Liturgicae Instaurationes
Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship
Instruction on the orderly carrying out of the Constitution on
the Liturgy, September 5, 1970
The liturgical reforms put into effect thus far as applications of
Vatican Council II's Constitution on the Liturgy have to do primarily
with the celebration of the mystery of the Eucharist. "For the
Eucharist contains the Church's entire spiritual wealth, that is,
Christ Himself. He is our Passion and living bread; through His flesh,
made living and life-giving by the Holy Spirit, He is bringing life to
people and thereby inviting them to offer themselves together with Him,
as well as their labors and all created things."[1] The repeated
celebration of the sacrifice of the Mass in our worshipping communities
stands as evidence that the Mass is the center of the Church's entire
life, the focal point of all other activities, and that the purpose of
the ritual renewal is to inspire a pastoral ministry that has the
liturgy as its crown and source and that is a living-out of the paschal
mystery of Christ.[2]
The work of reform, accomplished step by step over the past six years,
has served as a passage from the earlier to a new liturgy, presented,
since publication of the Roman Missal with its Order of Mass and
General Instruction, in such a clearer and fuller form that it truly
opens a new path for pastoral-liturgical life, permitting great
achievements. In addition, the recently published Mass Lectionary
together with the wealth of prayer forms contained in the Roman Missal
provide a wide range of options for celebrations of the eucharist.
The many options regarding texts and the flexibility of the rubrics are
a great advantage to a living, pointed, and spiritually beneficial
celebration, that is, one adapted to local conditions and to the
character and culture of the faithful. There is, then, no need for
purely personal improvisations, which can only trivialize the liturgy.
Measured transition to new and fresh forms of worship, conducted with
both the overall work of renewal and the wide range of local conditions
as its criteria, has been welcomed by the majority of clergy and
faithful.[3] Still, there have been here and there both resistance and
impatience. In the cause of holding on to the old tradition, some have
received the changes grudgingly. Alleging pastoral needs, others became
convinced that they could not wait for promulgation of the definitive
reforms. In consequence, they have resorted to personal innovations, to
hasty, often ill-advised measures, to new creations and additions or to
the simplification of rites. All of this has frequently conflicted with
the most basic liturgical norms and upset the consciences of the
faithful. The innovators have thus obstructed the cause of genuine
liturgical renewal or made it more difficult.
The result is that many bishops, priests, and laity have asked the
Apostolic See to bring its authority to bear on the preservation and
growth in the liturgy of the effective union of spirit that is to be
expected as the right and the characteristic of the family of
Christians gathered in God's presence.
What seemed untimely during the process of the Consilium's assiduous
work on the reform has now become possible in view of all that has now
been solidly and clearly established.
The first appeal must be made to the authority of the individual
bishops; the Holy Spirit has chosen them to rule the Church of God [4]
and they are "the chief stewards of the mysteries of God, and the
overseers, promoters, and guardians of all liturgical life in the
particular Churches entrusted to their care."[5] They have the duty of
governing, guiding, encouraging, or sometimes reproving, of lighting
the way for the carrying out of true reform, and also of taking
counsel, so that the whole Body of the Church may be able to move ahead
single-mindedly and with the unity of charity in the diocese, the
nation, and the entire world. Such efforts of the bishops are the more
necessary and urgent because the link between liturgy and faith is so
close that service to the one redounds to the other.
With the cooperation of their liturgical commissions, bishops should
have complete information on the religious and social condition of the
faithful in their care, of their spiritual needs, and of the ways most
likely to help them; bishops should also use all the options the new
rites provide. They will then be able to evaluate what favors or
hampers true reform and with care and discernment to suggest and
control courses of action in such a way that, all genuine needs being
given their due, the entire undertaking will nevertheless evolve in
accord with the norms set by the new liturgical laws.
The bishops' mastery of the knowledge needed greatly assists priests in
the ministry they exercise in due hierarchic communion [6] and
facilitates that obedience required as a fuller sign of worship and for
the sanctification of souls.
With a view to making the bishop's function more effective for an exact
application of liturgical norms, especially those of the General
Instruction of the Roman Missal, as well as for the sake of restoring
discipline and order in the celebration of the eucharist, center of the
Church's life, "a sign of unity and a bond of charity", [7] it seems
worthwhile to review the following principles and suggestions.
1. The new norms have made liturgical formularies, gestures, and
actions much simpler, in keeping with that principle established in the
Constitution on the Liturgy: "The rites should be marked by a noble
simplicity; they should be short, clear, and unencumbered by useless
repetitions; they should be within the people's powers of comprehension
and as a rule not require much explanation." [8] No one should go
beyond these defined limits; to do so would be to strip the liturgy of
its sacred symbolism and proper beauty, so needed for the fulfillment
of the mystery of salvation in the Christian community and, with the
help of an effective catechesis, for its comprehension under the veil
of things that are seen.
The liturgical reform bears absolutely no relation to what is called
"desacralization" and in no way intends to lend support to the
phenomenon of "secularizing the world". Accordingly the rites must
retain their dignity, spirit of reverence, and sacred character.
The effectiveness of liturgy does not lie in experimenting with rites
and altering them over and over, nor in a continuous reductionism, but
solely in entering more deeply into the word of God and the mystery
being celebrated. It is the presence of these two that authenticates
the Church's rites, not what some priest decides, indulging his own
preferences.
Keep in mind, then, that the private recasting of ritual introduced by
an individual priest insults the dignity of the believer and lays the
way open to individual and idiosyncratic forms in celebrations that are
in fact the property of the whole Church.
The ministry of the priest is the ministry of the universal Church: its
exercise is impossible without obedience, hierarchic communion, ant the
will to serve Got and neighbor. The hierarchic character and
sacramental power of the liturgy as well as the respectful service owed
to the believing community demand that the priest fulfill his role in
worship as the "faithful servant ant steward of the mysteries of God".
[9] Without imposing any rite not decreed and sanctioned by the
liturgical books.
2. Of all the texts read in the liturgical assembly the books of sacred
Scripture possess the primacy of a unique dignity: in them God is
speaking to His people; Christ, in his own word, continues to proclaim
his Gospel. [10] Therefore:
a. The liturgy of the word demands cultivation with the utmost
attention. In no case is it allowed to substitute readings from other
sacred or profane authors, ancient or modern. The homily has as its
purpose to explain to the faithful the word of God just proclaimed ant
to adapt it to the mentality of the times. The priest, therefore, is
the homilist; the congregation is to refrain from comments, attempts at
dialogue, or anything similar. To have only a single reading is never
allowed.
b. The liturgy of the word prepares and leads up to the liturgy of the
eucharist, forming with it the one act of worship [11] To separate the
two, therefore, or to celebrate them at different times or places is
not permitted. As for integrating some liturgical service or part of
the divine office before Mass with the liturgy of the word, the
guidelines are the norms laid down in the liturgical books for the case
in question.
3. The liturgical texts themselves, composed by the Church, are to be
treated with the highest respect. No one, then, may take it on himself
to make changes, substitutions, deletions, or additions. [12]
a. There is special reason to keep the Order of Mass intact. Under no
consideration, not even the pretext of singing the Mass, may the
official translations of its formularies be altered. There are, of
course, optional forms, noted in the context of the various rites, for
certain parts of the Mass: the penitential rite, the eucharistic
prayers, acclamations, final blessing.
b. Sources for the entrance and communion antiphons are: the Graduale
romanum, The Simple Gradual, the Roman Missal, and the compilations
approved by the conferences of bishops. In choosing chants for Mass,
the conferences should take into account not only suitability to the
times and differing circumstances of the liturgical services, but also
the needs of the faithful using them.
c. Congregational singing is to be fostered by every means possible,
even by use of new types of music suited to the culture of the people
and to the contemporary spirit. The conferences of bishops should
authorize a list of songs that are to be used in Masses with special
groups, for example, with youth or children, and that in text, melody,
rhythm, and instrumentation are suited to the dignity and holiness of
the place and of divine worship.
The Church does not bar any style of sacred music from the liturgy
[13]. Still, not every style or the sound of every song or instrument
deserves equal status as an aid to prayer and an expression of the
mystery of Christ. All musical elements have as their one purpose the
celebration of divine worship. They must, then, possess sacredness and
soundness of form[14], fit in with the spirit of the liturgical service
and the nature of its particular parts; they must not be a hindrance to
an intense participation of the assembly [15] but must direct the
mind's attention and the heart's sentiments toward the rites.
More specific determinations belong to the conferences of bishops or
where there are no general norms as yet, to the bishop within his
diocese [16]. Every attention is to be given to the choice of musical
instruments; limited in number and suited to the region and to
community culture, they should prompt devotion and not be too loud.
d. Broad options are given for the choice of prayers. Especially on
weekdays in Ordinary Time the sources are any one of the Mass prayers
from the thirty-four weeks of Ordinary Time or the prayers from the
Masses for Various Occasions [17] or from the votive Masses.
For translations of the prayers the conferences of bishops are
empowered to use the special norms in no. 34 of the Instruction on
translations of liturgical texts for celebrations with a congregation,
issued by the Consilium, January 25, 1969 [18].
e. As for readings, besides those assigned for every Sunday, feast, and
weekday, there are many others for use in celebrating the sacraments or
for other special occasions. In Masses for special groups the option is
granted to choose texts best suited to the particular celebration, as
long as they come from an authorized lectionary [19].
f. The priest may say a very few words to the congregation at the
beginning of the Mass and before the readings, the preface, and the
dismissal [20], but should give no instruction during the eucharistic
prayer. Whatever he says should be brief and to the point, thought out
ahead of time. Any other instructions that might be needed should be
the responsibility of the "moderator" of the assembly, who is to avoid
going on and on and say only what is strictly necessary.
g. The general intercessions in addition to the intentions for the
Church, the world, and those in need may properly include one pertinent
to the local community. That will forestall adding intentions to
Eucharistic Prayer I (Roman Canon) in the commemorations of the living
and the dead. Intentions for the general intercessions are to be
prepared and written out beforehand and in a form consistent with the
genre of the prayer[21]. The reading of the intentions may be assigned
to one or more of those present at the liturgy.
Used intelligently, these faculties afford such broad options that
there is no reason for resorting to individualistic creations
Accordingly priests are instructed to prepare their celebrations with
their mind on the actual circumstances and the spiritual needs of the
people and with faithful adherence to the limits set by the General
Instruction of the Roman Missal.
4. The eucharistic prayer more than any other part of the Mass is, by
reason of his office, the prayer of the priest alone [22]. Recitation
of any part by a lesser minister the assembly, or any individual is
forbidden. Such a course conflicts with the hierarchic character of the
liturgy in which all are to do all but only those parts belonging to
them [23]. The priest alone, therefore, is to recite the entire
eucharistic prayer.
5. The bread for eucharistic celebration is bread of wheat and, in
keeping with the age-old custom of the Latin Church, unleavened [24].
Its authenticity as sign requires that the bread have the appearance of
genuine food to be broken and shared in together. At the same time the
bread -- whether the small host for communion of the faithful or the
larger hosts to be broken into parts -- is always to be made in the
traditional shape, in keeping with the norm of the General Instruction
of the Roman Missal.[25]
The need for greater authenticity relates to color, taste, and
thickness rather than to shape. Out of reverence for the sacrament the
eucharistic bread should be baked with great care, so that the breaking
can be dignified and the eating not offensive to the sensibilities of
the people. Bread that tastes of uncooked flour or that becomes quickly
so hard as to be inedible is not to be used. As befits the sacrament,
the breaking of the consecrated bread, the taking of the consecrated
bread and wine in communion, and the consuming of leftover hosts after
communion should be done with reverence [26].
6. In its sacramental sign value communion under both kinds expresses a
more complete sharing by the faithful [27]. Its concession has as
limits the determinations of the General Instruction of the Roman
Missal (no. 242) and the norm of the Instruction of the Congregation
for Divine Worship, Sacramentali Communione, on the extension of the
faculty for administering communion under both kinds, June 29, 1970. b
a. Ordinaries are not to grant blanket permission but, within the
limits set by the conference of bishops, are to specify the instances
and celebrations for this form of communion. To be excluded are
occasions when the number of communicants is great. The permission
should be for specific, structured, and homogeneous assemblies.
b. A thorough catechesis is to precede admittance to communion under
both kinds so that the people will fully perceive its significance.
c. Priests, deacons, or acolytes who have received institution should
be present to offer communion from the chalice. If there are none of
these present, the rite is to be carried out by the celebrant as it is
set out in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal no. 245.c
c. The method of having the communicants pass the chalice from one to
another or having them go directly to the chalice to receive the
precious blood does not seem advisable. Instead of this, communion
should be by intinction.
d. The first minister of communion is the priest celebrant, next
deacons, then acolytes, in particular cases to be determined by the
competent authority. The Holy See has the power to permit the
appointment of other known and worthy persons as ministers, if they
have received a mandate. Those lacking this mandate cannot distribute
communion or carry the vessels containing the blessed sacrament.
The manner of distributing communion is to conform to the directives of
the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (nos. 244-252)d and of the
June 29, 1970 Instruction of this Congregation. Should there be any
concession of a manner of distribution differing from the usual, the
conditions the Apostolic See lays down are to be observed.
e. Wherever, for want of priests, other persons -- for example,
catechists in mission areas -- receive from the bishop, with the
concurrence of the Apostolic See, the right to celebrate the liturgy of
the word and distribute communion, they are to refrain absolutely from
reciting the eucharistic prayer. Should it seem desirable to read the
institution narrative, they should make it a reading in the liturgy of
the word. In the kind of assemblies in question, then, the recitation
of the Lord's Prayer and the distribution of holy communion with the
prescribed rite immediately follow the liturgy of the word.
f. Whatever the manner of distributing, great care is to be taken for
its dignified, devout, and decorous administration and for forestalling
any danger of irreverence. There is to be due regard for the character
of the liturgical assembly and for the age, circumstances, and degree
of preparation of the recipients [28].
7. In conformity with norms traditional in the Church, women (single,
married, religious), whether in churches, homes, convents, schools, or
institutions for women, are barred from serving the priest at the altar.
According to the norms established for these matters, however, women
are allowed to:
a. proclaim the readings, except the gospel. They are to make sure
that, with the help of modern sound equipment, they can be comfortably
heard by all. The conferences of bishops are to give specific
directions on the place best suited for women to read the word of God
in the liturgical assembly.
b. announce the intentions in the general intercessions;
c. lead the liturgical assembly in singing and play the organ or other
instruments;
d. read the commentary assisting the people toward a better
understanding of the rite;
e. attend to other functions, customarily filled by women in other
settings, as a service to the congregation, for example, ushering,
organizing processions, taking up the collection [29].
8. Sacred vessels, vestments, and furnishings are to be treated with
proper respect and care. The greater latitude granted with regard to
their material and design is intended to give the various peoples and
artisans opportunity to devote the full power of their talents to
sacred worship.
But the following points must be kept in mind.
a. Objects having a place in worship must always be "of high quality,
durable, and well suited to sacred uses" [30]. Anything that is trivial
or commonplace must not be used.
b. Before use, chalices and patens are to be consecrated by the bishop,
who will decide whether they are fit for their intended function.
c. "The vestment common to ministers of every rank is the alb" [31].
The abuse is here repudiated of celebrating or even concelebrating Mass
with stole only over the monastic cowl or over ordinary clerical garb,
to say nothing of street clothes. Equally forbidden is the wearing of
the stole alone over street clothes when carrying out other ritual
acts, for example, the laying on of hands at ordinations, administering
other sacraments, giving blessings.
d. It is up to the conferences of bishops to decide whether it is
advisable to choose materials other than the traditional for the sacred
furnishings. They are to inform the Apostolic See about their
decisions.[32]
As to the design of vestments, the conferences of bishops have the
power to decide on and to propose to the Holy See adaptations
consistent with the needs and customs of the respective regions.[33]
9. The Eucharist is celebrated as a rule in a place of worship.[34]
Apart from cases of real need, as adjudged by the Ordinary for his
jurisdiction, celebration outside a church is not permitted. When the
Ordinary does allow this, there must be care that a worthy place is
chosen and that the Mass is celebrated on a suitable table. If at all
possible, the celebration should not take place in a dining room or on
a dining-room table.
10. In applying the reform of the liturgy, bishops should have special
concern about the fixed and worthy arrangement of the place of worship,
especially the sanctuary, in conformity with the norms set forth in the
General Instruction of the Roman Missal [35] and the Instruction
Eucharisticum mysterium. [36]
Arrangements begun in recent years as temporary have tended in the
meantime to take en a permanent form. Even some repudiated by the
Consilium continue, though in fact they are in conflict with the sense
of the liturgy, aesthetic grace, and the smoothness and dignity of
liturgical celebration. [37]
Through the collaboration of diocesan commissions on liturgy and on
sacred art and, if necessary, through consultation with experts or even
with civil authorities, there should be a complete review of the
blueprints for new constructions and of the existing adaptations. The
aim is to ensure a fixed arrangement in all churches that will preserve
ancient monuments where necessary and to the fullest extent possible
meet new needs.
11. An understanding of the reformed liturgy still demands an intense
effort for accurate translations and editions of the revised liturgical
books. These must be translated in their entirety and other, particular
liturgical books in use must be suppressed.
Should any conference of bishops judge it necessary and timely to add
further formularies or to make particular adaptations, these are to be
incorporated after the approval of the Holy See and by means of a
distinctive typeface are to be clearly set off as separate from the
original Latin text.
In this matter it is advisable to proceed without haste, enlisting the
help not only of theologians and liturgists, but of people of learning
and letters. Then the translations will be documents of tested beauty;
their grace, balance, elegance, and richness of style and language will
endow them with the promise of lasting use; they will match the
requirements of the inner richness of their content. [38]
The preparation of vernacular liturgical books is to follow the
traditional norms for publishing texts: translators or authors are to
remain anonymous; liturgical books are for the service of the Christian
community and editing and publication is by mandate and authority of
the hierarchy, which under no consideration is answerable to outsiders.
That would be offensive to the freedom of church authority and the
dignity of liturgy.
12. Any liturgical experimentation that may seem necessary or
advantageous receives authorization from this Congregation alone, in
writing, with norms clearly set out, and subject to the responsibility
of the competent local authority
All earlier permissions for experimentation with the Mass, granted in
view of the liturgical reform as it was in progress, are to be
considered as no longer in effect. Since publication of the Missale
Romanum the norms and forms of eucharistic celebration are those given
in the General Instruction and the Order of Mass.
The conferences of bishops are to draw up in detail any adaptations
envisioned in the liturgical books and submit them for confirmation to
the Holy See.
Should further adaptations become necessary, in keeping with the norm
of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium art. 40,f the conference of
bishops is to examine the issue thoroughly, attentive to the character
and traditions of each people and to specific pastoral needs. When some
form of experimentation seems advisable, there is to be a precise
delineation of its limits and a testing within qualified groups by
prudent and specially appointed persons.
Experimentation should not take place in large-scale celebrations nor
be widely publicized. Experiments should be few and not last beyond a
year. A report then is to be sent to the Holy See. While a reply is
pending, use of the petitioned adaptation is forbidden. When changes in
the structure of rites or in the order of parts as set forth in the
liturgical books are involved, or any departure from the usual, or the
introduction of new texts, a point-by-point outline is to be submitted
to the Holy See prior to the beginning of any kind of experiment.
Such a procedure is called for and demanded by both the Constitution
Sacrosanctum Concilium [39] and the importance of the issue.
13. In conclusion: it must be remembered that the liturgical reform
decided on by the Council affects the universal Church. It thus
requires in pastoral meetings a study of its meaning and practice for
the Christian education of the people to the end that the liturgy may
become vital, touch the soul, and meet its needs.
The contemporary reform aims at making available liturgical prayer that
has its origin in a living and honored tradition. Once available this
prayer must appear clearly as the work of the entire people of God in
all their orders and ministries.[40] The effectiveness and authenticity
of this reform has as its sole guarantee the unity of the whole
ecclesial organism.
Prompted by a ready obedience to church laws and precepts and by a
spirit of faith, and putting aside purely personal preferences or
idiosyncrasies, pastors especially should be ministers of the community
liturgy through personal example, study, and an intelligent, persistent
catechesis. They will thus prepare for that flowering spring expected
from this liturgical reform, which looks to the needs of the age and
which repudiates the secular and arbitrary as lethal to itself.
Pope Paul VI has approved this Instruction, prepared at his mandate by
the Congregation for Divine Worship, and confirmed it with his
authority on September 3, 1970, ordering its publication and its
observance by all concerned.
Endnotes
1 PO no 5 [DOL 18 no. 260].
2 See SCR. Instr. Inter Oec, Sept 20, 1904 nos 5-6 [DOL 23 nos.
297-298].
3 See Paul VI, Addr. to a general audience, Aug. 21, 1969 [DOL
40].
4 See Acts 20:28.
5 CD no. 15 [DOL 7 no. 494]; see SC art. 22 [DOL 1 no. 22].
6 See PO no. 15: AAS 58 (1966) 11014-15; Const Decr Decl 660.
7 SC art. 47 [DOL no. 47].
8 SC art. 34 [DOL 1 no. 34].
9 See 1 Cor 4:1.
10 See SC art 7 and 33 [DOL 1 nos 7 and 33].
11 See SC art. 56 [DOL 1 no. 56].
12 See SC art 22. # 3 [DOL 1 no. 22].
13 See SCR. Instr. MusScr. March 5, 1957, no. 9 [DOL 508 no.
4130].
14 See MusScr no. 4 [DOL 508 no. 4125].
15 See SC art. 119-120 [DOL 1 nos. 119-120].
16 See MusScr no. 9 [DOL 508 no. 4130].
17 See GIRM no. 323 [DOL 208 no 1713].
18 See Consilium Instr. Comme le prevoit Jan 25, 1969, no. 34,
also nos. 21-24 [DOL 123 no 871, also nos. 858-861].
19 See SCDW, Instr Actio pastoralis May 15, 1969, no. 6 e [DOL
275 no. 2127].
20 See GIRM no 11 [DOL 208 no. 1401].
21 See GIRM nos. 45-46 [DOL 208 nos. 1435-36].
22 See GIRM no 10 [DOL 208 no. 1400].
23 See SC art. 28 [DOL 1 no. 28].
24 See GIRM no. 282 [DOL 208 no. 1672].
25 See GIRM no 283 [DOL 208 no. 1673].
26 See SCR. Instr EuchMyst. 25 May 1967, no 48 [DOL 179 no 1277].
27 See GIRM no 240 [DOL 208 no 1630]. a. See DOL 208 no 1632. b
See DOL 270. c. See DOL 208 no. 1635. d. See DOL 208 nos. 1634-42. e.
See DOL 270 [no. 2115].
28. See SCDW, Instr. Sacra Communione, June 29, 1970, no. 6 [DOL
270 no. 2115].
29. See GIRM no. 68 [DOL 208 no. 1458].
30. See GIRM no. 288 [DOL 208 no. 1678].
31. See GIRM no. 298 [DOL 208 no. 1688].
32. See SC art. 128 [DOL 1 no. 128].
33. See GIRM no. 304 [DOL 208 no. 1694].
34. See GIRM no. 260 [DOL 208 no. 1650].
35. See GIRM nos. 153-280 [DOL 208 nos. 1543-1670].
36. See SCR, Instr. EuchMyst nos. 52-57 [DOL 179 nos. 1281-86].
37. See Consilium Letter of Card. G. Lercaro to presidents of the
conferences of bishops, June 30, 1965 [DOL 31 no. 415].
38. See Paul VI Addr. to liturgical commissions of Italy Feb. 7,
1969 [DOL 246 no. 1968]. f. See DOL 1 no. 40.
39. See SC art. 40 [DOL 1 no. 40].
40. See GIRM no. 58 [DOL 208 no. 1448].