RS
Robert Sarah
18quotes
Robert Sarah
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Sarah is a Guinean prelate of the Catholic Church who served as the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments from 2014 to 2021.
Birth and Death Dates
He was born on June 15, 1945. His date of death is not relevant in this context.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Guinean
Profession(s): Catholic prelate, bishop
Early Life and Background
Robert Sarah was born in the village of Mondomadou in the Boké region of Guinea to a family of farmers. He grew up speaking his native Mandyaka language but later learned French and other regional languages. His early life experiences significantly influenced his spiritual path.
Sarah's initial interest in faith led him to pursue studies at the Grand Séminaire Saint-Pie-X in Dakar, Senegal. This move not only broadened his linguistic skills but also deepened his understanding of Christian doctrine. Upon completing his theological education, he was ordained as a priest on April 10, 1969.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his ecclesiastical career, Robert Sarah held various positions that significantly impacted the Catholic Church globally. He served as the Bishop of Conakry from 1979 to 2012 and later as the President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum from 2004 to 2010.
One of his most notable contributions was his role in promoting liturgical renewal within the Catholic tradition. His advocacy for a deeper understanding and celebration of the Eucharist has had far-reaching effects on global Christian practice.
Notable Works or Actions
Sarah's writings and teachings often focus on the importance of faith, particularly in relation to African cultures. He is known for his insightful reflections on liturgy and sacraments, which have been published in various books. His theological contributions aim at bridging the gap between Catholic tradition and contemporary issues.
Impact and Legacy
The work of Robert Sarah has touched many lives across the globe. As Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, he played a pivotal role in shaping the liturgical practices within the Church. His commitment to preserving traditional elements while embracing modernity has been widely recognized.
His theological writings continue to inspire spiritual leaders and laity alike. The depth of his understanding and passion for faith are evident through his advocacy for what he believes is the authentic expression of Christian worship.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Sarah's influence extends beyond his administrative roles within the Church. His thought-provoking insights into liturgy, sacraments, and the role of faith in society make him a significant figure in contemporary Catholicism.
His legacy is one of dedication to preserving traditional values while embracing the needs of modern times. Through his writings and actions, he has inspired countless individuals to deepen their understanding and practice of their faith.
Quotes by Robert Sarah
Robert Sarah's insights on:
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But here is my hope: God willing, when he wills and as he wills, the reform of the reform will take place in the liturgy. Despite the gnashing of teeth, it will happen, for the future of the Church is at stake. To ruin the liturgy is to ruin our relationship to God and the concrete expression of our Christian faith.
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Today, some priests treat the Eucharist with the utmost contempt. They see the Mass as a talkative banquet where Christians faithful to the teaching of Jesus, divorced-and-remarried persons, men and women in an adulterous situation, unbaptized tourists who participate in the Eucharistic celebrations of the large anonymous crowds can indiscriminately have access to the Body and Blood of Christ.
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Christ is certainly distressed to see and to hear priests and bishops, who ought to be protecting the integrity of the teaching of the Gospel and of doctrine, multiply words and writings that weaken the rigor of the Gospel by their deliberately ambiguous, confused statements.
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Celebrating Mass facing east, by breaking up the face-to-face, private get-together, helps to prevent turning the liturgy into the community's celebration of itself.
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Now, celebrations become tiring because they unfold in noisy chattering. The liturgy is sick. The most striking symptom of this sickness is perhaps the omnipresence of the microphone. It has become so indispensable that one wonders how priests were able to celebrate before it was invented.
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La oración consiste en imaginar en silencio la vida concreta y diaria de Jesús. No se trata de recordar un suceso histórico, sino de procurar que el Hijo de Dios entre silenciosamente en nuestro corazón.
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Many fervent Christians who are moved by the Passion and death of Christ on the Cross no longer have the strength to weep or to utter a cry of pain to the priests and bishops who make their appearance as entertainers and set themselves up as the main protagonists of the Eucharist. These believers tell us nevertheless: "We do not want to gather with men around a man! We want to see Jesus! Show him to us in the silence and humility of your prayer!
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Celebration toward the east fosters silence. Indeed, there is less temptation for the celebrant to monopolize the conversation. Facing the Lord, he is less tempted to become a professor giving a lesson throughout the Mass, reducing the altar to a podium centered on the microphone instead of the Cross.
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Why are men so noisy during the liturgies while Christ's prayer was silent? The words of the Son of God come from the heart, and the heart is silent. Why do we not know how to speak with a silent heart? The heart of Jesus does not speak. It radiates with love because its language comes from the divine depths.
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