TheZaire Use, also calledZairean Rite (French:rite zaïrois), officially theRoman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire (French:missel romain pour les diocèses du Zaïre),[1][2] is aCongoleseliturgical use of theRoman Rite within theCatholic Church. Approved by theVatican in 1988, it contains many elements from theOrdinary Form of theRoman Rite, but also incorporates elements fromsub-Saharan African culture, particularly Congolese, including a number ofinculturated liturgical modifications.[3]
Additionally, the term "Zaire Use" may refer to the other adjusted sacramental rites utilized by Congolese dioceses.[4]
The Zaire Use is largely a product of theSecond Vatican Council's constitutionSacrosanctum Concilium, particularly the move "for legitimate variations and adaptations to different groups, regions, and peoples, especially in mission lands, provided that the substantial unity of the Roman rite is preserved."[5]
It follows the 1956 Masses of theSavanes inUpper Volta and of the Piroguieres and the 1958Missa Luba in Zaire.[5] Following the 1970 authorization from theCongregation for the Divine Worship and the 1973 draft presentation of a new Order of the Mass from the Commission on Evangelization, theEpiscopal Conference inZaire approved its use experimentally. As the "Zairean Rite", it was adopted formally in 1985.[6]
It was officially promulgated by the decreeZairensium Dioecesium on April 30, 1988, by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, theMissel romain pour les diocèses du Zaïre (Roman Missal for the Dioceses of Zaire).[7][8] Themissal containing the rubrics and text of the Zaire Use is entitledCongolese Missal for the dioceses of Zaire.[9]
On 1 December 2019,Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the first Sunday of Advent inSaint Peter's Basilica using this rite to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the first chaplaincy for the Congolese Catholic community in Rome.[9] A year later, on 1 December 2020,Vatican News released a video statement in which Pope Francis announced that a book regarding the 1 December 2019 Mass authored by Sister Rita Mboshu Kongo would be released.[10] Sister Rita had spoken at the conclusion of the 2019 Mass.[11]
Under pressure fromZairean PresidentMobutu Sese Seko to removeWestern influences as part ofbroader cultural reforms,[12] a 1975 synod of the Congolese Episcopal Conference chose not to celebrate various feastsvenerating saints when they fall during the week, moving their celebration to the nearest Sunday.[13] This choice was approved by theHoly See.[4] Similar pressures from the Seko government inspired a revision of the practice ofbaptismal names,[13] with some families selecting traditionally native African names for common use and baptismal names such as "Grâce à Dieu" and "Gloire à Dieu."[4]
Distinct from the Ordinary Form, the congregation stands during the consecration of theEucharist, rather than kneeling as is done in many regions using the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite.[a] There is also an "invocation of the Ancestors of upright heart" ("invocation ancêtres au cœur droit") in addition to the invocation of the saints. The intention of the former is the veneration of only "ancestors" "who have lived in an exemplary way."[4]
ThePenitential Act is performed following thehomily or the recitation of theCreed. One stated intention for this placement is that only after listening to scripture that the congregation is able to seek forgiveness.[4] TheSign of Peace immediately follows the Penitential Act, predicated on theGospels calling for the need for reconciliation with one's neighbor before offering one's gift at the altar (i.e., theLiturgy of the Eucharist). In other forms of the Roman Rite, the sign occurs within the Communion rite.[15]
Additionally, priests offering the Mass in the Zaire Use are to dress in traditionally African priestlyvestments.[3]
The Zaire Use was created with intention to better incorporate the congregation into the celebration of the Mass. To do this, responses were added, including one at the conclusion of the homily andEucharistic prayer.[3] Additionally, the congregation is explicitly welcomed to raise their hands for theLord's Prayer, a practice variously allowed[16] or prohibited[17] by episcopal conferences utilizing the Ordinary Form.[4]
Due to awareness of culturally normative displays of respect and attentiveness in the Congo, the congregation sits for thereading of the Gospel. An announcer also calls the congregation to attention at points in the liturgy. Dancing among the congregants is permitted.[4]
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