Category Archives: pre-conciliar documents

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 →