Systematic Heortology: A Proposal

Abstract

Observing a certain lack of liturgical theological reflection on the liturgical year and Christian feasts, particularly concerning the sanctoral cycle in the Roman rite, this article proposes a way for studying, understanding, and explaining the profound meaning of the veneration of the saints (as exemplary for other Christian celebrations). For the purposes of what is called a "systematic heortology" it is argued that knowledge and wisdom can be gained from interdisciplinary conversations with philosophies and anthropologies of feasting, with theological theories on the notion of mystery, with contemporary interpretations of the communion of saints, as well as with the visual arts. In addition, it is shown how a meticulous analysis of liturgical source material is conducive to constructive liturgical-theological research and reflection on the matter. Two examples, the feasts of Saint Lawrence (August 10) and Saint Martin (November 11) are elaborated.