Category Archives: pre-conciliar documents

Let’s wrap up the epilogue, and with it, this notable document in the history of liturgy. First an urging to obedience: 208. Let Us remind all that they must generously and faithfully obey their holy pastors who possess the right … Continue reading →

Pope Pius XII offers six sections as an epilogue. We’ll take it in two posts tomorrow, and this, today. A final word to bishops, who, if you remember, are those to whom this letter is addressed: 205. These, Venerable Brethren, … Continue reading →

Be watchful, the bishops of the Catholic world are advised, against certain trends: 203. But in all these matters, it is essential that you watch vigilantly lest the enemy come into the field of the Lord and sow cockle among … Continue reading →

The bishops are urged to enthusiasm for the task presented to them, to draw the laity into the celebration of the Mass in ever greater numbers. I presume also, with great fruitfulness. Let’s read: 201. Above all, try with your … Continue reading →

Bishops and pastors are advised to be “selective” in the matter of altar boys. But it is not intended as an office for the elite: 200. To attain this purpose, it will greatly help to select carefully good and upright … Continue reading →

Living the liturgical life: let’s join Pope Pius XII in examining this, and what it means for us today. 197. But there is something else of even greater importance, Venerable Brethren, which We commend to your apostolic zeal, in a … Continue reading →

Sacred visual arts were also going through upheaval in the early 20th century. Pope Pius XII doesn’t dismiss modern art outright, even mentioning the possibility of prejudice against the new: 195. What We have said about music, applies to the … Continue reading →

The modern music Pope Pius XII speaks of in MD 193 includes material composed for purposes outside of liturgy: the concert stage, opera, musical theater, and such. It might also have included music composed for non-Catholic worship. 193. It cannot … Continue reading →

Pope Pius XII cites his predecessor in a long quote to suggest that first, lay people should be more active in worship. And I don’t think they mean active in a passive sort of way: 192. Besides, “so that the … Continue reading →

Music adorns churches as well as the visual arts. Not only does Gregorian chant belong to the Church, it also belongs to the faithful: 191. As regards music, let the clear and guiding norms of the Apostolic See be scrupulously … Continue reading →

Pope Pius XII considers art, but the citation of a psalm of lament, and the chasing of moneychangers from the Temple is a curious one. Nevertheless, artists bring true zeal often enough: 189. We desire to commend and urge the … Continue reading →

The bishops are urged to cultivate piety in devotional prayer and develop it: 185. Take care then, Venerable Brethren, that this true and solid piety increases daily and more under your guidance and bears more abundant fruit. Above all, do … Continue reading →

Pope Pius XII lays down some cautions: 181. Any inspiration to follow and practice extraordinary exercises of piety must most certainly come from the Father of Lights, from whom every good and perfect gift descends;[Cf. James 1:17] and, of course, … Continue reading →

On spiritual exercises and retreats: 178. Take special care that as many as possible, not only of the clergy but of the laity and especially those in religious organizations and in the ranks of Catholic Action, take part in monthly … Continue reading →

Frequent confession: a later development in the Church’s liturgical and devotional practice. The question remains, especially for today: is it a permanent tradition? Or will it continue to evolve, and will we somehow gain a richer and more fruitful practice? … Continue reading →