MAKNA DAN IMPLEMENTASI KEHENINGAN DALAM PERAYAAN EKARISTI MENURUT PUMR DI PAROKI SANTA MARIA DARI GUNUNG KARMEL TIGALINGGA

Abstract

This study aims to describe the congregation's understanding of the meaning of silence in the Eucharistic Celebration, identify the implementation of silence according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), and examine the forms of the faithful's interior participation in experiencing silence as an integral part of the liturgy. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The research informants consisted of a parish priest, liturgical ministers, and parishioners of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish Tigalingga, who were selected using the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the faithful understand silence as a means of self-reflection, awareness of God's presence, meditation and assimilation of the Word of God, and praise to God through prayer and interior participation. The implementation of silence has been carried out in various parts of the Eucharistic Celebration in accordance with the provisions of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Although some situational disturbances were encountered, the faithful continued to experience silence as an essential element of liturgical participation. Their interior participation was manifested through self-reflection, meditation on the Word of God, contemplation of the Eucharistic mystery, and prayers of thanksgiving after receiving Holy Communion. Therefore, silence plays an important role in fostering the active, conscious, and full participation of the faithful in the Eucharistic Celebration.