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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Theology
Notes
- Abstract:
- This study intends to explore the construct of the liturgical act specifically an act of human empathy. The study focused particularly on the ritual performance of the eucharistic prayer during Mass as a unit of study. Following the Whiteheads’ method of practical theology, this involved a process of “listening” to and correlating three “conversation partners” – (a) actual liturgical participants; (b) the Christian liturgical tradition; (b) and the construct “empathy.” Input from actual liturgical participants involved qualitative data – a “thick description,” if you will—from six Catholic Parishes. Interviews and Focus Group sessions were conducted and recorded in each parish; an online questionnaire was made available to all parishioners. Narratives of each parish were created from the raw data and initial findings were drawn suggesting a high value on the ritual performance of the priest presider and the role of empathy. The tradition was explored with a view to liturgical participation and assembly for worship. The shifts in perspective and the general development of the rites and how they were understood from one era to the next was noted. Attention was given to the intersubjective nature of the liturgies as described and points in the texts that hinted at one or several of the elements of empathy were noted, even though that would not have been a concept available at the time. “Empathy” was explored as an epistemic construct in philosophy and as an operative element in psychotherapy. Liturgical rites could be seen through the lens of empathy as moments of heightened, formalized intersubjective engagement. Empathy not only offered a helpful heuristic construct, but also a model by which the very act of worship can be seen to mirror the self-gift involved in the sacramental offer of grace and the internal “kenosis” called for by each participant. In the end, the three “conversation partners” were brought together and significant correlations seemed apparent such that the theory that an act of human empathy sits at the heart of the liturgical act precisely as an act of intersubjectivity seems valid and suggests a fertile ground for further research and pastoral practice.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (D.Min.)--Barry University, 2014.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 369-388).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright R. Bruce Cinquegrani. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- BX1970.15 .C56 2014_CinquegraniRBruce ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- BX1970.15 .C56 2014 ( lcc )
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