Abstract

Sven Leo Conrad Bettbrunn:
The Meaning of the Celebrating Priest for the actus sacrificalis Missae: Outlines of an Open Question
(FKTh 2017-1, p. 30–47)

Also the more recent pronouncements of the magisterium emphasize, in accordance with traditional theology, that the obligatory offering of the sacrifice, celebrated in the Holy Mass, is solely in the hands of an ordained priest. The offering of the celebrant differs from that of the participants. The magisterium, however, is refraining from a more precise determination of this difference. The Scholastic tradition sees the essence of the Eucharistic sacrifice constituted mainly in the realization of the double consecration. The so-called Mystery Theology conceived by Odo Casel, now reduces the special priestly power concerning the offering of the sacrifice, to the fact of the valid consecration. Thereby he denies a special, solely priestly sacrificial act of offering and considerably changes the theology of the Mass.

Looking at the studies of Gottlieb Söhngen as well as those of Johannes Nebel, this article seeks to outline the problem horizon and indicate ways for a solution.