Continuing Encyclical
The Sacred Liturgy
By Pope Pius XII
November 20, 1947
PART IV
PASTORAL DIRECTIVES
I. OTHER DEVOTIONS NOT STRICTLY LITURGICAL
WARMLY RECOMMENDED
172. In order that the errors and inaccuracies, mentioned above,
may be more easily removed from the Church, and that the faithful following
safer norms may be able to use more fruitfully the Liturgical Apostolate,
We have deemed it opportune, Venerable Brethren, to add some practical
applications of the Doctrine which We have explained.
173. When dealing with genuine and solid Piety We stated that
there could be no real opposition between the Sacred Liturgy and other
Religious Practices, provided they be kept within Legitimate bounds
and performed for a Legitimate purpose. In fact, there are
certain exercises of Piety which the Church recommends very much to Clergy
and Religious.
174. It is Our wish also that the faithful, as well, should take
part in these Practices. The Chief of these are: meditation on spiritual
things, diligent examination of conscience, enclosed Retreats, visits to
the Blessed Sacrament, and those special Prayers in Honor of the Blessed
Virgin Mary among which the Rosary, as all know, has pride of Place.
(C.
I. C., CAN. 125.)
The Action of the Holy Ghost is not Foreign
to these Devotions
175. From these multiple forms of Piety, the inspiration and action
of the Holy Ghost cannot be absent. Their purpose is, in various
ways, to attract and direct our souls to God, purifying them from their
sins, encouraging them to practice Virtue and finally stimulating them
to advance along the path of sincere Piety by accustoming them to meditate
on the Eternal Truths and disposing them better to contemplate the Mysteries
of the Divine ahd human nature of Christ. Besides, since they develop
a deeper Spiritual life in the faithful, they prepare them to take part
in Sacred Public Functions with greater Fruit, and they lessen the danger
of Liturgcal Prayers becoming an empty Ritualism.
Errors From Which the Faithful Should be Protected
176. In keeping with your Pastoral solicitude, Venerable Brethren,
do not cease to recommend and encourage these exercises of Piety from which
the faithful, entrusted to your care, cannot but derive salutary Fruit.
Above all, do not allow--as some do, who are deceivef under the pretext
of restoring the Liturgy or who idly claim that only Liturgical Rites are
of any real value and dignity--that Churches be closed during the hours
not appointed for public functions, as has already happened in some places:
where the Adoration of the august Sacrament and Visits to Our Lord in the
Tabernacles are neglected: where confessions of Devotions is discouraged:
and Devotion to the Virgin Mother of God, a Sign of "predestination" according
to the opinions of Holy men, is so neglected, especially among the
young, as to fade away and gradually vanish. Such conduct most harmful
to Christian Piety is like poisonous Fruit, growing in the infected branches
of a healthy tree, which must be cut off so that the life-giving sap of
the tree may bring forth only the best Fruit.
Sacramental Confession
177. Since the opinions expressed by some about frequent Confession,
are completely foreign to the spirit of Christ and His Immaculate Spouse
and are most dangerous to the Spiritual life, let Us call to mind what
with sorrow We wrote about this point in the Encyclical on the Mystical
Body; We urgently insist once more that what We expounded in very serious
words, be proposed by you for the serious consideration and dutiful obedience
of your flock, especially to students for the Priesthood and young Clergy.
Spiritual Exercises and Retreats
178. Take special care that as many as possible, not only of the
Clergy but of the laity and especially those in Religious Organnizations
and in the ranks of Catholic Acrion, take part in monthly days of Recollection
and in Retreats of longer duration, made with a view to growing in Virtue.
As We have previously stated, such Spiritual Exercises are most useful
and even necessary to instill into souls solid Virtue, and to strengthen
them in Sanctity so as to be able to derive from the Sacred Liturgy more
efficacious and abundant Benefits.
179. As regards the different methods employed in these Exercises,
it is perfectly clear to all that in the Church on earth, no less than
in the Church in Heaven, there are many Mansions; (Cf. Ioan.,
14:2.) and that asceticism cannot be the monopoly of anyone.
It is the same Spirit Who breatheth where He Will; (Ioan.,
3:8.) and Who with differing Gifts and in different ways enlightens
and guides souls to Sanctity. Let their freedom and the Supernatural
action of the Holy Ghost be so Sacrosanct that no one will presume to diturb
or stifle them for any reason whatsoever.
180. However, it is well known that the Spiritual Exercises according
to the method and norms of St. Ignatius have been fully approved and earnestly
recommended by Our Predecessors on account of their admirable efficacy.
We, too, for the same reason have approved and commended them and willingly
do We repeat this now.
181. Any inspiration to follow and practice extraordinary Exercises
of Piety must most certainly come from the Father of Lights, from Whom
every good and perfect Gift descends; (Cf. Iac., :17.)
and of course the criterion of this will be the effectiveness of these
exercises in making the Divine Cult loved and spread daily ever more widely,
and in making the faithful approach the Sacraments with more longing desire,
and in obtaining for all things Holy due Respect and Honor. If, on
the contrary, they are an obstacle to the Principles and Norms of Divine
Worship, or if they oppose or hinder them, one must surely conclude that
they are not in keeping with prudence and enlightened zeal.
Other Practices Not Strictly Liturgical
182. There are, besides, other Exercises of Piety which although
not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy are, nevertheless, of special
import and Dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition
to the Liturgical Cult: they have been approved and Praised over and over
again by the Apostlic See and by the Bishops. Among these are the
Prayers usually said during the month of May in Honor of the Blessed Virgin
Mother of God, or during the month of June to the Most Sacred Heart of
Jesus; also Novemas and Triduums, Stations of the Cross and other similar
practices.
183. These Devotions make us partkers in a salutary manner of
the Liturgical Cult, because they urge the faithful to go frequently to
the Sacrament of Penance, to attend Mass and receive Communion with Devotion,
and, as well, encourage them to meditate on the Mysteries of our Redemption
and imitate the example of the Saints.
184. Hence he would do something very wrong and dangerous, who
would dare to take on himself to reform all those exercises of Piety and
reduce them completely to the methods and norms of Liturgical Rites.
However, it is necessary that the Spirit of the Sacred Liturgy and its
directives should Exercise such a salutary influence on them that nothing
improper be introduced nor anything unworthy of the Dignity of the House
of God or detrimental to the Sacred Functions or opposed to solid Piety.
185. Take care then, Venerable Brethren, that this True and solid
Piety increases daily more and more under your guidance and bears more
abundant Fruit. Above all, do not cease to inculcate into the minds
of all that prgress in the Christian life does not consist in the multiplicity
and variety of Prayers and Exercises of Piety, but rather in their helpfullness
towards Spiritual progress of the faithful and constant growth of the Church
Universal. For the Eternal Father "chose us in Him (Christ), before
the Foundation of the world that we should be Holy and Unspotted in His
sight." (Ephes., 1:4.) All our prayers, then,
and all our Religious Practices should aim at directing our Spiritual energies
towards attaining this most noble and lofty end.
II. LITURGICAL SPIRIT AND LITURGICAL APOSTOLATE
186. We earnestly exhort you, Venerable Brethren, that after errors
and falsehoods have been removed, and anything that is contrary to Truth
or moderation has been condemned, you promote a deeper knowledge among
the people of the Sacred Liturgy so that they more readily and easily follow
the Sacred Rites and take part in them with true Christian dispositions.
Obedience to the Directions of the Church
187. First of all, you must strive that with due Reverence and Faith
all obey the Decrees of the Council of Trent, of the Roman Pontiffs, and
the Sacred Congregation of Rites, and what the Liturgical Books ordain
concerning external Public Worship.
188. Three Characteristics, of which Our Predecessor Pius X spoke,
should adorn all Liturgical Services:--Sacredness, which abhors any profane
influence; Nobility , which True and Genuine Arts should serve and foster;
and Universality, which while safeguarding local and Legitimate custom,
reveals the Catholic Unity of the Church. (Cf. Litt. Apost.
Moto Proprio Tra le sollecitudini, d. d. XXII Novem, a MCMIII.)
The Adorenment of Churches and Altars
189. We desire to commend and urge the Adornment of Churches and
Altars. Let each one feel moved by the inspired word: "the zeal of
Thy House hath eaten me up"; (Psalm, 68:10; Ioan.,
2:17.) and strive as much as in him lies, that everything
in the Church, including Vestments and Liturgical Furnishings, even though
not rich nor lavish, be perfectly clean and appropriate, since all is Consecrated
to the Divine Majesty. If We have previously disapproved of the error
of those who would wish to outlaw images from Churches on the plea of reviving
an ancient Tradition. We now deem it Our duty to censure the incosiderate
zeal of those who propose for Veneration in the Churches and on the Altars,
without any just reason, a multitude of Sacred Images and Statues, and
also those who display unauthorized Relics, those who emphasize special
and insignificant practices, neglecting Essential and Necessary things;
they thus bring Religion into derision and lessen the Dignity of Worship.
190. Let us recall, as well, the Decree about "not introducnig
new forms of Worship and Devotion." (Suprema S. Congr. S.
Officii: Decretum d. d. XXVI Maii MCMXXXVII.) We commend the
exact observance of this Decree to your Vigilance.
191. As regards music, let the clear and guiding Norms of the
Apostolic See be scrupulously observed. Gregorian Chant, which the
Roman Church considers her own as handed down from antiquity and kept under
her close tutelage, is proposed to the faithful as belonging to them also.
In certain parts of the Liturgy the Church definitely prescribes it; (Cf.
Pius X, Litt. Apost. Motu Proprio Tra le sollecitudini.)
it makes the Celebration of the Sacred Mysteries not only more Dignified
and Solemn but helps very much to increase the faith and Devotion of the
Congregation. For this reason, Our Predecessors of Immortal Memory,
Pius X and Pius XI, Decreed--and We are happy to confirm with Our Authority
the Norms laid down by them--that to Seminaries and Religious Institutes,
Gregorian chant be diligently and zealously promoted, and moreover that
the old "Scholae Cantorum" be restored, at least in the Principal
Churches; this has already been done with happy results in not a few
places. (Cf. Pius X, loc. cit.; Pius XI, Const. Divini
cultus, II, V.)
Gregorian Chant and Congregational Singing
192. Besides,"so that the faithful may take a more active part in
Divine Worship, let Gregorian Chant be restored to popular use in the parts
proper to the people. Indeed it is very necessary that the faithful
attend the Sacred Ceremonies not as if they were outsiders or mute onlookers,
but let them fully appreciate the Beauty of the Liturgy and take part in
the Sacred Ceremonies, alternating their voices with the Priest and the
choir, according to the prescribed norms. If, please God, this is
done, it will not happen that the congregation hardly ever or only in a
low murmur answer the Prayers in Latin or in the vernacular." (Pius
XI, Const. Divini cultus, IX.) A Congregation that
is Devoutly present at the Sacrifice, in which Our Saviour together with
His children Redeemed with His Sacred Blood sings the Nuptial Hymn of His
immense Love, cannot keep silent, for "song befits the lover" (S.
Augustin., Serm. CCCXXXVI, N. 1.) and, as the ancient
saying has it, "he who sings well prays twice." Thus the Church militant,
faithful as well as Clergy, joins in the Hymn of Praise to the most Holy
Trinity in keeping with words of the Preface: "with whom our voices too,
Thou wouldst bid to be admitted." (Missaale Rom., Praefatio.)
193. It cannot be said that modern music and singing should be
entirely excluded from Catholic Worship. For, if they are not profane
nor unbecoming to the Sacredness of the place and function, and do not
spring from a desire of achieving extraordinary and unusual effects, then
our Churches must admit them since they can contribute in no small way
to the Splendor of the Sacred Ceremonies, can lift the mind to higher things
and foster True Devotion of soul.
194. We also exhort you, Venerable Brethren, to promote with
care Congregational singing, and to see to its accurate execution with
all due Dignity, since it easily stirs up and arouses the faith and Piety
of large gatherings of the faithful. Let the full harmonious singing
of our people rise to Heaven like the bursting of a thunderous sea (Cf.
S. Ambros., Hexameron, III, 5, 23.) and let them testify
by the melody of their song to the unity of their hearts and minds, (Cf.
Act.,
4:32.)
as becomes brothers and the children of the same Father.
The Other Arts in the Liturgical Cult
195. What We have said about Music, applies to the other fine Arts,
especially to Architecture, Sculpture and Painting. Recent works
of Art which lend themselves to the materials of modern composition, should
not be universally despised and rejected through prejudice. Modern
Art should be given free scope in the due and Reverent Service of the Church
and the Sacred Rites, provided that they preserve a correct balance between
styles tending neither to extreme realism nor to excessive "Symbolism,"
and that the needs of the Christian Community are taken into consideration
rather than the particular taste or talent of the individual artist.
Thus modern Art will be able to join its voice to that wonderful choir
of Praise to which have contributed, in Honor of the Catholic Faith, the
greatest Artists throughout the centuries. Nevertheless, in keeping
with the Duty of Our Office, We cannot help deploring and condemning
those works of Art, recently introduced by some, which seem to be a distortion
and perversion of True Art and which at times openly shock Christian taste,
modesty and Devotion, and shamefully offend the True Religious sense: these
must be entirely excluded and banished from our Churches, like "anything
else that is not in keeping with the Sanctity of the Place." (C.
I. C., can. 1178.)
196. Keeping in mind, Venerable Brethren, Pontifical Norms and
Decrees, take great care to enlighten and direct the minds and hearts of
the Artists to whom is given the task today of restoring or rebuilding
the many Churches which have been ruined or completely destroyed by war:
let them be capable and willing to draw their inspiration from Religion
to express what is suitable and more in keeping with the requirements of
Worship. Thus the human Arts will happily shine forth with a wondrous
Heavenly Splendor, and contribute greatly to human civilization, to the
salvation of souls and the Glory of God. The fine Arts are really
in conformity with Religion when "as noblest handmaids they are at the
service of Divine Worship." (Pius XI, Const. Divini Cultus.)
Important that Clergy and People
Live the Liturgical Life
197. But there is something else of even greater importance, Venerable
Brethren, which We commend to your Apostolic zeal, in a very special manner.
Whatever pertains to the external Worship has assuredly its imporatnce;
however, the most pressing Duty of Christians is to live the Liturgical
Life, and increase and cherish its Supernatural Spirit.
198. Readily provide the young Clerical student with facilities
to understand the Sacred Ceremonies, to appreciate their Majesty and Beauty
and to learn the Rubrics with care, just as you do when he is trained in
Ascetics, in Dogma and in Canon Law and Pastoral Theology. This should
not be done merely for cultural reasons and to fit the student to perform
Religious Rites in the future, correctly and with due Dignity, but especially
the lead him into closest Union with Christ the Priest so that he may become
a Holy Minister of Sanctity.
199. Try in every way, with the means and helps that your prudence
deems best, that the Clergy and people become one in mind and heart, and
that the Christian people take such an active part in the Liturgy that
it becomes a truly Sacred action of due Worship to the Eternal Lord in
which the Priest, chiefly responsible for the souls of his Parish, and
the ordinary faithful are united together.
Altar Boys in the Service of the Altar
200. To attain this purpose, it will greatly help to select carefully
good and upright young boys from all classes of citizens who will come
generously and spontaneously to serve at the Altar with careful zeal and
exactness. Parents of higher social standing and culture should greatly
esteem this Office for their chidren. If these youths, under the
watchful guidance of the Priests, are properly trained and encouraged to
fullfill the task committed to them punctually, reverently and constantly,
then from their number will readily come fresh candidates for the Priesthood.
The Clergy will not then complain--as, alas sometimes happens even in Catholic
places--that in the Celebration of the august Sacrifice they find no one
to answer or serve them.
Pastoral Zeal
201. Above all, try with your constant zeal to have all the faithful
attend the Eucharistic Sacrifice from which they may obtain abundant and
salutary Fruit; and carefully instruct them in all the Legitimate ways
We have described above so that they may Devoutly participate in it.
The Mass is the Chief Act of Divine Worship; it should also be the Source
and Center of Christian Piety. Never think that you have satisfied
your Apostolic Zeal until you see your faithful approach in great numbers
the Celestial Banquet which is a Sacrament of Devotion, a Sign of Unity
and a Bond of Love. (Cf. S. Augustin., Tract. XXVI in
Ioan., 13.)
202. By means of suitable Sermons and particularly by periodic
Conferences and Lectures, by special Study weeks and the like, teach the
Christian people carefully about the Treasures of Piety contained in the
Sacred Liturgy so that they may be able to profit more abundantly by these
Supernatural Gifts. In this matter, those who are active in the ranks
of Catholic Action will certainly be a help to you, since they are ever
at the service of the Hierarchy in the work of promiting the Kingdom of
Jesus Christ.
Vigilance Against Errors and Prejudices
203. But in all these matters, it is essential that you watch
vigilantly lest the enemy sow cockle among the wheat; (Cf.
Matth., 13:24-25.) in other words, do not let your flocks
be deceived by the subtle and dangerous errors of false mysticism or quietism--as
you know We have already condemned these errors;-- (Litt.
Encycl. Mystici Corporis.) also do not let a certain
dangerous "humanism" lead them astray, nor let there be introduced a
falst Doctrine destroying the notion of Catholic Faith, nor finally an
exaggerated zeal for antiquity in matters Liturgical. Watch with
like diligence lest the false teaching of those be propagated, who wrongly
think and teach that the glorified human nature of Christ really and continually
dwells in the "Just" by His Presence and that one and numerically the same
Grace, as they say, unites Christ with the members of His Mystical Body.
204. Never be discouraged by the difficulties that arise, and
never let your Pastoral Zeal grow cold. "Blow the Trumpet in Sion
. . . call an assembly, gather together the people, Sanctify the Church,
assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones and them that suck
at the breasts," (Joel, 2:15-16.) and use every
help to get the faithful everywhere to fill the Churches and crowd around
the Altars so that they may be restored by the Graces of the Sacraments
and joined as living members to their Divine Head, and with Him and
through Him celebrate together the august Sacrifice that gives due tribute
of Praise to the Eternal Father.
EPILOGUE
205. These, Venerable Brethren, are the subjects We desired to write
to you about. We are moved to write that your children, who are also
Ours, may more fully understand and appreciate the most Precious Treasures
which are contained in the Sacred Liturgy: namely, the Eucharistic Sacrifice,
representing and renewing the Sacrifice of the Cross, the Sacraments, which
are the streams of Divine Grace and of Divine Life, and the Hymn of Praise,
which Heaven and earth daily offer to God.
206. We cherish the Hope that these Our Exhortations will not
only arouse the sluggish and recalcitrant to a deeper and more correct
study
of the Liturgy, but will also instill into their daily lives its Supernatural
Spirit according to the words of the Apostle; "extinguish not the Spirit."
(1 Thess., 5:19.)
207. To those whom an excessive zeal occasionally led to say
and do certain things which saddened Us and which We could not approve
We repeat the warning of St. Paul: "But prove all things, hold fast that
which is good"; (Ibidem, 5:21.) let Us
Paternally warn them to imitate in their thoughts and actions the Christian
Doctrine which is in harmony with the Precepts of the Immaculate Spouse
of Jesus Christ, the Mother of Saints.
208. Let Us remind all that they must generously and faithfully
obey their Holy Pastors who possess the Right and Duty of Regulating the
whole life, especially the Spiritual life, of the Church: "Obey your Prelates
and be subject ot them. For they watch as having to render an account
of your souls; that they may do this with joy and not with grief." (Hebr.,
13:17.)
209. May God, Whom we Worship, and Who is "not the God of dissension
but of Peace," (1 Cor., 14:33.) graciously
grant to us all that during our earthly exile we may with one mind and
one heart participate in the Sacred Liturgy which is, as it were, a preparation
and a token of that Heavenly Liturgy in which we Hope one day to sing together
with the most Glorious Mother of God and our most loving Mother: "To Him
that sitteth on the Throne, and to the Lamb, Benediction and Honor, and
Glory and Power for everr and ever." (Apoc., 5:12.)
210. In this joyous Hope, We most lovingly impart to each and
every one of you, Venerable Brethren, and to the flocks confided to your
care, as a Pledge of divine Gifts and as a witness of Our special love,
the Apostolic Benediction.
211. Given at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, on the 20th day of
November in the year 1947, the 9th of Our Pontificate.
PIUS PP. XII
DESCRIPTION OF MAGNIFICENT
PAPAL CORONATION
As Peter was given a new name so does the new Supreme
Pontiff become known by another. After the election he extends his
first blessing to the people -- a Benediction which was not given in the
open for years until Pope Pius XI established the custom.
The Coronation, one of the most magnificent of
Vatican Ceremonies, takes place shortly after the election. With
the Pope carried high in a golden chair and attended by brilliantly attired
chamberlains and soldiers, the Coronation Mass is an unrivaled spectacle
of beauty, dignity, and ancient pageantry. At the Coronation, in
the midst of the pomp and splendor,a master of ceremonies recites in Latin:
"Holy Father, thus does the glory of the world pass away." As the
first Cardinal Deacon places the three-crowned Tiara on the head of the
Pope, he says: "Receive the three-crowned Tiara, and know that thou art
the Father of Princes and Kings, the Pastor of the earth, and Vicar of
Jesus Christ, to whom be honor and glory forever. Amen."
THE CORONATION of Pope Pius XII took place on
the balcony of St. Peter's in March, 1939. (From the book "The
Vatican and Holy Year" by Stephen S. Fenichell & Phillip Andrews. --
1950 edition.)
(Tradition is an equal part of the authoritative
teaching of the Church -- From the book "The Immaculate Way" by Brian
Farrelly, S.M.M. -- 1963 edition.)
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