The Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations recently visited the Pontifical Scots College in Rome to celebrate Mass and talk about his role in the Vatican.
Monsignor Guido Marini celebrated Mass for the community of the Scottish seminary in Rome on Monday 9th January 2017. He joined the community for dinner, and then spoke about his role as Papal MC.
In his homily, Monsignor Marini reflected (in Italian) on the Baptism of the Lord. Having talked about Jesus’ motives for being baptised by John, he then emphasised the importance of reflecting on the “fundamental, decisive day” of one’s own baptism. He concluded that although it is nice to think about our own baptisms with gratitude, this is not enough; he highlighted the shared vocation to holiness of all the baptised.
After being formally welcomed at dinner by the Rector of the College, Fr Daniel Fitzpatrick (from the Diocese of Paisley), Monsignor Marini delivered a talk in the Henry Benedict Lecture Theatre.
He described what is expected of the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, including looking after the Papal sacristy and the chapels of the Apostolic Palace. He spoke at great length about the importance of liturgy, underlining the fact that the main protagonist of the liturgy is Jesus Christ, and that liturgical celebrations are no place for the celebrant to introduce his own personal preferences. Later, he answered questions from the community about his role in a Conclave, about advice for newly ordained priests, and about his favourite saints.
Afterwards, sixth year seminarian Emmet O’Dowd made a presentation of gifts from Scotland to the papal MC, on behalf of the entire community.
The talk was the latest in a series organised by the SALADS committee. The Saint Andrew’s Literary and Debating Society is made up of seminarians of the Pontifical Scots College and aims to make known the work of the College, as well as encouraging discussion and debate within the community.
Monsignor Marini was appointed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2007, and has remained in the role under Pope Francis.
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