Category Archives: Oratio Universalis

The lettering strikes me as a bit off, but the optional introduction is listed as “A” here. Notice the text here refers to “sets” of intentions, B through E, not single ones. That would seem to suggest that more than … Continue reading →

I’ve seen this outside of the Roman tradition as well, that the deacon or the person in that role “proposes,” as it says here, the intentions. There is an older tradition, but the 1964 instruction on implementation has the modern … Continue reading →

In the 1960s, the role of commentator was assigned at Mass as the reforms began to take root. Explaining the Mass was thought to be an important effort. Some music ministry leaders also endorsed a public presence, an animator, who encouraged … Continue reading →

Section § II’s Parts and Ministers has nine numbered sections. We get legislation on the structure of this liturgical ritual. There are three required parts, and one optional: 6. The prayer of the faithful consists of several parts: the announcement … Continue reading →

One of the shortest sections in the document. Remember, this is a reappearance of a long-lost prayer tradition. In 1966, I could see the importance of the Universal Prayer being appended to all sorts of events. The Church urged whenever … Continue reading →

We’ve covered some basic questions so far: what, how, and why. Let’s consider when the Universal Prayer is prayed: 4. The place proper to the prayer of the faithful is at the end of every celebration of the word of God; … Continue reading →

Even before the first Roman Rite was touched after the Council, this document made a provision for liturgical reform in all the rites, as well as in popular devotions. 3. There is a place for this prayer not simply during … Continue reading →

Chapter I of this document is labelled a “Practical Directory.” What does that mean? A modern liturgist would recognize this as a praenotanda, an instruction of how-to. Since the Consilium declined to write up anything more than sample prayers, it … Continue reading →

Chapter I, titled “Practical Directory,” begins with § 1, Nature and Pastoral Value of the Prayer of the Faithful.” Readers, be aware that this document is something similar to a praenotanda. The GIRM is to the Mass as Oratio Universalis … Continue reading →

While this document was indeed the first fruit of the post-conciliar reform of the liturgy, the groundwork for the restoration of the universal prayer was laid in the Constitution on the Liturgy as well as that first document on “proper … Continue reading →

In early 1965, the Second Vatican Council was still in process when Oratio Universalis (in English, The Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful) was assembled as a provisional text. The council bishops used it in their 1965 session later … Continue reading →