Mystagogic roots of christian liturgy

Abstract

Mystagogy and the Mystagogic method used by the Holy Fathers has been studied by theology, catechesis and liturgy, becoming an inspiration and model for christian education, especially in liturgical and sacramental theology. Mystagogy is the art of leading the faithful into the celebrated mystery, revealing it through each rite, gesture and symbol. The celebration itself provides codes and keys to enable the catechumens, neophytes and faithful to discover, little by little, the mystery that is celebrated there. The aim of this paper is to identify the mystagogical characteristics and roots of the christian liturgy by studying the jewish supper liturgy and the experience lived by the Holy Fathers in their catechesis.