Sacrosanctum Concilium

Abstract

Abstract Rather than focusing on the disputes that have swirled around the post-conciliar liturgical reforms, this essay seeks instead to approach Vatican II’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, from a perspective that rises above the fray, articulating the Council’s renewed conception of liturgy through a study of three key principles found in the document. These are the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ as the source of the liturgy; the liturgy itself as the means for the communication of Christ’s redemptive work; and the call of the faithful to active participation in the liturgical rites. Attention is then turned to how these principles are brought to bear in the Eucharistic liturgy, in the Liturgy of the Hours, as also in connection with the Liturgical Year.