On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God

Desiderio desideravi, the title of Pope Francis's 2022 document on the sacred liturgy, comes from the Latin version of Luke 22:15: "I have earnestly desired (Desiderio desideravi) to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Pope Francis begins this beautiful and relatively short reflection on the beauty, goodness, and truth of the sacred liturgy by reminding us of the Most Holy Trinity's love for us and desire for us. Responding to the need demonstrated by the desire of some Catholics for the pre-Vatican II Mass, Pope Francis encourages a deepening of our understanding of the Eucharist in order that we might fully appreciate the riches in the liturgy. The pope's text is accompanied by a helpful introduction and commentary by prominent liturgical and sacramental theologian, Kevin W. Irwin. Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergolio, was born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, and became bishop of Rome and the 266th pope of the Catholic Church on March 13, 2013. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin is a priest of the Archdiocese of New York who has taught at The Catholic University of America for years, where he served as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies.