When reflecting on the liturgy, the term ars celebrandi is used to describe the art of liturgical celebrations. To truly honour the art of liturgical celebration, one must begin with a heart rooted in faith and a deep reverence for its sacred beauty. This reverence should shape not only the rituals themselves but also the care given to the space, the spirit of the moment, and the atmosphere that surrounds it all. The way we communicate in this most sacred of spaces is profoundly important. In this context, liturgy becomes more than a ritual—it becomes a bridge: connecting the divine with the human, tradition with the present, and individuals with one another. Through this sacred art, we build bridges that strengthen our communities, fostering unity, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose.

The liturgy is not a monologue. It is a living conversation. At its centre stands the priest, whose reverent gestures and silent prayers speak to God on behalf of the people. But surrounding him is the assembly, not as spectators, but as participants in this sacred exchange. Our responses, our songs, our attentive silence all become part of the Church’s voice lifted to heaven. In this shared rhythm of word and worship, priest and people listen, speak, and we respond together. Even the quiet moments after the final blessing carry the echo of this dialogue, as our hearts remain open to the mystery just encountered. It is here, in this communion of voices and souls, that the presence of God is not only proclaimed but profoundly experienced.

As we reflect on Jesus through the lens of the Paschal Mystery (which is only right and proper as we celebrate the Eucharist), we are reminded that he consistently called his followers, not just to hear, but to truly listen and understand. His words were never meant to remain at the surface. They were an invitation to transformation. As members of the assembly, we are not passive observers of His message. We are called to listen, take it to heart, and live it out.  Jesus invites us to go beyond simply hearing and to truly listen, urging us to open our hearts, to let his Word take root, and to live it out in our daily lives. True discipleship is shown not only in hearing but in doing. Like the wise builder who lays a foundation on rock, we are called to build our lives on the solid ground of Jesus’ teaching. In the liturgy, this call becomes especially real.

Francis, in his apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi (2022) reflected that: The rite (that is the celebration of the liturgy) is … a norm, and the norm is never an end …, but it is always at the service of a higher reality that it means to protect’ (n. 48). It ‘must be in harmony with the action of the Spirit. Only in this way will it be free from the subjectivisms that are the fruit of individual tastes dominating (n. 49). Furthermore, Francis illustrated how ‘all the gestures and words that belong to the assembly: gathering, careful walking in procession, being seated, standing, kneeling, singing, being in silence, acclamations, looking, listening’ (n. 51) create the authentic space where the assembly come together as one – ‘everybody doing together the same gesture, everyone speaking together in one voice — this transmits to each individual the energy of the entire assembly (n. 51).

Let us set aside division and enter a true dialogue that requires listening together to what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Let us protect our unity and choose understanding over conflict. In the liturgy, we are drawn into a beautiful dialogue with God and with one another. It becomes a sacred space where bridges are built. Bridges of compassion, reconciliation, and a shared faith that draw us closer as a community. The Paschal Mystery is a gift we have received, so let us open our hearts to the Lord’s deep desire to share this mystery with us, uniting us across our differences. And through it all, may Mary, Mother of the Church, watch over us with love, guiding us as we strengthen the bonds that hold us together.