The word “tradition” originates from the Latin tradere, meaning “to hand over” or “to deliver.” It evokes the image of passing on something precious — knowledge, culture, and faith — from one generation to the next. Tradition is a collection of customs or rituals. But it is also a profound act of communion that binds us to the past, roots us in the present, and prepares us for the future.
Tradition reminds us that the world we inhabit was not built in isolation. It was crafted by countless hands and minds, many of whom we will never know. The homes we live in, the roads we walk, and the prayers we say are gifts we’ve received from others — evidence of their lives, hopes, and wisdom. This heritage is not ours to hoard or disregard; it is a shared responsibility.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological, disciplinary, liturgical, or devotional traditions, born in the local churches over time. These are the particular forms, adapted to different places and times, in which the great Tradition is expressed” (CCC 83).
This underscores tradition’s dynamic nature: while its core truths remain unchanging, its expressions adapt to meet the needs of every age.
Fostering a shared life
More than continuity, tradition fosters conviviality — a shared life that transcends the boundaries of the living and the dead. When we engage with tradition, we participate in a dialogue with those who came before us and those who will follow. We experience this vividly in the Eucharist, where the faithful across time and space are united in Christ. Similarly, cultural and familial traditions remind us that our lives are not isolated but are part of a much larger story.
This perspective reshapes how we understand community. In an age dominated by individualism, tradition draws our focus outward, grounding us in a shared history and collective responsibility. It invites us to care for what we’ve been given—not as museum keepers preserving relics, but as stewards who nurture and enhance these gifts for future generations. G.K. Chesterton captured this well, describing tradition as “the democracy of the dead,” a way of giving a voice to our ancestors in shaping the present.
Preserving tradition doesn’t mean resisting change. It means transforming what we’ve inherited with care and integrity, ensuring its values endure while addressing contemporary realities. In this sense, tradition is both a gift and a task. It demands humility to recognize that we are part of something greater than ourselves and courage to discern when transformation is necessary.
Tradition is a living chain that connects us to those who came before us, to one another, to those who will come after us and, ultimately, to God. It reminds us that we belong to a community far larger than ourselves — one that spans generations and points toward eternity. By embracing, preserving, and enriching what we’ve received, we affirm that the world is not ours alone; it is a gift meant to be shared and handed on.
And today we celebrate...