Ad Limina Visit of the Episcopal Conference of El Salvador
On 10 September 2026, the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of El Salvador were received at the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on the occasion of their “ad limina Apostolorum” visit.
During the meeting, various aspects of the liturgical and pastoral life of the Church in El Salvador were discussed. Among the topics addressed was Sunday celebration in the absence of a priest, a reality requiring particular attention so that communities may live the Lord’s Day while preserving a sense of ecclesial communion and the liturgical assembly.
The Bishops also highlighted the growing number of adults requesting Baptism, emphasizing the need to provide appropriate accompaniment throughout their preparation for Christian life. Attention was also drawn to the importance of deeper formation in understanding and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in order to foster a renewed awareness of the gift of God’s mercy.
Particular attention was given to funeral rites, which were recognized as a particularly appropriate pastoral occasion for the proclamation of the kerygma and for bearing witness to Christian hope in the resurrection. The richness of popular devotion and piety was also emphasized, finding a particularly solemn expression during Holy Week, which is lived by the people with an authentic spirit of faith and sacrifice.
The dialogue also addressed the growing phenomenon of tourism, which has a significant impact on the country and presents new pastoral challenges. The Bishops emphasized the need to provide an appropriate pastoral and liturgical response in this area as well, capable of accompanying people who are travelling and fostering an authentic encounter with the faith and life of Christian communities.
The Dicastery also discussed with the Bishops several matters concerning the translation of the liturgical books and the liturgical calendar, providing guidance regarding the respective translation processes and the procedures to be followed.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to liturgical space, particularly to the relationship between the altar and the tabernacle. The discussion provided an opportunity to further explore the distinction between the altar, the place of the celebration of the Sacrifice and the centre of the liturgical action, and the tabernacle, the place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and adored, while considering their proper relationship within the sacred space.
Finally, the Bishops raised several questions concerning inculturation and, in particular, liturgical music. They expressed their desire to deepen their understanding of the criteria for an authentic appreciation of local culture within the celebration. In this context, the need was emphasized for liturgical music not to focus predominantly on an individual and affective dimension, but rather to express the faith of the Church and lead the assembly towards the mystery being celebrated.