Liturgical Changes to the Roman Rite-11

The scope of our presentation unfortunately prevents us from presenting a more complete survey of the names involved in the Liturgical movement; however, before entering the actual reforms of the Second Vatican Council, we would be remiss without pointing out the reforms of Pope Pius XII. By the mid 1940’s the liturgical movement had gained some traction with centers of liturgical study and the work of many individuals reviving popular participation in the liturgy, both in Europe, and the United States.(48) In response to the emerging liturgical situation, Pius the XII issued the encyclical “Mediator Dei” in November of 1947. By that time, there had been a number of approved developments such as the encouragement of the practice of frequent Communion, the Dialogue Mass, effected during the pontificate of Pius X.(49) Mediator Dei was a response to the advances of the liturgical movement, and it discussed the doctrinal, juridical and pastoral aspects of the liturgy, the right relations of official and private prayer.(50) Under the auspices of Pius XII, a number of liturgical reforms took place, among the most salient ones: concessions on the use of the vernacular, reform of the celebration of Easter vigil, the celebration of mass in the evenings, concessions in the Eucharistic fast, and a stressing of the importance of the active participation by all.(51) The sheer number of reforms point to great impulse toward liturgical renewal leading to the Second Vatican Council.

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Notes:

48. Robert Tuzik, Leaders of the Liturgical Movement, p. 273.
49. Edward Long, “The Background to Mediator Dei”, The Furrow Vol. 1, No. 9 (Oct., 1950), p. 450.
50. Ibid., p.457
51. Robert Tuzik, Leaders of the Liturgical Movement, pp. 276-277.