Category Archives: Sacrosanctum Concilium

This question is far less in vogue among world organizers these days, but it was a significant step in 1963: The Second Ecumenical Sacred Council of the Vatican, recognizing the importance of the wishes expressed by many concerning the assignment … Continue reading →

It is fitting that the use of pontificals be reserved to those ecclesiastical persons who have episcopal rank or some particular jurisdiction. Okay. Liam may be able to provide some background of substance on this one. This small section also … Continue reading →

It’s been a tough enough road to get music education into seminaries. How many have a single course in sacred art history? During their philosophical and theological studies, clerics are to be taught about the history and development of sacred … Continue reading →

And we get to the issue of reform: Along with the revision of the liturgical books, as laid down in Art. 25, there is to be an early revision of the canons and ecclesiastical statutes which govern the provision of … Continue reading →

There is a certain parallel with music, namely a “special” relationship with artists, and the cultivation of the “spirit” of art and of liturgy. Bishops should have a special concern for artists, so as to imbue them with the spirit … Continue reading →

Bishops are to consult experts in art, so Vatican II says: When passing judgment on works of art, local ordinaries shall give a hearing to the diocesan commission on sacred art and, if needed, also to others who are especially … Continue reading →

This is a bit that has gotten some accused of iconoclasm: The practice of placing sacred images in churches so that they may be venerated by the faithful is to be maintained. Nevertheless their number should be moderate and their … Continue reading →

Ordinaries, by the encouragement and favor they show to art which is truly sacred, should strive after noble beauty rather than mere sumptuous display. This principle is to apply also in the matter of sacred vestments and ornaments. Nobility versus … Continue reading →

There is no equivalent of Gregorian chant in the realm of art: The Church has not adopted any particular style of art as her very own; she has admitted styles from every period according to the natural talents and circumstances … Continue reading →

As we head into the stretch run of Sacrosanctum Concilium, let’s start the seventh chapter “SACRED ART AND SACRED FURNISHINGS” Very rightly the fine arts are considered to rank among the noblest activities of (human) genius, and this applies especially … Continue reading →

Finishing up Vatican II’s ten-section look at sacred music, we turn to one of the most maligned groups, composers: Composers, filled with the Christian spirit, should feel that their vocation is to cultivate sacred music and increase its store of … Continue reading →

In the Latin Church the pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds a wonderful splendor to the Church’s ceremonies and powerfully lifts up (the human) mind to God and to higher … Continue reading →

Look out: another wiggle-room section: In certain parts of the world, especially mission lands, there are peoples who have their own musical traditions, and these play a great part in their religious and social life. For this reason due importance … Continue reading →

More vocal, external, active participation, it seems to me:  Religious singing by the people is to be intelligently fostered so that in devotions and sacred exercises, as also during liturgical services, the voices of the faithful may ring out according … Continue reading →