Bishop Tobin on the Liturgical Year

"If you're into classical music at all, you're already familiar with Boléro, the one-movement symphonic piece written by the French composer, Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). It's a fascinating piece of music built on just two simple musical themes that are repeated over-and-over again during the 15 minutes it takes to perform the piece.

"The interesting thing about Boléro, though, is that each time the themes are repeated different instruments are used and the volume is gradually increased. It begins quietly and peacefully but ends in a grand explosion of symphonic music. . . .

"The same themes repeated over-and-over, but presented slightly differently each time they appear. Isn't that exactly what the liturgical year is for Catholics?"

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the Liturgical Year as a "living, dynamic event, in which the life and ministry, the death and resurrection of Christ come to life once again each year."

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit: 

The Imitation of Christ: The Liturgical Year: The Boléro Of The Church (25 NOV 21)