The cardinal emphasised that these changes are faithful to Catholic teaching and reflect local culture, addressing traditionalist criticism.

The Dicastery for Divine Worship recently approved a decree permitting adaptations. These included ritual dances and laypersons handling incense in the Diocese of San Cristóbal de Las Casas.

"Neither Jesus nor the apostles celebrated with the Tridentine Missal. It dates back to the 16th century" Cardinal Esquivel wrote in the Mexican church publication Desde la Fe. He argued that opposition to the adaptations stems from misunderstandings about liturgy and indigenous culture.

The decree also authorised a translation of the missal into Tzeltal, an indigenous language. However, the Mexican Bishops' Conference clarified that these are optional adaptations within the Novus Ordo, not a new rite or "Mayan rite".

Inculturation

Cardinal Esquivel stressed that these changes align with the Church's tradition of inculturation which integrates cultural elements into Catholic worship.

"It is the best example of inculturation with Jewish ritual signs" said the cardinal. "He instituted the Eucharist not in Latin, but in Aramaic, the language of those with whom he lived at the time."

The Mexican cardinal added "the bread he used was not like our hosts, which are wafers and true bread; it changes the shape, not the substance".

True to Catholic doctrine

The bishops reiterated that the adaptations exclude practices like Mayan altars and prayers to the four cardinal directions.

Esquivel called for continuing the inculturation process, ensuring indigenous believers can express their faith within their cultural context while remaining true to Catholic doctrine.

The cardinal stressed the importance of being faithful to the Word of God and the Magisterium of the Church so that "our people can also live their faith in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in their cultural forms".

Sources

Desde la Fe

English Katholisch

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

The adaptations include new roles for lay leaders and cultural expressions during worship, reflecting the traditions of local Indigenous communities.

According to a decree issued by Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Dicastery for Divine Worship granted formal recognition for these changes on 8 November.

However, the Vatican is reviewing broader use for all Mexican Indigenous groups and considering variations for different communities.

Cardinal Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel praised the Vatican's approval: "It is the official recognition of the Church that these adaptations are recognised as valid and legitimate.

"They are the liturgy of the Church, not just customs and traditions that are viewed with suspicion".

Approved Adaptations

The approved adaptations emphasise Indigenous traditions while maintaining the theological integrity of the Roman rite. Community-selected leaders, known as "Principals", will guide communal prayers during Mass, fostering greater participation.

Additionally, post-Communion thanksgiving may now include rhythmic movements, enabling worshippers to express their faith in culturally meaningful ways.

The cardinal explained that ritual dances were approved for the offertory, the prayers of the faithful and the thanksgiving after Communion.

He pointed out that these "are not folklore but simple movements of the entire assembly - monotone, contemplative, accompanied by traditional music - which express the same thing as the Roman rite but in a different cultural form".

Another approved point is that women can now serve as thurifers during Mass. After the priest blesses the incense, they can incense the altar, images, Gospel book, ministers and assembly.

Using culturally specific incense, this practice reflects Indigenous customs where women traditionally perform this role, not as a feminist demand but as part of their spiritual heritage.

Making a culture

With over 23 million Indigenous people in Mexico representing 62 languages, the adaptations aim to make the liturgy more inclusive. Cardinal Arizmendi stated, "The content of the mass is not being changed, but the way it is expressed. This is not about destroying the liturgy but making it a culture".

The Vatican's recognition follows decades of advocacy for inculturation as supported by the Second Vatican Council and reiterated by Pope Francis in Querida Amazonia.

It also aligns with global efforts such as Australia's approval of an Aboriginal liturgy earlier this year.

Sources

The Pillar

Catholic News Agency

English Katholisch

CathNews New Zealand