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Giovanni Zaccaria

Universidad Pontificia de la Santa Cruz (Roma)

11 articles on Omnes

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Articles by Giovanni Zaccaria

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epiphany

Christ, light of the Gentiles. Epiphany Preface

On Saturday, January 6, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. In the Preface of Christmas I, the light illuminated the mind of everyone; here, the manifestation of Christ illumines all nations. God manifests himself not only to the chosen people, but to all men, represented by the Magi who came from the East to adore the King of the Jews.

Giovanni Zaccaria

4 Jan 2024
christmas_belen

Exchange between the divine and the human. Christmas Preface III

The third Christmas Preface is the result of a reworking of a text found in the Veronese Sacramentary and probably dating from the fifth century, possibly by Leo the Great. Christmas is the mystery of that "marvelous exchange": God assumed human nature so that we could participate in the divine nature.

Giovanni Zaccaria

2 Jan 2024
Creation

Restoring creation. Christmas Preface II

The second Preface of this Christmas season dates back to at least the ninth century, and is the result of a reworking of a discourse on Christmas by St. Leo the Great, supposedly composed between 440 and 461.

Giovanni Zaccaria

30 Dec 2023
Vel

The new light of Christ. Christmas Preface I

In this article the author analyzes Preface I of Christmas, centered on Christ as light of the world and incarnate manifestation of God.

Giovanni Zaccaria

24 Dec 2023

The Greatness of Mary, New Eve: Advent Preface IV

The fourth and last Preface of Advent is dedicated to the time immediately preceding the Solemnity of Christmas, that is, the days from December 17 to 24. The text introduces us to the mystery we are celebrating: that of the Virgin Mary, the new Eve, who with her fiat opened the way to the Incarnation of the Word. Christ is at the gates.

Giovanni Zaccaria

17 Dec 2023

A New Era Begins: Preface III of Advent

In this "strong time" of the liturgical year, we continue with the series on the Prefaces of Advent. In addition to the Prefaces present in the typical Latin edition, our Missal adds two others, newly composed. The first, called Preface III of Advent, can be used until December 16. 

Giovanni Zaccaria

13 Dec 2023

Watchfulness in waiting, with the Virgin Mary and St. John: Preface II of Advent

Within the liturgy of Advent, Preface II of the Holy Mass prepares for the first coming of Christ, and recalls the figures who have awaited him in history. A central place is occupied by Mary, his Mother, and St. John the Baptist.

Giovanni Zaccaria

7 Dec 2023

Waiting for the Coming of Christ: Preface I of Advent

Advent is one of the "strong seasons" of the liturgical year, which is reflected in the richness of the texts proper to this time in the Holy Mass. Preface I of Advent, which begins on Sunday, December 3, expresses the expectation of the Lord's second coming and the preparation for his birth in history. The remaining ones will be published each week.

Giovanni Zaccaria

30 Nov 2023
Liturgy

Easter, a new creation. Easter Prefaces (III)

The fourth Easter preface helps us to contemplate Easter as a new creation, and in the fifth the image of the sacrificed Lamb returns. On the occasion of Easter, the five Easter prefaces have been explained in three articles. Today we publish the third and last article by the author, with a commentary on the fourth and fifth Easter prefaces.

Giovanni Zaccaria

21 Apr 2023
paschal vigil

New life in Christ. Easter Prefaces (II)

The Preface constitutes the first part of the Eucharistic Prayer. On the occasion of Easter, the five Easter prefaces are explained in three articles. After the first introductory text and the first Preface, the second and third Easter Preface are discussed today: the divine life in us through grace and the mediation of Christ.

Giovanni Zaccaria

15 Apr 2023