance and drama ministry” in your parish.

The liturgical law of the Roman Rite does not foresee the use of dance or drama within the Sacred Liturgy, unless particular legislation has been enacted by the Bishops’ Conference and confirmed by the Holy See. Any other practice is to be considered an abuse.

These activities could, however, be useful outside the Sacred Liturgy in the work of catechesis and evangelization, if appropriately directed by his Bishop and his clergy.

You would be encouraged to bring this attention to those responsible in your own parish. Should any unlawful practices persist, the matter should be brought to the Bishop of the Diocese.

With gratitude for your concern for the Sacred Liturgy, and with kind regards I am,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Signed) Fr. Anthony Ward, S.M.

Undersecretary

By: Ednard Kim Q. La Rosa