Glory in the Cross: Holy Week in the Third Edition of The Roman Missal by Paul Turner (review)

283 Book Reviews Paul Turner Glory in the Cross: Holy Week in the Third Edition of The Roman Missal Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 2011 220 pages. Paperback. $24.95. While implementing the new translation of the Roman Missal may have been a challenge for all members of the Church, it is undeniable that the new translation offers a theological density and richness that was lacking in the earlier edition. The new translation has made the meaningful novus ordo Mass even more beautiful. After more than two years of using this new translation, it seems as though most communities are comfortable and engaged with the new prayers and responses. Now that priests and communities find the new missal easier to use, it seems like a good time to study this missal so that we might grow to appreciate it even more. Paul Turner has written a book that will help anyone interested in learning more about the third edition of the Roman Missal. Glory in the Cross is an informative commentary on the liturgies of Holy Week. The liturgies of Holy Week help the Christian believer not just to remember the Paschal Mystery, but facilitate our entry into that great mystery. The history and tradition behind these prayers might not be readily apparent to someone praying their way through Holy Week. Turner’s book can be a valuable resource here, as he traces the history and development of the liturgies of Holy Week back to their sources. The layout of his book is easy to follow. After a brief preface, the commentary begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord and concludes with the Masses of Easter Sunday. In the different sections, Turner gives an introduction for each of the liturgies. Then, the author explores each antiphon, prayer, rubric, and instruction given in the Roman Missal. Turner’s analysis is both exacting and fascinating. For example, he notes that for the sign of the cross that begins the celebration of Palm Sunday the text for the priest is included, but the people’s “Amen” is missing. He rightly asserts that this is probably just an oversight by those who put together the missal, but his attention to detail is admirable. Turner offers interesting insight into the history of the liturgical texts, the nuances of the third edition, the differences from 284 Antiphon 17.3 (2013) the proposed schema, and suggestions for the prayerful execution of the Holy Week liturgies. For example, the collect from Palm Sunday has been used “virtually unchanged since the seventh century ” (14). Turner notes that there was once an old practice where only the bishop received communion at the Holy Thursday Mass, which has been abolished (38). Also, there was a tradition in the 8th century that the deacon presented the chalice to the bishop at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, as a way to remind us that all the faithful receive the Eucharist as a gift (71). While there is a great deal of historical research and liturgical scholarship in the pages of Glory in the Cross, it is equally well suited for the parish setting. Pastors, musicians, liturgy coordinators, and liturgy committees will find Turner’s commentary an important addition to their liturgical library. It is particularly helpful when Turner highlights the differences between the third edition missal and the version formerly in use. For example, few priests probably realize that the third edition begins the Easter Vigil with the sign of the cross. In previous versions, the sign of the cross was omitted, to highlight the link between the other Triduum liturgies. Now, however, the sign of the cross is included, to show that the Easter Vigil is a complete celebration on its own, not simply a conclusion to the Triduum (120). Also, this is often ignored, but the rubrics instruct us to light the candles when the Easter candle enters the church (126–127). The Holy Week liturgies allow the whole Church to enter into the paschal mysteries. Therefore, those whose ministry it is to facilitate and celebrate these liturgies on behalf of their communities owe it to themselves and to the whole people of God...