Pope declares homilies are a “disaster in general” and provides guidance on how to deliver a homily

During a speech delivered to the participants in the course “Living Liturgical Action Fully”, the Pope gave guidance to priests for the formulation of homilies as well as reminders for Masters of Ceremony and other participants in the Mass that the focus is on the Priest and the sacrament.

Pope Francis made particular note about importance of homilies during Mass, encouraging priests to keep their homilies short and including “a thought, a feeling, and an image” so that “people may bring something home with them.” The Pope emphasized that homilies are sacramentals that should be “prepared in prayer” and “with an apostolic spirit.” He also stated that in general, homilies in the Catholic Church are a “disaster.”

In the past, the Pope has advised that homilies should be “short and well prepared” and compiled with prayerful diligence. Homilies are “sacramentals” to be “prepared in prayer” and “with an apostolic spirit”. Pope Francis has also pointed out that it is the responsibility of the Congregation to participant in the homily as well. “Those listening have to do their part too, the appropriate attention, thus assuming the proper interior dispositions, without subjective demands, knowing that every preacher has both his merits and his limits.”

To address these concerns, Pope Francis has encouraged priests to limit homilies to 8-10 minutes. The homily should not be an academic conference that drags on for 40, 45 minutes, but should leave the Congregation with a thought, a feeling, and and image to bring home with them. 

Evangelii Gaudium’s Comments on how to give a good homily

In the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of homilies in the life of the Church. He states that homilies are a “privileged moment” for the word of God to touch the hearts of the faithful and for the Church to proclaim the Gospel to the world. He encourages priests to prepare their homilies well, with careful attention to the biblical text and the context of the community to whom they are preaching. He also stresses the importance of the homily being rooted in the pastoral needs of the community and being delivered in a way that is clear, simple and compelling, so that it can be understood and internalized by the listeners. Additionally, Pope Francis also emphasizes that homilies should be an opportunity for the priest to connect with and accompany the people, as well as to challenge them to greater faith and holiness.

The Pope’s Comments on the Role of Liturgical Directors in the Mass

In his address to diocesan liturgical directors, Pope Francis also touched on the role of the liturgical master of ceremonies during Mass, stating that “the more hidden the master of ceremonies is, the better.” He emphasized that it is Christ that makes the heart vibrate and it is the meeting with him that draws in the Spirit.

Pope Francis also noted that beyond a deep knowledge of religious celebrations, experts on liturgy must have a strong pastoral sense to improve a community’s liturgical life. The Pope emphasized that religious celebrations should foster the “fruitful participation of the people of God” and not just of the clergy. He further added that a pastoral approach to the liturgy allows religious celebrations to “lead the people to Christ and Christ to the people” which he said is the “principal objective” of liturgy and an essential principle of the Second Vatican Council.

The Pope also warned against neglecting the importance of this principle, stating that it can lead to beautiful rituals that lack vigor, flavor, and sense, because they do not touch the heart and existence of the people of God. He encouraged diocesan liturgical directors to spend time in parishes, observe liturgical celebrations, and help pastors reflect on how they prepare liturgy with their communities.

Liturgy should be imitable

Pope Francis also urged diocesan liturgical directors to offer parishes a liturgy “that is imitable, with adaptations that the community can take to grow in liturgical life.” He emphasized that a liturgical director should not care about a parish’s liturgy only when the bishop comes to visit and then let the liturgy go back to how it was after he leaves. He added that “to go to parishes and not say anything when faced with somewhat sloppy, neglected, poorly prepared liturgies means not helping the community, not accompanying them.”

In conclusion, Pope Francis’ recent address to diocesan liturgical directors emphasized the importance of short, meaningful homilies that are prepared in prayer and with an apostolic spirit. He also highlighted the importance of a pastoral approach to the liturgy that fosters the participation of the people of God and leads them to Christ. He also urged diocesan liturgical directors to spend time in parishes, observe liturgical celebrations, and help pastors reflect on how they prepare liturgy with their communities.

Tips to prepare a good homily:

Here are some tips on how to give a good homily:

1. Prepare thoroughly: Read and study the biblical text and commentaries well in advance, and reflect on how it relates to the lives of your listeners and the context of your community.

2. Make it relevant: Connect the message of the scripture to the real-life experiences and concerns of your listeners. Use examples and anecdotes that they can relate to.

3. Be clear and simple: Use language that is easy to understand and avoid using technical or theological jargon.

4. Be compelling: Use rhetorical techniques such as storytelling, imagery, and humor to make your homily engaging and memorable.

5. Be authentic: Speak from the heart and be yourself. Share your own experiences and insights as appropriate, and avoid reading from a script or simply repeating someone else’s words.

6. Be pastoral: Connect the message of the scripture with the pastoral needs of the community and encourage them to apply the message in their daily lives.

7. Be challenging: Encourage your listeners to grow in faith and holiness, and challenge them to make meaningful changes in their lives.

8. Be concise: Keep your homily within a reasonable time frame, around 10-15 minutes, so as not to bore your listeners.

9. End with a call to action: Summarize the main points of your homily and give your listeners a specific action step or question to reflect on during the week.

10. Practice: practice your homily in front of a mirror or a trusted friend, so you can be more confident and relaxed while giving it.