Empirical liturgical research into ecclesiastic celebrations of rites of passage

Abstract

This article looks into what is meant by empirical liturgical research. Five attributes of empirical liturgies are examined: theological, hermeneutic, empirical, normative and strategic. These characteristics are illustrated with reference to young people’s experience of the outdoor celebration of the Eucharist during the World Youth Days in Toronto in July 2002. Next it describes the phases of liturgical research according to the so-called empirical cycle. Here I show how research based on a conceptual framework of rituals as rites of passage can explore ecclesiastic baptism, marriage and funeral ceremonies.