A forum of Catholic Thought

Sacrosanctum Concilium general principles -- sacred art, sacred music, sacred buildings

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
December 22, 2023

The final two chapters of Sacrosanctum Concilium are anything but an afterthought since, in practice, music and architecture are among the most influential factors in Christian worship. The chapter on ...

Sacrosanctum Concilium general principles -- sacraments and sacramentals

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
December 8, 2023

The third chapter of the constitution is devoted to reforms pertaining to the other sacraments and to sacramentals -- those rituals which do not have a sacramental character (e.g., blessings) but are ...

General principles of Sacrosanctum Concilium, especially the Mass

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
December 1, 2023

The second chapter of the constitution turns to the Eucharist in particular. This chapter reaffirms a number of the theological and pastoral principles set out in the first chapter, among them the richer ...

Pastoral principles in the Liturgy Constitution

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
November 24, 2023

Another important principle for reform that was to have enormous pastoral consequences was the desire to enrich the liturgy's use of Scripture, expressed in a general mandate to broaden the use of ...

Principles of the Liturgy Constitution

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
November 17, 2023

We've been reviewing the central principles of Vatican II's Liturgy Constitution (Sacrosanctum Concilium). These principles have included liturgy as the principal manifestation of the church, ...

Vatican II's liturgy constitution turns 60 -- preparing the constitution

Father John F. Baldovin, SJ
November 3, 2023

Dec. 4, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. "Sacrosanctum Concilium" -- documents of the Holy See are usually referred to by their ...