Liturgy
|
There is a Catholic liturgical hymnal used throughout Japan, as well as a musical setting for the Liturgy of the Hours. We supplement these with Latin and English motets and hymns, guitar songs, and older traditional hymns. Ordinarily, we have organ accompaniment, but some songs are with one or two guitars. Liturgy in Japan, except for experiments at various places, is Latin rite, vestments included. Evidently, the Japanese themselves haven't felt the need to develop anything else. It is usually foreigners who try adaptations. A beautifully celebrated Mass must have its own attraction for the Japanese because it is from the gestures of the Mass, so my Sisters tell me, that the tea ceremony was devised in the seventeenth century by Rikyu, whose daughter became a Catholic. This is an example of the Japanese taking the externals and leaving the heart.
Within the Mass there are a few adaptations made for Japan. Since a kiss is not a public sign of affection in Japan, the celebrant bows deeply before the altar rather than kissing it. Instead of kissing the Gospel Book he raises it with the gesture made when acknowledging a gift. In place of "Oh Lord, I am not worthy" before Communion, is said St. Peter's confession of faith: "Lord, you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Apart from you, where shall we go?" We ourselves do not let Holy Communion become "self-service" but receive both the Body and Blood of the Lord from the celebrant, remebering that the Eucharist is a gift from Christ, who girds Himself and serves us at table. This carries over to the refectory also, where we follow His example and serve one another.
 |
 |
 |