The Reform of the Liturgy, 1948-1975 (La riforma liturgica)

The authorized English translation of 'La riforma liturgica (1948-1975)', published by Centro Liturgico Vincenziano—Edizioni Liturgiche, Rome, 1983. Part I: THE MAIN STAGES. I. The beginning of the reform. The key to the liturgical reform -- The preparatory commission -- The liturgical constitution at the council -- "Fundamental principles" -- The "constituent assembly" of the Consilium -- The motu propio Sacram Liturgiam -- Organization of the work -- The sacred congregation for divine worship -- II. First accomplishments. March 7, 1965: Shift from Latin to vernacular -- Changes in the missal -- Concelebration -- III. Two areas of activity. Meetings -- Observers at the Consilium -- Letters to the Presidents of the Episcopal conferences -- Conferences -- Translations -- Notitiae -- IV. Trials and tribulations of the reform. Experiments -- Adaptation -- Opposition -- Part II: SECTIONS COMMON TO THE NEW LITURGICAL BOOKS. The calendar -- The litany of the saints -- Commons -- Part III: THE MISSAL. The order of mass -- The new Roman missal -- The lectionary of the Roman missal -- Masses with special groups -- The directory for masses with children -- The Eucharistic prayers -- Part IV: THE LITURGY OF THE HOURS. The general structure of the liturgy of the hours -- Composition of the liturgy of the hours -- Religious and the liturgy of the hours -- Diocesan and religious propers -- Part V. THE SACRAMENTS. The Roman ritual -- Christian initiation of adults -- Infant baptism -- Confirmation -- Holy Communion -- Reconciliation -- Rites for the sick -- Marriage -- Holy orders -- Part VI. BLESSINGS. Ministries -- The laity and the liturgy -- Religious profession -- Funerals -- Blessings of the ritual and the Pontifical -- Blessing of an abbot and an abbess -- Consecration of virgins -- Dedication of a church and an altar -- Blessing of the oils -- Part VII. SIMPLIFICATION OF PONTIFICAL RITES. Papal chapel -- Episcopal ceremonial -- Part VIII. SPECIAL DOCUMENTS. Instructions on the carrying out of the liturgical constitution -- Instruction on worship of the Eucharistic mystery -- Liturgies and seminaries -- Veneration of Mary -- Part IX. SACRED MUSIC AND LITURGY. Song and liturgy -- The instruction on sacred music -- Part X. VARIA. The liturgical reform at special events -- Conclusion: "We tried to serve the church" -- Appendix: Members and consultors of the organizations for liturgical reform From his several vantage points as secretary of the preparatory commission on the liturgy (1960 1962), peritus of the Second Vatican Council and its commission on the liturgy, secretary of the Consilium for the Implementation of Constitution on the Liturgy (1964 1969), and secretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Archbishop Annibale Bugnini is in a unique position to tell the complete story of the reform of the Roman liturgy. His careful account of the development of the rites illuminates the meanings and purposes behind the reforms, as well as the compromises that were made for the sake of reform. Fascinating from a purely historical standpoint, The Reform of the Liturgy has a deeper value as an adjunct to catechesis. Although an eminently scholarly work, it deserves the attention of a wider audience. Anyone having anything to do with teaching or preparing the liturgy will benefit greatly from this prodigious work.