The Dynamics of Liturgy: Joseph Ratzinger’s Theology of Liturgy; An Interpretation

by D. Vincent Twomey

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2022

Overview

The Dynamics of the Liturgy is a constructive critique of the post–Vatican II liturgical reform through the lens of Joseph Ratzinger’s liturgical and sacramental theology—written by a former student of the great pope emeritus. For Ratzinger, liturgy is the oxygen of the sacraments, and his sacramental theology, still largely unknown, is the key to understanding his theology of liturgy.

This work highlights the specifically ritual dimension of liturgy, and the significance this has for Pope Benedict XVI’s proposed “reform of the reform”. Father Vincent Twomey warns that the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite—which Pope Benedict XVI had promoted to enrich liturgical practice—are dangerously drifting apart rather than, as the pope emeritus intended, complementing each other as part of an authentic renewal of the liturgy.

Key Features

• Highlights the ritual dimension of liturgy within Ratzinger’s theology
• Critiques the post-Vatican II liturgical reform through Ratzinger’s theological lens
• Warns that the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Roman Rite are drifting apart

Contents

• Preface
• Introduction: Why the Reform of the Liturgy?
• Chapter One: Worship and Word
• Chapter Two: Cosmic Liturgy
• Chapter Three: Sacred Art and Architecture
• Chapter Four: Sacred Music
• Chapter Five: Sacred Ritual
• Excursus: An Amazonian Rite?
• Chapter Six: A New Liturgy for a New Epoch
• Appendix: Sacred Chant
• Postscript
• Sources
• Index

Praise for The Dynamics of Liturgy

A tribute by an eminent Irish theologian to his more eminent teacher and mentor. This book is the best treatment I’ve seen of Benedict’s sacramental theology, which is, in a sense, the key to restarting the ‘reform of the reform’.

—Scott Hahn, Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Theology, Franciscan University; Author, Rome Sweet Home

Steeped in the Christian tradition and western learning, particularly German scholarship, Father Twomey is ideally suited to take us to the liturgical writings of Joseph Ratzinger, pope and scholar, the John Henry Newman of our time. Pope Benedict’s ‘reform of the reform’ is stalled, but Twomey’s learned analysis shows why it will return.

—George Cardinal Pell, Archbishop Emeritus of Sydney, Australia; Author, Prison Journal

A faithful presentation of Benedict XVI’s vision of a richer liturgical life for the People of God. Like his teacher Ratzinger, Father Twomey does not shy away from danger zones, including the controversial Amazon Synod of 2019 and the experiment of a duality of forms throughout the Latin church.

—Fr. Aidan Nichols, O.P., Author, Looking at the Liturgy

Product Details

• Title: The Dynamics of Liturgy: Joseph Ratzinger’s Theology of Liturgy: An Interpretation
• Author: D. Vincent Twomey
• Publisher: Ignatius
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 187
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Benedict XVI, Pope, 1927-2022. Theology of liturgy. › Commentaries; Catholic Church › Doctrines; Liturgics
• ISBNs: 9781642292251, 1642292257
• Resource ID: LLS:DYNMCSLNTRPRTTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-05-19T21:57:58Z

About D. Vincent Twomey

Vincent Twomey, S.V.D., earned his Ph.D. in theology at the University of Regensburg under the supervision of Joseph Ratzinger. He is Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth, where in 1986 he co-founded the Patristic Symposium to promote patristic studies in Ireland. Fr. Twomey previously held teaching positions at the Regional Seminary in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and at the Divine Word Missionaries Faculty of Theology at St. Gabriel’s in Mödling, Austria. He also served as Visiting Professor at the University of Fribourg and Visiting Scholar at Seton Hall University. He is the former editor of the Irish Theological Quarterly and the co-editor of several volumes of the proceedings of the International Patristic Conference, Maynooth.