Pope Benedict XVI discusses the intrinsic relationship between beauty and the Holy Mass in his apostolic exhortation, "Sacramentum caritatis" (Sacrament of Love), referring to the Eucharist.

Given his powerful mind, the Pope gives a richly analytical as well as a cleverly synthesized treatment of the subject. It's fascinating to see him weave with quiet ease and skill the data coming from Scripture, tradition and magisterium to make an irresistible presentation.

For sure, the Pope does not discuss this to show off his intellectual prowess. Gaping problems worldwide have to be tackled, even patent irregularities in the celebration of the Mass cry to be corrected. The Pope is out to confront all this, hopefully with the help of everyone.

Unregulated and illicit experimentations in the celebration of the Mass are taking place, done in the name of all sorts of guises and excuses: inculturation, giving local flavor to the rites, etc. In the end, what's clear is an individualistic mind behind all these.

These may be true in more developed if complicated countries. What are more locally happening are, for example, that the churches are not clean, the sacred vessels and vestments not in good condition, even the tabernacles are not regularly cleaned - all more in the area of laxity and laziness.

Security even for the Blessed Sacrament is not properly taken care of. Many people also complain about how some priests say Mass - that priests don't look good, are lousily vested, or that they give the impression they are just going through some robotic routine, bereft of life.

The homilies are not well prepared, and often stray from what people think is proper for the Mass. They find them shallow and dry, lacking in theological depth and pastoral forcefulness.

A lot of announcements and even scolding are made through the homilies. If not these, then they resort to clowning and cheap play-acting.

We can go on and on. That's why a continuing catechesis for everyone, clergy and laity, about what would constitute as proper and beautiful for the Mass is a must.

The Pope tells us beauty in the Mass is how we convert our belief in the sacrament into effective worship. Beauty is not merely a kind of aestheticism, but "the concrete way in which the truth of God's love in Christ encounters us, attracts us and delights us," leading us to love God and others.

Beauty in this case is more a sublime experience of exquisite communion with God, with his mind and will, that enables us to understand and be willing to go through all sorts of sacrifices. They are beauty's necessary price.

It's a beauty that certainly has material dimensions, but it resides more in the spiritual. It is not to be considered merely as a decoration but an essential element of the Mass, since it is an attribute of God himself and his revelation.

For the Pope, this beauty in the Mass in translated into action by the care we put in celebrating and in attending the Mass. With this effort, he is convinced the innate glow of the Mass simply radiates.

Obviously there are both external and internal elements involved here. Everyone should try his best to have the proper understanding of the sacrament and dispositions, to fulfill the requirements and to meet the standards.

All the external things have to be studied properly to insure their effectiveness in conveying the beauty of the Mass. These include Church architecture, paintings and sculpture, altar and reredo, songs, etc.

The celebration should strictly follow the rubrics to insure a smooth flow and clear interrelation among the different parts and to highlight their unity.

The consecration should be the summit of the Mass, while the reception and distribution of communion should be done in such a way that it shows it is a personal direct and intimate encounter one has with Christ.

Everyone should be constantly reminded about the meaning of each part of the Mass and prodded to develop the appropriate attitudes and dispositions.

In this way, we can hope that the Mass is truly a glimpse of heaven on earth. This is its beauty.

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Fr. Roy Cimagala is the Chaplain of Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE) in Talamban, Cebu City. You can email him at:Email: roycimagala@boholchronicle.com