Category Archives: Sacrosanctum Concilium

The typical edition of the books of Gregorian chant is to be completed; and a more critical edition is to be prepared of those books already published since the restoration by St. Pius X. It is desirable also that an … Continue reading →

In dealing with SC, all church musicians must come to terms with the prescription laid down here: The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of … Continue reading →

Let’s train for church music today!  Great importance is to be attached to the teaching and practice of music in seminaries, in the novitiates and houses of study of religious of both sexes, and also in other Catholic institutions and … Continue reading →

There is more than the preservation aspect of church music, according to the council bishops: The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. Choirs must be diligently promoted, especially in cathedral churches; but bishops … Continue reading →

Don’t look now, but active participation has popped up again: Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when the divine offices are celebrated solemnly in song, with the assistance of sacred ministers and the active participation of the people. … Continue reading →

Now we get to (almost) everybody’s favorite topic, sacred music. Chapter VI has ten sections, beginning with praising music above any other art: The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that … Continue reading →

With this post we wrap up Vatican II’s look at the liturgical year. The saints have been traditionally honored in the Church and their authentic relics and images held in veneration. For the feasts of the saints proclaim the wonderful … Continue reading →

More on Lent, including the communal expression of penitential practices: During Lent penance should not be only internal and individual, but also external and social. The practice of penance should be fostered in ways that are possible in our own … Continue reading →

It was Vatican II itself, and not crazed liturgists or catechumenate directors who reminded the Church that Lent isn’t 100% about penance: The season of Lent has a twofold character: primarily by recalling or preparing for baptism and by penance, … Continue reading →

The minds of the faithful must be directed primarily toward the feasts of the Lord whereby the mysteries of salvation are celebrated in the course of the year. Therefore, the proper of the time shall be given the preference which … Continue reading →

More on the liturgical year, making room for preservation, restoration, and when situations warrant, adaptation: The liturgical year is to be revised so that the traditional customs and discipline of the sacred seasons shall be preserved or restored to suit … Continue reading →

This section details the primacy of Sunday for Christians: By a tradition handed down from the apostles which took its origin from the very day of Christ’s resurrection, the Church celebrates the paschal mystery every eighth day; with good reason … Continue reading →

Lent, Advent, Ember Days, festive seasons, etc. are covered: Finally, in the various seasons of the year and according to her traditional discipline, the Church completes the formation of the faithful by means of pious practices for soul and body, … Continue reading →

In addition to the Blessed Mother, other saints are observed in the liturgical year. This is as good a summary as I’ve seen explaining the Catholic regard for martyrs and saints, tying it all in to Christ and his Paschal … Continue reading →

In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, holy Church honors with especial love the Blessed Mary, Mother of God, who is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her the Church holds up … Continue reading →