THE REPERTOIRES OF CHRISTIAN LITURGICAL RITUALS

“I have come so that you might have life, life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). This is the mission of Jesus Christ which is handed over to his church in perpetuity. The continuation of this mission of Christ is actualized in the liturgy; therefore, it is the duty of the church and individual’s responsibilities to appropriate the abundant life bestowed on humanity in the history of revelation, evangelization, and salvation. In this paper, we shall examine the repertoire of some liturgical rituals which enhance the authentic liturgy and Christian maturity in a post-conciliar Church from an African perspective. The rituals of making a purposeful liturgy (intentionality); adequate preparation of liturgy; active participation during the liturgy; awe-inspiring preaching; and determined practicality of the liturgy will be discussed. Hence, we are considering the 5 Ps of activities (rituals) that could foster personal and communal joyful celebration at the liturgy. The repertory is essential for the realization of the eschatological hope entrenched in the celebration of liturgy, and therefore, we shall examine the African family as the cradle for the development of the rituals.