Melita Theologica 51:1 (2000)

THE FOURTH EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

A General Analysis of its Structure and Content
to appreciate its Ecclesiological Meaning

Hector M. Scerri*

Introduction: n,Eucluuistic Pray" -- Climax aNI H,art 0/ th, Mass

In the GeTlfrizllnstruction of the Roman Missal (1970), it is asserted that the

Eucharistic prayer is the "climax and the very heart of the entire celebration [of the
M;ass1, a prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification",I In fact, each of the Eucharistic
prayers - whether present in the liturgy of the early Church or else introduced
after the reforms of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council - is a lyric
proclamation "!of what it means for the ChUrch to celebrate the Eucharist",2 On
closer examination and upon meditation of the text of any Eucharistic prayer, one
, encounters the use of highly evocative language which is pregnant with
Christological and ecclesiological meaning,

Eucharistic prayers are so structured as "to speak for and to 'the entire praying

·Bedor M. Scerrl, born in MAlta in 1965 and ordained priest in 1993, studied philosophy at the Institute
, ofPbilosophy and Human Studies, Rabal, Malta, and theology at the Univenity of Malta where he also
got a licentiate in Pastoral Thc<iJogy, He later obtained a licentiate and a Doctorate in Dogmatic
Theology from the PootificalGtegorian University, Rome. A member on the editorial board of Melita
Theolog/ca, i986-87, 1988-91, he is presently Vice-RectOr at IheArchbishop's Seminary, Malta, and a
permanent member of staff in the Department of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology at the University
of Malta., In 1999, he published his doctoral thesis, Koinonia, Dialwnia and Marryria: Interrelated
ThemtlS in Piurlstic Sacrilm4ntal Theology as expounded by Adalbert-G. Hamman O.FM. (Melita
Theologica Supplementary Series 4). Articles and book reviews by Sccrri have appeared in Omnis
Terra, AMgustinian Panorama and Sausianum.

1. G.n.rallnstructiDn a/the Roman Missal in The Sacramentary, (Catholic Book Publishing Company;
New York 1985) n.54. Cfr G. O'CoUins - E.G. Farrugia, ''Eucharistic Prayer", in Id., A Concise
Dictionary a/Theology, (Paulist Press; Mahwah; New Jersey 1991) 71.
2. Ralph A. Keifer, ''Eucharistic Prayen", in New Catholic Encyclopedia, xvn, (The Catholic
University of America; Washington, D.C. 1979) 213.
 4 Hector M. Seem

assembly".3 The celebration of the Eucharist by the liturgical assembly is indeed .

. - as one reads in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican
Council- u ... the principal manifestation of the Church ... [This] consists in the
full, active participation of all God's holy people in the same liturgical celebrations,
especially in the same Eucharist, in one prayer, at one altar, at which the bishop
presides, surrounded by his college of priests ... "4

Now, in the Eucharistic prayer - which as stated above is the very heart of the
celebration of the Eucharist - the priest exhorts those who constitute the liturgical
assembly to uplift their hearts to God "in praise and thanks, and associates them
with himself in the prayer which he addresses to God the Father, through Jesus
Christ, in the name of the whole community".' During this liturgical action, the
whole gathered assembly - with the president at its head - unites itself with
Christ in praising Qod's wonderful deeds in salvation history and in offering
sacrifice.6

The aim of this article is to study the ecclesiological content of the fourth
Eucharisti.c prayer. The language in the liturgical text of this prayer will be put
under scrutiny. This linguistic a,nalysis points to many interesting nuances regarding
the ekklesia. Particular phrases will be indicated which are very rich in meaning -
a meaning which can sometimes be traced to Jewish meal practices, the early liturgy
of the Church, or else, to the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council. The
dialogue with the liturgical assembly as well as the gestures used will be delved
into. All these features will assist the reader in appreciating the fecundity of the
various ecclesiological aspects intertwined within the fourth Eucharistic prayer.

1. The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer: Genesis and Background

Writing on the wide, far-reaching reform of the liturgy - as carried out to

implement the changes advocated in the Second Vatican Council - Archbishop
Annibale Bugnini (who was very involved in liturgical commissions and bodies at

3. Ibid.
4. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum
Concilium, n.41.
S. General Instruction of the RomtJn Missal, 0.54.
6. Ibid.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 5

the Roman Curia from 1948 to 1975) asserts that "once euchological pluralism and
rubrica1 flexibility had been rediscovered after centuries of fixism, it was unthinkable
that a monolithic approach to the Eucharistic prayer should long endure".'

Soon after the end of the Second Vatican Council, the idea of composing new
Eucharistic prayers gained ground. As one would expect, great prudence was
exercised in this process, especially when considering the fact that the Roman Canon
was the only Eucharistic prayer used in the West for centuries. In May 1966, the
Consilium for the Implementation of the Constitution on the Liturgy, of which
Bugnini was sCfcretary, presented Pope Paul VI with a report explaining the
endeavours carried out on the revision of the Rites of the Mass. It stated that if it
were asked to compose new models for Eucharistic prayers, it would feel responsible
"to see to it that any new prayer still displayed the Roman genius, so that the Roman
Mass would continue to be faithful to the spirit of the Roman liturgy". 8

When it was decided to compose new Eucharistic prayers, in-depth studies were
made by liturgists and other scholars on early liturgical texts. The relators of the
. sub-committee for the fourth Eucharistic prayer were Joseph Gelineau and Cipriano
Vagaggini. Paul VI suggested that anaphoras were to be sought ·from the vast richness
of liturgical texts from both East and West. This proved to be very valuable. in the
composition of new Eucharistic prayers and helped "to emphasise the different
aspects of the mystery of salvation, and to express a variety of motives for giving
thanks to Ood".9

Initially, a proposal was considered of taking an Oriental anaphora in toto into

the Latin Rite. One of the anaphoras of St Basil was seen as a likely text to carry
out the proposal. Although this suggestion never materialised, one can still observe
several similarities between the. fourth Eucharistic prayer and the mentioned
anaphora~ The endeavour of composing new Eucharistic prayers was not-short.

7. A. Bugnini, The Reform of the Liturgy 1948-1975, (The Liturgical Press; CoUegeVinc, Minnesota
1990) 448.
8. Ibid., 449.
9. Paul VI, Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Missal Missale Romanum, inA. Fianncry, ed., Vatican
COUllcil I/. The Conciliar and Postconciliar Documents, (The Liturgical Press; CoUegeviUe,
Minnesota 1980) 139.
6 Hector M. Scerri

Certain requirements had to be adhered to in order to retain a common structure for

these prayers. Yet, while respecting a basic structure, each of the new Eucharistic
prayers was to have its own "spiritual, pastoral, and stylistic characteristics" .10

With regard to the fourth Eucharistic prayer which is being studied in this
article, the study group in question attempted to satisfy the

"need for an anaphora in which the account of institution would be preceded

by a leisurely but still summary exposition of the entire economy of
salvation. To this end the preface had to limit itself to praising God in
himself and for creation in general ... Then, after the Sanctus ... the anaphora
would run through the economy from the creation of the human person
down to Christ and Pentecost. All this means that in such an anaphora the
preface cannot change ... but always remain the same. The result:
Eucharistic prayer IV". 11

Annibale Bugnini illustrates the mens underlying the fourth Eucharistic prayer. As
indicated above, the main intention was "to develop the total picture of the economy
of salvation on a much broader scale than in the other anaphoras" .12 Analysing this .
Eucharistic prayer, one can see that it has the form and structure of a Roman
anaphora, yet it is blended with several characteristics which contribute to give it
its Oriental tinge.13

The resulting fourth Eucharistic prayer is hence very strongly scriptural in its
images and language. 14 In fact, such a broad exposition of the economy of salvation
could be best done using scriptural language. The fourth Eucharistic prayer has its
own preface which cannot be substituted. This is because what precedes and what
follows the Sanctus together constitute a single unit describing the plan of

10. Bugnini, The Reform oflhe Liturgy, 452.

11. Ibid., 452·453.
12. Ibid., 458 .
13. Cfr Burkhard Neunheuser, "Eucaristia perenne", Rivisla Lilurgica 55 (1968) 799; Adrien Nocent,
"Storia della .celebrazione dell'eucaristian , in AA.VV., Anamnesis, 3f2, La Iiturgia. Eucaristia:
leologia e sloria della celebrazione, (Marietti; Casale Monferrato \983) 254.
14. Cfr Josepb Gelineau, "La quarta preghiera eucaristica", in AA.VV., Le nuove preghiere eucarisliChe,
(Queriniana; Brescia 1969) 57, where he asserts that "l'inf!usso della Scrittura sulla IV preghiera
eucaristica e diretto e molteplice".
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 7

Salvation.I' The text of the Eucharistic prayer under study mentions the more
signitlcant moments of this divine plan - a panorama which is fulfilled in the
Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. 16

In the presentation of God's salvific plan, the text of the fourth Eucharistic
prayer is clearly of the narrative type. Furthermore, the style used in this narrative
is highly lyrical. 17 The texts of the new Eucharistic prayers were promulgated by a
decree of the Congregation of Rites, on May 23, 1968, and were first used on
Augustl5, 1968.

The fourth Eucharistic prayer follows the Antiochene type of anaphoras very
closely. IS As referred to above, it resembles one of the so-called anaphoras of St
Basil, which can be traced back to the fourth century.19 The fourth Eucharistic
prayer is hence often envisaged as being ecumenical in character, because in it,
aspects which are characteristic of Oriental rites are seen to merge with the Latin
milieu of the Western liturgy.2O

2. The Celebration of the Eucharist-An EcclesialAct

Before delving into the fourth Eucharistic prayer, it is necessary to pause for a
moment and recall briefly the qualities which are to characterize participation by
the liturgical assembly. Participation is to be full,ll consciousl l and active. l3 By
being fully awarel4 of what is taking place during the fourth Eucharistic prayer
(and, for that matter, in every other liturgical celebration) - that is, by being aware
of the depth of meaning in the language used, the gestures of the president, the

IS. Cfr Genuallnstruction of the Roman Missal. n.322.

16. Cfr Peter Coughlan. ''TIle New Eucharistic Prayers", The Furrow 19 (1968) 384.
17. Cfr Luca Brando1ini, ''La IV Preghiera Eucaristica", Rivisla di Pastorale Lilurgica 6: 31 (1968)
602.
18. Cfr Bugnini, The Reform oflhe Liturgy, 458.
19. Cfr Ralph A. Keifer, "Eucharistic Prayers", 214.
20. crr Theodor Scbnitzler, I Ire nuovi canoni ed i nuovl prtfati, (Edizioni Paoline; Roma 1970) 107.
21. crr Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum
Concilium, DD. 14; 21-
22. Cfr ibid., DD. 14; 48.
23. Cfr ibid. ; DD. 11; 14: 21 ; SO.
24. Cfr ibid., n. 11.
8 Hector M. Scerri

different postures at different moments,2S the interventions by the assembly (for

example, in song) - each member of this assembly can truly take part with devotion
and full collaboration. Z6

Participation - both internal and external27 - is not only an individual or

personal matter,28 but an action carried out as a community.29 This feature, coupled
with all the above-mentioned characteristics, helps the faithful to be spiritually
enriched by participation in the celebration.3O The mode of participation by members
of the assembly differs according to their respective ministry in the Church. 31 This
helps us to understand why the presence and active participation of the faithful
clearly manifests the ecclesial nature of the Eucharist. 32 The whole assembly-
with Christ at its centre and the ministers manifesting his presence - is the subject
of the liturgical celebration. In the celebration of the Eucharist, "the unity of the
faithful is effected and symbolized: they constitute one body in Christ". 33 This is
seen more clearly in the Eucharistic prayer itself where it is the one and holy Catholic
Church present and made manifest in every local Church which enters into dialogue
with God.34 It is in this light that we can appreciate better the celebration of the
Eucharist as signum unitatis and vinculum caritatis. 35 This will now be illustrated
with reference to the fourth Eucharistic prayer.

25. Cfr General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 62.

26. Cfr Sacrosancrum Concilium, n. 48.
27. Cfr ibid., n. i9.
28. Cfr General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 62.
29. Cfr Sacrosancrum Concilium, n. 21. On the theology of the celebrating community, cfr Hector
Scem, Koinonia, Diakonia and Martyria. Interrelated Themes in Patristic Sacramental Theology
as Expounded by Adalbert·G. Hamman O.F.M., Melita Theologica Supplementary Series 4,
(Foundation for Theological Studies; Malta 1999) 137-139.
30. Cfr ibid., n. 11.
31. Cfr ibid., n. 14; 26; 28; General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 58.
32. Cfr Sacrosancrum Concilium, n. 41; Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, Circular Letter on
the Eucharistic Prayers Eucharistiae Participationem, n. 11; Scem, Koinonia, Diakonia and
Martyria, 142-145; 151-159.
33. Cfr Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium,
n. 3.
34. Cfr ibid., n. 23; Eucharistiae Participationem, n. 11.
35. Cfr Augustine, In Ioannis Evangelium, 26, 13. Cfr Sacrosancrum Concilium, n. 47.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 9

3. Un "MUS" eccUsial

Paul De Clerck talks of the use of the first person plural in the Eucharistic
prayers, what he calls un nous ecclesial. This helps to convey a sense of the ekklesia
which is assembled to celebrate the Eucharist De Clerck asserts that ..the subject
of the Eucharistic prayer is the People of God ~athered for the celebration; like all
liturgical prayer, it is formulated in the first Person plural, in an ecclesial we". 36
One can understand the celebrating ekklesia under three senses, which can be
envisaged concentrically: (i) the universal Church; (ii) the particular local Church;
(ill) the concrete here-and-now gathering for worship. These senses can be rightly
applied to all the instances where the nous eccUsial features.

A careful examination of the fourth Eucharistic prayer indicates that the personal
pronoun we is used twelve times as the subject of ari action-verb. For-ten times, it is
used by the priest, who presiding "in the person of Christ ... over the assembly ...
[addresses prayers to God] ... in the name of the entire holy people and of all
present". 37 The use of the first person plural, instead of the singular, helps to
emphasize the sacramental action of the priest as an ecclesial gesture. Hence, the
assembly can really associate itself with the presidential prayers. The ecclesial we
is used to express thariksgiving, praise, the assembly's confessio, celebration and
offering.

• Thariksgiving:
.... .it is right we should give you thariks and glory". (Preface)

• Praise:
..... we too praise your glory..... (Preface) -
..... we shall smg
. your gory...
1"(InterceSSlons .)

36. Author's translation of Paul De Clercl<, ''La priere eucharistique", in loseph Gelineau, ed., Dans
Vos As..mbUes, n, (Desc16e; Paris 1989) 482: "Le sujet de la prier. eucharistique est le Peuple de
Dieu reum pour la c6IEbration; comrne toute priere liturgique, elle est formul6e lla premiere personne
du pluriel, en un 'noos' eccIEsial". Adalbert-G. Hamman 1alks about le MUS des baptisls and le
nous de laloi. efr Adalbert-O. Hamman, Je crois en un seul baptlme, (Beauchesne; Paris 1970) 39;
45; Scerri, Koinonia, Diakonia and Martyri4, 145.
17. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 33.
10 Hector M. Scem

• Confessio:
"Father, we acknowledge your greatness". (post-Sanctus)
",.. We proclaim your death, Lord Jesus ..." (Memorial acclamation)
"We recall Christ's death ..." (Anamnesis)

• Celebration:
..... as we celebrate the great mystery..." (Epiclesis n
"Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption". (Anamnesis)

• Offering:
..... we offer you his body and blood..." (Anamnesis)
"Lord, remember those for whom we offer this sacrifice... " (Intercessions)

• Other actions:
..... that we might live no longer for ourselves..." (post-Sanctus)
"When we eat this bread and drink this cup..." (Memorial acclamation)

This reflection on the nous eccIesial helps one to appreciate better the fact ..that
because the Eucharistic prayer is the prayer of the Church, it belongs to the whole
community and not exclusively to the priest" .38 This does not detract' from the
presidential prayer "precisely because it is the prayer of the Church" ,39 and so it is
led by the head of the community, namely the bishop or his representative,40 who
proclaims the Eucharistic prayer in the name of the whole community!!

4. An Appreciation of the Ecc1esiological Meaning

of the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer:
An Analysis of its Form and Structure

Some of the aspects which shall be discussed in this section of the article
are common to the other Eucharistic prayers. Such features include the Introductory
Dialogue, the Sanctus, the Memorial Acclamation, the Intercessions and the

38. James Oallen, '''The Congregation's Share in the Eucharistic Prayer", in Kevin R. Seasoltz, ed.,
Living Bread, SaYing Cup, (The Lirurgical Press; Collegeville, Minnesota 1982) 113.
39. Ibid.
40. Cft Sacrosanctum Concilium, DD. 41; 42.
41. Cft General Instruction of the Roman Missal, DD. 13; 54.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 11

Doxology. Nonetheless, the fourth EuCharistic prayer shall be treated in toto, in

order to appreciate the full ecclesiological content and nuances present in the
celebration of this anaphora.

4.1 The Introductory Dilllogue

It has already been pointed out that the Eucharistic prayer is said "nomine to/ius
communi/atis"42 and that it belongs to the whole community. This is made clear
from the very start when, in the Introductory Dialogue, the priest invites the members
of the assembly to associate themselves with him in the celebration of the Eucharistic
prayer;4' The assembly's responses during the dialogue function as "the assembly's
assentto the president's request to pray in their name".'" Furthermore, the dialogue
- as the other parts of the Eucharistic prayer - are in the plural ~'which presumes
a gathered community".45

In this dialogue, one notes the spiritual relationship between the priest and the
assembly. The former urges the gathered faithful "to adopt the spiritual attitude ...
[necessary] .. . for the prayer of thanksgiving" .46 Even the priest's gesture
accompanying the words "The Lord be with you" is indeed an important and
expressive sign. In outstretching his fore-arms, this gesture by the president helps
to express "the mental a,ttitude and dispositions ... and enhances"47 the sense of the
ekklesia. Not only is this a gesture of invitation, but it can be seen as a gesture
whereby the president is "embracing" the whole assembly.

In the triple invitation and the triple response which takes place in the dialogue,
one observes a crescendo.4s The verbal sequence employed in this gradual build-
up helps to unite the assembly as one body, as the climax and heart of the celebration

42. Ibid.
43. Cft ibid., nn. 14; IS; Louis Ligier, "La struttura della pregbiera eucaristica: diversitl e unitA",
Ephemerides Liturg/cae 82 (1968) 198.
44. DaIlen, '''The Congregation's Share", 115.
45. James ChaIlancin, "Local celebration, a realization oflbe Universal Church", Ephemerides Liturgicae
91 (1977) 312.
46. Robert Cabi6, The Eucharist, in Aim6 Georges Martimort, ed., The Churrh at Prayer, n, (The
Liturgical Press; Collegeville, Minnesota 1986) 92.
47. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 20. Cfr Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 30.
48. Cfr Joseph Gelineau, "GIi interventi dell 'assemblea", inAa.Vv., Nelle VostreAssemblee, (Queriniana;
Brescia 1976) 226.
12 HectorM. Scerri

of the Eucharist is reached. After the ftrst response by the assembly, the president
urges the assembly to adopt the proper spiritual attitude and disposition for the
celebration. Then the priest exhorts the faithful ~'Lift up your hearts", the response
being "We lift them up to the Lord". The heart here refers to humanity in its totality.
The ekklesia is then urged to give thanks to God.

The final response ("It is right to give him thanks and praise") is indeed
signfficant. Its remote origins will be discussed below. This responseo . is "the high
point of the dialogue".so The ekklesia is with the Lord, whose presence is symbolized
by the priest who has received the Spirit of the Lord in his ordination. In the light of
what has been discussed above, it is important that the assembly's responses be
real acclamations. The invitations of the president are to create the desired attention
and active participation on the part of the assembly. 51 The dialogue also serves to
forge a bond of communion between the priest (and the concelebrants if present)
and the remainder of the assembly.52 This is enhanced if the dialogue is sung,
because the assembly's prayer is done in.harmony, as a body.

4.2 ' The Preface

In the Preface, the priest "in the name of all the People of God, offers praise and
thanksgiving to God the Father for the whole work ofredemption" .53 It should be
noted that a philological analysis of the term preface does not primarily refer to the
fact that this prayer is situated at the beginning of the anaphora, as a prologue to it,
and preceding what follows. Rather, the term praefatio refers to a solemn
announcement, a prayer spoken before the people, a prayer in the presence of the

49. It is interesting to note this response in other translations. The Latin original is "Digoum et iustum
est". One notes a different emphasis from that found in the English translation, due to the use of two
adjectives: "E cosa buonae giusta" (Italian); "Cela est juste et bon" (French); "Es justo y necesario"
(Spanish); "Das ist wUrdig und recht" (German).
50. Cabi6, The Eucharist, 92.
51 . "Le varie parti di questo dialogo devono ... costituire un vero crescendo. Le risposte devono essere
delle vere aeclamazioni. Gli inviti devono favorice questa intensit! e sincerit! nella risposta. Sm
da evitarsi in ogni modo la fretta e il tono meccanico che sacebbero quanto mai in contrasto con la
riechezza di significato di queste brevi frasi e con la loro funzione che ~ appunto di impegoare
I'allenzione e la partecipazione attiva di tulla I'assemblea", (Gelineau, "Gli interventi
dell' assemblea", 226).
52. Challancin, "Local celebration, a realization of the Universal Church", 325; Seem, Koinonia,
Diakonia twi Martyria, 144-145.
53. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 55a.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 13

people.34 Iohannes Hennans goes on to assert that "it is evident that the word
preface is used to refer to a public prayer, which is proclaimed loudly. One is praying
'in front of the people' and 'in front of God'; the pre here conveys the idea of
space".ss

The highecclesial significance of the preface is hence understood by referring

to .the proclamatory and public nature of this prayer of thanksgiving. In the fourth
Eucharistic prayer, the preface - which is a fixed one - inaugurates the account
of God's plan for creation, which is continued in ·the Post-Sanctus. Reference is
made in the preface to the attributes of God and the vastness and beauty of the
cosmos. A deep sense of thanksgiving is clearly evident, use being made of the
ecclesial we and the first person plural: " ... it is right thafwe should give you thanks
... We too praise your glory"~

It is appropriate to stop and meditate on the opening words of the Preface:

"Father in heaven, it is right that we.should give you thanks and glory". The Latin
original states: "Vere dignum est tibi gratias agere, vere iustum est te gloriftcare,
Pater sancte". The Italian translation states: ''S veramente giusto renderti grazie, ~
bello cantare la tua gloria, Padre santo". The vere dignum ("It is right") is intimately
linked with the third response by the assembly in the preceding dialogue. It is a
further invitation by the president to the assembly so that it may join in prayer and
thanksgiving, The idea conveyed by vere dignum is found in the Shema in the
Hebrew morning prayer.56 The same meaning can be traced to the Greek polis
when the local assembly uttered the word axios (which means dignum est) as an
acclamation of consent.51 Hence, the remotest origins of the phrase por:tray a vivid
idea of an assembled gathering whose members are united in their acclaim. This
helps one appreciate the pregnant ecclesial sense behind the phrase as used today
in the preface.

54. Cfr lohannes Hennans.LA celebrazione dell'Eucaristia. (BIle Di Ci; Leumann 1985) 313.
SS. Author's translation of Hennans. ibid,. 314: '1l evidente che la parola pre/O<.io viene usala per
indicare la preglliera pubblica, a voce alia. Si prega 'davanti al popolo' e 'davanti a Dio'; il pre ha
qui un significato spaziale.....
56. Cft ibid., 317-318.
57. Cft ibid., 318.
14 Hector M. Seerri

Addressing God as "Father in heaven" or "Pater saricte" recalls the Johannine

text of theJprayer of Jesus on the eve of his passion. The use of this term helps to
bring out the idea of the adoptive sonship of the Christian faithful. 58 The notion of
a commOlLsonship is linked to the concept of the ekklesia, in the light of the Pauline
text which states: "As you are sons, God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of his
Son crying 'Abba, Father'" (Gal 4,6). In the Preface, the assembly contemplates
God the Creator in himself and in his works, and proclaims his greatness and his
sanctity. 59 This helps to explain the fixed nature of the preface of the fourth
Eucharistic prayer, so that together with the text of the Post-Sanctus, it forms an
uninterrupted corpus of the history of salvation.

The conclusion of the Preface offers also a brief comment on the different ·
nuances conveyed by different translations. The English text states: "United with
them (Le. the angels), and in the name of every creature under heaven, we too
praise your glory as we say..." . The Latin text states: "Cum quibus et nos et, per
nostram vocem, omnis quae sub caelo est creatura nomen tuum in exsultatione
confitemur, canentes ...". The Italian is expressed as follows: "Insieme con loro
ariche noi, fatti voce di ogni creatura, esultanti cantiamo ...".

The idea of unity in praise with the heavenly choirs is expressed clearly in the
English translation, "united with them", and also in the Italian, "insieme con loro".
The original Latin simply resorts to using cum, followed by the ablative to express
the same notion, without however mentioning unity at all. Yet, this seems to be
made up for by the pregnant phrase "per nostram vocem". Even the Italian text is
very condensed when it states "noi, fatti voce di ogni creatura". In other words,
paraphrasing the Latin and the Italian texts one can say that the uttered praise
embodies the praise and the glory of all the cosmos. According to Enrico Mazza,
"this phrase condenses the doxological vocation of all creation. ... All creation
celebrates the greatness of the Lord by means of man who becomes its synthesis
and interpreter". 60

58. Cfr Enrico Mazza, Le odiemf preghiere eucaristiche, I, (Edizioni Dehoniane; Bologna 1984) 199;
Vittorino Joannes, "I temi teologici delle nuove preghiere eucaristiche", Rivista di Pastorale Liturgica
6: 31 (1968) 564; Theodor Schnitzler,l tre nuovi canoni, \08.
59. Cfr ·Carlo Rocchetta, I sacramenti del/alede, (Edizioni Deboniane; Bologna 1987) 361 ; Joseph
Gelineau, "La quarta preghiera eucaristica", 54.
60. Author's translation of Mazza, Le odierne preghiere eucari.tiche, 200: "Questa frase condensa la
vocazione dossologica di tuno il creato ... Thno il creato celebrala grandezza del Signore auraverso
l'uomo che ne ~ diventato la sintesi, I'interprete".
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 15

In the English translation, the embodiment of the praise of creation is, in a way,
slightly diluted by attributing to man a vicarious role: "in the name of every creature
... we too praise your glory ..." . In the Latin and Italian versions, we not only praise
God in the name of' every creature, but even more than that: we become the very
voice and mouthpiece of every creature. Man, therefore, has the important role "to'
become one with creation and the cosmos in order to be its voice in a continuous
hymn of praise to God".61 This notion widens the ecclesial nature of the Preface,
and makes the assembly's prayer extend its arms wider, in order to embrace all
creation. A note of joy is evident in the conclusion of the Preface, especially by the
terms "in exsultatione" (Latin) and "esultanti" (Italian), which convey a deeper
sense of rejoicing than the English "we too praise your glory". The sentiment here
is not oilly one of praise, but furthermore, one of deep joy, rejoicing and celebration.
Such a feeling helps to cement together the celebrating assembly in its hymn of joy,
thanksgiving and praise to God.

4.3 The Sanctus

The theme of praise and thanksgiving continues in the Sancius. This is probably
the oldest section of the Eucharistic prayer to be proclaimed by the liturgical
assembly.62 This prayer is highly scriptural in origin, a "collage" of biblical textS. 63
Its biblic8I content, coupled with the fact that it is introduced by the closing phrase
of the Preface, is a strong indication that the Sanctus was intended "as
the Eucharistic
assembly's joining in the song of all creation in praise of God".64 ·This acclamation
is indeed "anintegral part of the Eucharistic prayer itself'6S and directly involves
the members of the assembly in their celebration of the Eucharist. 66 Participation
is enhanced when the Sanctus is sung. 67 The singing helps the various biblical
concepts to sink into the minds of the members of the praying assembly, and fosters
the unity of the communal action.68

61. Author's translation of ibid.,. 201: ..... di immedesimarsi neUa natura e nel cosmo per esseme la '
voce in un inno continuo di lode a' Dio".
62. Cfr DaUen. ''The Congregation's Share", 115.
63, Cfr Mazza, Le ()dieme preghiere eucaristiche, 203.
64 , Ibid.. 116,
65 . General Instructi()n of the Roman Missal, n. 55b.
66. Cfr Dennis C. Smolarski, Eucharistia: A Study of the Eucharislic Prayer, (paulist Press; Rarnsey
1982) 56; Hermans, lA I'elebrazione dell'eucaristia, 322-323. '
67. Cfr General Instruction ofrhe Roman Missal, no. 15; 17; Mazza, Le odieme preghiere eucaristiche, 202.
68. Cfr Sacred Congregation of Rites, Instruction on Music in the Liturgy Musicam Sacram, n. 16;
, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 15.
 16 Hector M. Seem

The sense of the ekklesia is strengthened by the following attitudes of prayer,

all present in the Sanctus:

• Adoration: "Holy, holy, holy Lord".

• Conf~ssio: a solemn acknowledgement of the divine attributes: "God of power

and might".

• Praise: "Heaven and earth are full of your glory".

• Acclamation: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord".

• Petition: "Hosanna", which means 'Save us, Lord!'. This is envisaged as a petition
to God to accept the assembly's thanksgiving for his saving power. 69

By joining in the singing of the Sanctus the assembly is united in ·the heavenly
praise given to God. This form of participation owed its earliest origin to the service
of the synagogue by the Jews. In order to conclude the prayer of blessing uttered by
the president of the synagogue assembly, the Jews who were present sung a similar
hymn based on Isaiah 6,3 ("Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh Sabaoth. His glory fills the
whole earth").

Reflecting upon the impact of the Sanct/.ls in the Eucharistic prayer, Dennis
Smolarski observes that here the assembly "is joining in a praise of the Father
which is even wider than the Church on earth".70 Furthermore, the eschatologicai
thrust pf the Sanctus ("heaven and earth" joined in praise) helps one to appreciate
the fact that the celebrating ekklesia is in "union with the Church throughout the
ages"" - in other words, one here refers to the pilgrim Church, as described in
chapter vrr of Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium. In the latter,
one reads that "it is especially in the sacred liturgy that our union with the heavenly
Church is best realized ... [and] ... when ... we celebrate the eucharistic sacrifice we
are most closely united to the worship oCthe heavenly Church".n

69. efr Gelineau, "OH interventi dell' assemblea", 227.

70. Smolarski, Eucharistia, 57.
71. Ibid.
72. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the Dogmatic Conatitution 00 the Cburcb Umrm Gentium, o. 50.
 Tbe Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 17

4.4 The Post-Sanctus

This prayer is one of praise to the Father for his plan of salvation. In fact, one
encounters an account ofhurnanity within the history of salvation73 .- an anamnesis
of salvation.74 Focus is made on the alliance between God and humanity,75 reference
being made to the latter's.infidelity throughout the ages, and to redemption "in the
fullness of time".

In the Post-Sanctus of the fourth Eucharistic prayer, one encounters a number

of phrases which are of ecclesiological significance. The opening words - "Father,
we acknowledge your greatness" (Confitemur tibi, Patre sancte) - refer to the
public praise which was part and parcel of the Jewish thanksgiving or todah.76 The
ekklesia here thanks God for his marvellous plan of salvation. The phrase" ... but
helped all men to seek and find you" is indeed significant because it reflects the
ecclesiology of Vatican n. AUmen are called to salvation. Recalling also St Paul's
. speech in the Areopagus (..... and, by feeling their way towards him, succeed in
fmding him" [Acts' 17,27]) and the prophet Jeremiah ("When you search for me,
you will find me; when you search wholeheartedly for me ..... [Jer 29,13]), reference
is being made to ..those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel
of Christ or the Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart".77

Reference is made to the mission ofIesus (Lk 4,18), especially when the outcasts
of society are mentioned. Indirect reference is then made to the Church instituted
by Christ: ..... he sent the Holy Spirit from you, Father, as his first gift to those who
believe ...... One hence observes, in the fourth Eucharistic prayer, a movement from
the proclamation of the Paschal mystery of Christ to the sacramental presence of
the Church.7•

73. Cfr lohn Fuellenbach, The Kingdom o/God, (Logos Publications; Manila 1993) 38; Gelinean, ''La
quarta preghiera eucaristics", 51.
74. Cfr Adrien Nocent, "Storia:della celebrazione dell' eucaristia", in Aa. Vv., Anitmnesis, 312: La lilUrgia,
Eucaristia: leologia e sloria della celebrazione, (Marietti; CasaIe Monferrato 1983) 254.
75. eft Luis MaIdonado, "La preghiera eucaristica", in Aa.Vv., Ne/le voslre assemblee, 595; loannes,
"I temi teologici", 565; Mazza, Le odieme preghiere eucaristiche, 207.
76. Cfr Gelineau, ''La quarta preghiera eucaristica", 63.
77. Lumen Gentium, n. 16. eft Schttitzler,l Ire nuovi canoni, 121.
78. eft Gelineau, ''La quarta preghiera eucaristica", 65.
18 Hector M. Sccm

4.5 The Epiclesis (I) and the Institution Narrative

During the Epic1esis, the priest, on behalf of the assembled community, asks
the Father so that the Holy Spirit may sanctify the offerings which have been brought
to the altar by members of this same community, so that they may become the
Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ. As stated earlier, the priest uses the first person
plural, we - "as we celebrate the great mystery" _ . and so associates the whole .
ekklesia in the celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist. The whole ekklesia,
with Christ at its head, is the subject of the celebration of the Eucharist. The words
addressed by Jesus to his disciples at the Last Supper are now addressed by the
priest, acting in persona Christi, to the liturgical assembly: "Take this, all ofyou ..."
One also hears the very evocative phrases: "my body which will be given up for
you" and "shed for you and for all men".

4.6 The Memorial Acclamation and the Memorial Prayer

The Memorial Acclamation "succinctly commemorates the triple aspect of the

Paschal mystery"79 -Christ's death, resurrection and parousia. There are a number
of possible acc1amations. The ecclesial we can be observed in the formula "When
we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you
come in glory". This is based on 1 Cor 11,26. According to Burkhard Neunheuser,
these acc1amations constitute a precious enrichment to the celebration of the
Eucharist, and also offer an active participation by the assembly,80 more so if they
are sling. The references to the Parousia ("Christ will come again"; "Lord Jesus,
come in glory"; "until you come in glory") help the assembly to reflect upon the
eschatological image of the pilgrim Church, as described in the previous section.
The standing posture of the assembly signifies a people redeemed and free, a people
whose hearts are imbued with eschatological hope.

In the Memorial Prayer, the presider, on behalf of the ekklesia, prays to the
Father. He states that the gathered assembly has been obedient to the command
given by Christ, "Do this in memory of me". The triple aspect of the Paschal mystery
is also recalled in this prayer. Another point worthy of mention is that part of the

79. Smolarslti, Eucharistia. 63.

80. err Burkhard Neunheuser, "Eucaristia perenne", Rivista Liturglca 55 (1968) 806.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 19

text of the Memorial Prayer which describes the sacrifice of the Eucharist as that
"which brings salvation to the whole world". Francis Sullivan refers to this
dimension. BI The fruits of the celebration of the Eucharist are not restricted to the
Church, but its benefits reach the whole of humanity. The underlying stratum is
hence one which depicts an outward-looking Church: in other words, not a Church
apart from the world, but a Church in the world, a Churchfor the life of the world,
a Church whose presence and action in the world is akin that of leaven in the
dough.

4.7 Epiclesis (ll)

A beautiful prayer, based on 1 Cor 10,16-22, is made to God that the Holy Spirit
may bring unity in the Church. For Aidan Kavanagh, this epiclesis is primarily a
prayer of unity with the Father and with each other through Jesus Christ. Having
recalled the mirabilia Dei and responded in acclamation to this "good news", the
ekklesia prays that all who participate in the Eucharistic meal may be united together
in the Holy Spirit. 82 The Holy Spirit is envisaged as the source of fellowship
(koinonia) within the Christian community which celebrates the Eucharist. 83 . Writing
from within an Oriental milieu, Pavel Evdokimov asserts that the Epiclesis is a
Eucharistic Pentecost which invokes and expresses the action of the Holy Spirit
not only on the bread and the wine (which become the Body and the Blood of
Christ) but furthermore, in the members of the celebrating assembly." According
to Max Thurian, while the Epiclesis before consecration leads to the sacramental
epiphany of Christ at the consecration of the bread and the wine, so this second,
Epiclesis achieves "a sacramental epiphany of the Church". 8S

81. Cfr Francis A. Sullivan, Salvation Outside the Church?, (paulist Press; New York - Mahwah, New
Jersey 1992) 160.
82. crr Aidan Kavanagh, 'Thoughts on the Roman Anapbora", Worship 39 (1965) 528-529; 40 (1966)
5-8.
83. Cfr John H. McKenna, 'The Eucharistic Epiclesis in Twentieth Century Theology (1900-1966)",
Ephemerides Liturgicae 90 (1976) 320; Scerri, Koinonia, Diakonia and Martyria, 134-137.
84. err Pavel Evdokimov, L'Orthadoxie, (Delachaux et Niestl6; Paris - NeuchAtel1959) 249-251.
85. crr Max Thurian, "La th6010gie des nouveUes pri~res eucharistiques", La Maison-Dieu 94 (1968)
. 91; 100-101.
20 Hector M. Seerri

This second Epiclesis brings about communion between the members of the
assembly, this communion being sacramentally realized when the faithful partake
in the Body and Blood of Christ. A strengthening of the bonds of koinonia takes
place. 86 Therefore, the most important fruit of the' presence of the Holy Spirit is the
unity of all those who eat the Body and drink the Blood of ChriSt. 87 The unity of
the Church is the underlying tenet of this second Epiciesis. 88

4.8 The Intercessions

The Intercessory prayers in the Eucharistic prayer "express the truth that the
Eucharist is celebrated in union with the whole Church, in heaven and on earth".89
The Pope's name is mentioned, thus recalling universal unity in the Catholic Church.
The bishop'S name is also mentioned: the bishop is a sign of unity in the local
Church,90 and of unity between the various particular Churches scattered all over
the world. The ecciesiological reference can be seen to be in continuation with the
theme of unity in the Church, mentioned in the second Epiclesis. 91 What one ftrst
encounters in these intercessions is a list of members of the hierarchy in descending '
order. At the end of the list, "all your people" (cfr I Pt 2, I 0) is included in the text.
Commenting on the composition of the intercessions from an ecclesiological point
of view, the text seems to place the Pope, the bishops and the clergy apart from the
remained of the People of God.92 It might have been more appropriate had "all
your people" preceded the hierarchy, hence putting the intercessions more in
harmony with the vision of the Church as expressed in Lumen Gentium.

On the other hand, a very positive ecclesiological point is present in the text of
the fourth Eucharistic prayer. One encounters the following words: "Remember
those who take part in this offering, those here present and all your people, and all
who seek you with a sincere heart". Francis Sullivan asserts that "the 'people' and

86. Cfr Pierre Jounel, "La composition des nouvelles pri~res eueharistiques",lA Maison-Dieu 94 (1968)
70; Neunheuser, "Euearistia perenne", 803; Mazza, Le odieme preghiere eucaristiche, 227.
87. Cfr Smolarski, Eucaristia, 65.
88. Cfr Nocent, "Storia della celebrazione dell'euearistia", 253.
89. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, n. 5Sg.
90. Cfr Challanein. "Local celebration", 331.
91. Cfr Mazza, Le odieme preghiere eucaristiche, 233 (note 236).
92. Cfr ibid., 233; Nocent, "Storia della celebrazione dell'euearistia" 254.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 21

'all who seek you' are undoubtedly the Christians and the non-Christians, for both
of whom the Eucharist is offered".93 This phrase indicates that the "horizon" of
prayer in the intercessions is not limited just to within the Catholic fold, but embraces
the whole of humanity.94 Therefore, besides expressing ''the concern of the local
community for the more universal community of Christians" ,95 these intercessions
are ecumenical96 and outward-looking in that the ekklesia prays for those who "seek
God with a sincere heart, and ", his will as they know it through the dictates of their
conscience",97

One can also reflect upon another intercession: "Remember those who have
died in the peace of Christ and all the dead whose faith is known to you alone".
This last phrase refers to all the members of the human family "who never had the
opportunity to profess their faith with the Christian community, and yet arrived at
saving faith through the grace which the Holy Spirit offered to them"." This is a
reminder of the text of the Pastoral Constitution of Vatican II on the Church in the
Modem World, Gaudium et Spes which states that "the Holy Spirit offers everyone
the possibility of sharing in this paschal mystery in a manner known to God (modo
Deo cognito)". 99 Sullivan states that these intercessions in the fourth Eucharistic
prayer are fully in line with the ecclesiological doctrine of the Second Vatican
Council which they reflect. loo Hence, one can rightly say that both the mens and
the vision of Vatican II on the Church as universal sacrament of salvation, as well
as the missionary spirit animating the Council, exercised a very positive influence
on the composition of the intercessions of the fourth Eucharistic prayer.101

93. Sullivan, Salvation Outside tlu! Church?, 160.

94. Cfr Carlo Brag.. in Aa Vv., 11 Canone, (Centro Azione Liturgica; Padova 1968) 202.
95. SmolarSki, Eucharistia, 84.
96. Cfr Maldonado, "La preghiera eucaristica", 595.
97. Lumen Gentium, n. 16.
98. Sullivan, Salvation Outside the Church?, 160.
99. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modem World
Gaudium et Spes, D. 22.
100. Cft Sullivan, Salvation Outside the Church?, 160.
10 1. Cft Gelineau, ''La quarta preghiera eucaristica", 60.
22 Hector M. Seeni

4.9 The Doxology and the Final Amen

The Eucharistic prayer ends with an expression of praise to the Holy Trinity.
The doxology is emphasised by the assembly's acclamation, "Amen".'02 James
Dallen states that "like the Introductory Dialogue and the Sanctus, the Doxology of
the Eucharistic prayer has been fairly invariable"'03 in liturgical texts throughout
the centuries. Similar to what is found in the Jewish berakah, it entails "a return to
the theme of praise and thanks and sets a seal on this dominant eucharistic theme". 104
The assembly intervenes in its acclamation, Amen, thus enhancing the ecclesial
aspect by forging stronger bonds within the ekklesia. The acclamation denotes the
congregation's agreeing to, and sharing in, what has been carried out throughout
the whole Eucharistic prayer. Dallen asserts that this "ratification of the whole
Eucharistic prayer by the congregation is the oldest and most basic form of
congregational participation in prayer".'OS It also helps to signify "the people's
share in the offering" .'06

Joseph Gelineau holds that the assembly's active participation in this Amen
should bring out the fact that it is the most important Amen in the celebration of the
Eucharist. It is also called the "Great Amen"; all other responses by the assembly
are therefore secondary, when compared to this solemn proclamation "which sums
up and affirms the entire preceding prayer". lOO This emphasis is enhanced by singing
the Amen in polyphony or by being repeated.108 There are many ways in which this
can be achieved, for example, by the musical composition of an Amen which includes
"a crescendo in its intensity and in its choral nature". lOO This helps the celebrating
assembly to understand that the Doxology is, in a way, a synthesis of the whole
Eucharistic prayer. lIO Furthermore, by saying (or singing) "Per ipsum, et cum ipso
et in ipso", the president is affmning that Christ involves all humanity in his praise
to the Father. "In unitate" helps recall that it is the whole Church - gathered and

lOO. General Ins/ruc/ion of/M Roman Missal, n. 55h.

103. Dallen, 'The Congregation's Share", 121.
104. Ibid.
105. Ibid.
106. Ralph A. Keifer, "Preparation of the Altar an4 the Gifts or OffertoryT', Worship 48 (1974) 597.
107. Smolarski, Eucharis/ia, 88.
108. crr Gelineau, "Gli interventi dell'assemblea", 228.
109. Author's translation of ibid.: ..... un crescendo della sua intensit~ e dell. sua co!"iita".
110. err Mazza, Le odieme preghiere eucaris/iche, 235.
 The Fourth Eucharistic Prayer 23

united in communion by the Holy Spirit - which is celebrating this meal of

thanksgiving and praise. III

S. Conclusion

This article has studied per longum et per latum several features which constitute
the fourth Eucharistic prayer. A number of these aspects can also be found in other
anaphoras. Yet, it is worth recalling the distinctive features of the ecclesiology
underlying the fourth Eucharistic prayer. The panorama of the whole economy of
salvation is indeed particular to it. Furthermore, the outward-looking ecclesiology
present in the Post-Sanctus and the intercessions is highly particular to the1lllaphora
under study. Reference to those ''who ... do not know the Gospel of Christ or his
Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart"l12 is very significant.

Francis SuIlivan, as already pointed out, asserts that the new Eucharistic prayers
composed after Vatican IT reflect the latter's doctrine. Their texts, he states, "make it
clear that the Eucharist is oft"erednot only for the Christian faithful,"1J3 but for all
humanity. Regarding the fourth Eucharistic prayer, Sullivan refers to the significant
phrases in the text which point markedly to contemporary ecclesiology, and the
relationship of members of other religious traditions to the mystery of Christ.

A Eucharistic prayer reflects the faith of the Church. In fact, with every anaphora
the lex credendi is made evident in the lex orandi of the ekklesia. 1I4 This has been
studied with special reference to the ecclesiological tenets of the fourth Eucharistic
prayer. This ecclesiology is coloured with the dialogue between the Church and the
world lU - the dialogue which is so much at the heart of the Second Vatican Council.

Dept of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology,

Faculty of Theology,
University of Malta,
Msida MSD 06,
Malta

111. Cft Hennans; LA celebrazione dell' eucaristia, 343.

112. Lumen Gentium, n. 16.
113. Sullivan, Salvation Outside the Church?, 159.
114. eft Luca Brandolini, "Le nuove preghiere eucaristiche (rassegna bibJiografica)", Ephemerides
Ururgicae 83 (1969) 281; Seem, Koinonia. Diakonia and Martyria. 165.
115. Cft Brandolini, "La IV preghiera eucaristica", 603.