What is C.I.E.L.?
C.I.E.L. (Centre International d'Etudes Liturgiques) was founded in 1994, by a group of French lay Catholics. Its aim is to make known and to increase the understanding of the traditional liturgy of the Roman Church (that is to say the liturgical forms used in the Roman Church up until 1969), in total fidelity to the Holy See.
Why this objective?
Since the last liturgical reforms, a number of liturgical experts have drawn frequent attention to major theological and pastoral deviations to be seen today. In this context, the traditional Latin liturgy is a very important point of reference, too often today considered the concern of merely a few nostalgics. This is illustrated by the fact that for the last twenty years the traditional Latin liturgy has not been considered an interesting and living subject for researchers and university students. Since the 1970s, it has been, as it were, "marginalised" from Church life and from the fields of interest of theological experts. Consequently, the aim of those in charge of C.I.E.L. has been to put the traditional liturgy back in the place it deserves, in particular by re-introducing it into the intellectual world in order to "demarginalise" it and to point out its unique riches and dynamism.
How do you hope to achieve this aim?
By organising an academic colloquium each year, bringing together international specialists from various ecclesiastical disciplines. Through the quality of their work, they provide a demonstration of the spiritual and doctrinal riches of the traditional Roman rite and thus supply the basis for future work to be undertaken in the years to come. The aims of these conferences are thus threefold:
Are these conferences reserved for experts?
Not at all! Our conferences are open to all. Is the liturgy not public worship? It is therefore the concern of both clergy and laity alike. There are, of course, eminent personalities amongst our participants, prelates (cardinals, bishops, abbots), superiors of religious communities, university professors, and leaders of lay associations and movements. But many of the participants, from more than ten countries around the world, are also parish priests, religious and a large number of simple laymen wanting to learn more about the traditional liturgy.
Are there not already a number of Church institutions officially in charge of liturgical questions?
Of course. But there are also, as in all spheres, a number of local initiatives fostering understanding of the meaning of the Catholic liturgy, for priests and faithful. The particularity of our enterprise is to provide a forum for relatively open reflection on liturgical questions, in a way that shows that the traditional Roman liturgy is not an archaism. Furthermore, we do not wish this colloquium to be confined to studies distant from reality and open only to experts. We would like the pastoral dimension to remain important, so as to produce tangible fruits from these efforts.
What are your links with ecclesiastical authorities?
Although run by laymen who look after the organisation of the conferences and the publication of the Proceedings, our Centre wishes to maintain a close link with Church authorities, both through our invited speakers and through contacts at Rome as well as in the dioceses. Our activities are carried out in the service of the Church, and we undertake our work, respectful of the Church authorities.
Are the lectures the only activity during the conferences?
Of course the colloquium is not only made up of lectures. A point must also be made of the magnificent ceremonies celebrated according to the liturgical texts of 1962, which allow each and all to unite at the foot of the altar or to join in chant at evening Compline. There again it is not simply an exercise in intellectual speculation. Furthermore, the allotted free time - meals, aperitifs, meetings - provides opportunities for contact and exchange of views.
Does your activity have an international character?
It is certain that the universality of the Church encourages us to make our conferences international meeting places. Our guest speakers and our participants come from the five continents, and year after year, new local correspondents report the work of C.I.E.L. in their countries. We would indeed like the conference Proceedings to be available throughout the world. The translation of the Proceedings into French, German, English and Italian allows them to be sent free of charge to all the bishops, seminaries, ecclesiastical libraries, and Roman congregations that use these languages. It is a great task, but which, alone, can help to advance thought on these liturgical questions.
What are the fruits of the first two conferences?
The first two conferences have shown that the faithful attached to the traditional liturgy represent a dynamic movement in the Church. The youthfulness of a number of the participants and even of some of the speakers was particularly remarked. Here is a dynamism which must be reckoned with. Many contacts have been made, and the Proceedings have been sent to a number of bishops, seminaries and religious superiors. It is an encouraging enterprise as a number of meetings have stemmed from it.
What future do you see for the traditional Roman liturgy?
As our disoriented contemporaries turn finally to sects or seek certainties in other religions, is it not time to show them the inestimable benefits of the Catholic liturgy? It is the casket of divine omnipotence, which is offered to us in a redeeming sacrifice. God is there, truly present amongst us, at the heart of our Masses. Each gesture, each symbol of the liturgy is an affirmation of faith. The traditional liturgy, by its sacred character, its theological solidity, carries with it certainties, hope and joy. The proof is in the multiplication of parish communities and religious communities which use it.
How to contact CIEL
Proceedings of the 1996 Conference
Proceedings of the 1997 Conference
Proceedings of the 1998 Conference
Pro-Ecclesia Web Site (in French).
CIEL Canadian Website
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