Romano Guardini and the Priesthood of the Baptized

This article explores the nature of active participation, both interior and external, and the performance of the liturgy, which requires both bodily and spiritual dimensions. These concepts are then related to the notion of baptismal priesthood, with particular reliance upon the writings of Romano Guardini. Guardini’s contributions are subsequently placed within the context of the wider liturgical movement and compared with the thought of Joseph Ratzinger. The shared vision of Guardini and Ratzinger sees active participation as the spiritual union of the faithful in the central action of the Eucharistic liturgy. A deep understanding among the faithful of the baptismal priesthood and its spiritual exercise is characterized as the greatest as-yet-unrealized goal of the liturgical movement.