Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium) Victor Clore, STL http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html The teaching on the Liturgy is one of the four cornerstone constitutions of the Council. It is fundamental because it defines and reforms Catholic worship and prayer. Its formal name, Sacrosanctum Concilium, means this most holy council. Since this was the first document the bishops formally approved (on Dec. 4, 1963), the rationale offered in this introduction also serves as an introduction to the entire work of the council. The “theology” is fairly concise – basically paragraphs #1-19. But it is more than a theology of worship; it is a theology of the Church, of Revelation and of the Church’s relationship with the world. It is framed in Salvation History, and based on the Bible, with Christ as the center. This new approach was also being embedded in the other documents, which were still under construction when Sacrosanctum Concilium was approved. The drafting committees were talking with one another as they worked. Catholics in 1960 generally assumed that “the Catholic church never changes.” We believed that the Mass was virtually identical since the days of the Apostles. We did not realize how frequently the liturgy had been reformed over the centuries, not only by the Council of Trent, but by Pope Pius X, and as recently as Pope Pius XII. It was quite new to affirm that the liturgy needs to change continually to meet the needs of each age. This constitution calls for reforms in every aspect of Catholic prayer and worship. The Council intended this reform for the Latin Rite only. Moreover, it is very significant that this gathering of predominantly Roman Rite bishops acknowledge that all the various rites have historical apostolic integrity, “equal in legal force and are to be held in equal honor.” Theoretically this was not a new belief, but the western Catholic Church had not honored it in practice – this was new. The bishops had no idea how long the Vatican Council would last. An international implementation committee was immediately set up, and began to work, even as the council worked on other issues through two more years. Chapter I General Principles for the Renewal and Encouragement of the Sacred Liturgy What is Old? What is New? #7 Since the Council of Trent #7 This section lists several ways, besides the Eucharistic species, that Christ Catholics were focused on the “is present:” 1) in the gathering of the faithful, 2) in proclaiming the Word of “real presence” of Christ under God, 3) in the Eucharistic sacrifice, and 4) in the apostolic work of the church. the species of bread and wine. #10 The liturgy is “the source and summit” of the church’s life. # 13 Private prayer of the #12-13 … but devotions should be “kept under control,” in line with the liturgy, baptized faithful is also true which “is far more important than they are.” worship. Various other devotions are encouraged… #14, 19 This is the first of many places in which it is stated that “all believers are to be led to take a full, active and conscious participation in liturgical #22 Some General Norms celebration.” The entire liturgical reform is built on this mantra (cf #30, 48). for reform of the liturgy reaffirm are quite predictable: #21 The liturgy consists in parts that cannot be changed, and parts that “in the course of time can vary – indeed, which must do so if, by any chance, things 1) Under the authority of the have crept in which might be less appropriate to the innermost character of the pope and the local bishop. liturgy as such, or which might have become less suitable than they once were.” 3) No one “in a war-like spirit #22 Other norms of reform are new, or take a new slant on things: [marte] may add, remove or 2) Liturgical reform can also be undertaken by competent local episcopal change anything in the liturgy groupings (eg, national conferences of bishops (#25), which immediately began on his own.” to undertake revisions appropriate to their own cultural needs). 5) The Liturgies of all rites #23 4) Development is by thorough theological, historical, pastoral study. have always used Scripture; but only a few passages, for #24 5) The importance of scripture is paramount. ritual emphasis rather than #26-27 6) Liturgical events are communal celebration, not private actions. systematic instruction. #29 7)…servers, readers, commentators, choir are “genuine liturgical ministry.” #28 7) All participants or #30-31 8) The congregation is to actively engage in responses, psalmody, ministers in the liturgy are to hymns, actions, movements, bodily expression, & periods of silent prayer. do that, and only that, which is their proper role, but...(#29) #32 9) No special preference to private individuals or social classes. 1

Pastoral #33 … but it also interacts with people. God speaks, Christ brings Good News, people respond. Norms: #34 Rites should be simple, brief, lucid, and understandable without much explanation. #33 #35 More varied and appropriate readings from Scripture, guiding the sermon. All-night vigils of Liturgy is readings before feasts. Commentary on the rites can be given by celebrant or other ministers. worship of the #36 Latin is retained, but local languages can be used “not at all infrequently” in readings, some Divine prayers and singing, because it can be “really helpful among the people.” The translation into the local majesty language should be done by the competent local church authority mentioned above (#22,25). … #37 “The church has no desire to impose a rigid monolithic structure. Rather it cultivates and encourages gifts and endowments of mind and heart possessed by various races and peoples…. #41 The #38 Adaptations to traditions of peoples, while preserving the fundamental unity of the Roman rite. bishop is #40 If a pressing need for a more radical adaption arises, the local church authorities study the the high matter carefully, the Holy See will allow a period of experimentation, always consulting experts. priest of #41 The people, organized under a parish priest acting in the bishop’s place, see their celebrations the as a participation in the cathedral liturgy. Every local parish should grow in a flourishing sense of diocese. community, especially at Sunday Mass. The Eucharist is the Church; the Church is in every Eucharist.

Chapter II The Sacred Mystery of the Eucharist What is Old? What is New? #47 “Our Savior #48 The church makes every effort to prevent people from being outsiders or silent inaugurated the onlookers: having a good understanding of this Mystery, aware of what is happening, Eucharist sacrifice devoutly involved, formed in God’s Word, refreshed at the Lord’s table, offering themselves of his body and as they offer the immaculate victim – they themselves making the offering with the priest, so blood at the last God may be all in all. [This statement is a counterweight to #28, and amplifies #33, above.] supper … in order #50 Therefore the structure of the Mass is to be revised, to preserve what really matters, to make his sacri- eliminate duplication, and restore the ancient patterns. fice of the cross #51 Provide a richer diet of God’s word by a wider selection over a fixed period of years. last throughout time until he #52 The homily, based on the scriptures of the day, is an integral part of every mass. should return; #53 The “Common Prayer” or Prayer of the Faithful is to be restored. entrusting a token #54 Local languages may be employed in the readings and some prayers (see #36); if a to the church, more radical use of the local language is needed [eg, entire Mass in vernacular], see #40. his beloved wife, #55 The people are encouraged to receive communion, after the priest, from the same by which to sacrifice. There may be times in which they may receive under both kinds. remember his death and #56 The two parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, are all one resurrection.” single act of worship; the faithful are strongly encouraged to participate in the entire action. #57 Concelebration may be extended in the Latin rite on occasion.

Chapter III The Other Sacraments and Sacramentals #59 “The purpose of the sacraments is to make people holy, to build up the body of Christ, and to express a relationship of worship to God… they confer grace but also are very powerful in opening people up to receive this same grace fruitfully, so they can express their relationship with God, and enact Divine love.” What is Old? What is New? #60 The church #61 The local language should be employed in the administration of the sacraments and has also set up blessings and use of sacramentals. sacramentals, #64-65 The catechumenate for adults is to be renewed and employed in stages. In mission sacred signs countries, local customs may be incorporated. through which people may #66-70 The rites of adult and infant baptism are to be revised. A new rite shall be set up for absorb the receiving a person into the church who has already been validly baptized. Water for baptism action of the may be blessed during the actual baptism rite. sacraments. #71 Confirmation is to be revised, including the renewal of baptismal promises.

2

#61 There is #72 The rite of penance is to be revised to more clearly express what it does. hardly any #73-75 “Extrema Unctio” (“Final Anointing”) is better called “Anointing of the Sick,” and need reputable use not be reserved for those at the point of death. of material things that #76 The rites for ordinations are to be revised. cannot point #77-78 Marriage rites are to be revised, accommodating for local customs. towards the #79 Sacramentals should be revised so that people can take part and understand them. sanctification of humanity. #80 The rites of religious profession and consecration of virgins are to be reviewed & revised. #81-82 Funeral rituals should be revised to express the paschal character of Christian death, including liturgical color. Funeral rites for children shall be revised.

Chapter IV The Divine Office What is Old? What is New? #83 Christ the high priest carries on his #88, 94 The traditional sequence and times of praying each priestly role through the church, which is hour during the day is to be restored. continually praising the Lord not only by the #89 Morning and Evening prayer (Lauds & Vespers) are the Eucharist, but also in other ways, above all by hinges of the Liturgy of the Hours. singing songs of praise in the divine office, Compline is to be prayed at the end of the day. interceding for the salvation and well-being of the whole world. Matins retains its character of nocturnal prayer in choir; in private, it can be said any time during the day. #84-86 The whole cycle of the day is Prime is suppressed. consecrated. The Liturgy of the Hours is the voice of the bride herself, speaking to her Terce, Sext & None are retained at separate hours in choir; in husband; what is more, it is the prayer of Christ private, choose one of these three as the “daytime prayer.” to the Father, which he makes in union with his #90-91 All those praying the liturgy of the hours should whole body. deepen their study of the Bible, especially the psalms. The #99 Because the Office is the Prayer of the Psalter should be revised, and distributed over a longer time Church, it is ideal for those who live in than one week. community to pray the Hours in choir; those #92 The readings from Scripture and the fathers are to be who pray the Office privately are encouraged to reorganized, and the martyrology is to be restored to historical pray in groups, at least on occasion. credibility. #100 Ideally Vespers is prayed publically in #93 The hymns are to be restored to original form, mythology parish churches for the laity to participate. removed, and other hymns from Christian tradition may be #101 Latin is to be retained, but ordinaries incorporated. can dispense individuals for a grave cause. #101 Nuns and other non-clerics may use the local language.

Chapter V The Liturgical Year What is Old? What is New? #102, 106 The church celebrates the saving #106, 108 Sunday is the fundamental feast day; other actions on fixed days and seasons through- celebrations, unless they are of highest importance, should not out the year, primarily the greatest of festivals, take precedence. Easter; but on all Sundays, the Lord’s Day, we #107 The liturgical year is to be revised, focusing on the commemorate the Lord’s resurrection. The mysteries of Christ’s redemption. church unfolds the whole mystery of Christ #109 The season of Lent is to focus on two things for everyone: over the cycle of the year. baptism and penance. #103 We honor Mary, Mother of God, as a #110 Various forms of Lenten penance may be introduced, but participant in salvation, throughout the year. the Paschal Fast must be kept sacrosanct, on Good Friday, and #104 We commemorate martyrs and other if possible though Holy Saturday. saints as models of holiness through the year. #111 In order to keep the feasts of the saints in proper #110 Lenten Penance should be both for perspective with the mystery of salvation, there will be fewer private inward conversion, and also for public universal feasts, allowing for particular celebrations of saints with and collective penance and preparation. local significance. 3

Chapter VI The Music of Worship People under a certain age cannot appreciate how startling this chapter was when first published. Pope Pius X had called for a reform of sacred music, emphasizing Gregorian chant, but his instruction had not percolated down into the typical parish. Most Catholics experienced Sunday mass as a completely silent devotion with everyone praying silently – or daydreaming, or smoking on the front steps. What is Old? What is New? #112 “The musical tradition of the universal church #113-115, 118 Liturgy takes on a richer character with constitutes a priceless treasure, more so than other ministers of music, choirs, and the people joining in. artistic expressions, especially in the sacral chant Pastors should make every effort to encourage the which is superimposed onto words making a believers to take an active part through song. necessary and integral contribution to solemn liturgy.” #116 Other forms of music are not excluded, provided #115 Music is to be taught in seminaries and they fit in with the spirit of the liturgical event. religious houses. #119 People in some parts of the world have musical #116 Gregorian chant is special to the Roman traditions of their own, with great importance for their liturgy, and should have primacy when all other religious and cultural way of life; these should contribute things are equal. to the development of their sense of religion. #120 The pipe organ has pride of place in the Latin #120 Other instruments may be brought in insofar as church. they are suitable for purposes of worship, and cohere with the dignity of the temple, and they really contribute to #121 Musical composers have often used Mass the building up of believers. texts as their inspiration; but they were often dramatic #121 Musical composers are to be encouraged to opera, which is not in tune with the desire to simplify introduce music that will encourage the whole gathering the liturgy (#34). Pope Pius X had already of believers to take active part. Texts should be inspired established this principle. principally by Scripture and liturgical texts.

Chapter VII The Art and Furnishings of Worship This chapter generated (and still generates) more heat than light, because people are very attached to the visual images relating to their devotions. One person’s favorite statue looks saccharine to another; where the tabernacle “should” be placed is virtually irreconcilable. What is Old? What is New? #122 The fine arts are among the most noble #123 The art of our time, and of every race and part of the expressions of human creativity; by their nature world should be allowed to function freely in the church. they are oriented to the infinite divine beauty. #124 Pastors should encourage noble beauty, but avoid Their purpose is to turn human minds and hearts sumptuousness, including vestments and other furnishings. toward a right relationship with God, praising him, extending his glory. #125 Symbols for veneration are to be maintained, but the number should be kept under control, and they should be #123 The church has always incorporated the arranged in a suitable pattern, so they do not excite artistic styles of every age and culture. sensationalism or pander to a devotion that is not quite right.” #125 Bishops should see that they do not lose #127 Artists and craftspeople should remember they are ownership of sacral furnishings, nor to destroy imitating God the creator, for the spiritual growth of believers, them, for they are the ornaments of God’s house. and for their devotion and religious formation. #128 Norms will be set regarding dignified and #128 Norms should be established to make art and suitable architecture, design of altars; dignified, architecture conform to the renewed liturgy; what is less in well positioned and secure tabernacle; baptistery; keeping should be corrected or abolished and what is suitable and devotional symbols and decorations. should be kept or introduced. There was some discussion (in Europe more than in America) about establishing a universal and stable calendar, with a fixed date of Easter. The bishops agreed to this in principle if everyone agreed; but they did not want to surrender the 7-day week with a Sunday. What is the impact of this document on the Catholic experience today? 4