45th Anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium

[japhy]

I was kind of hoping that Pope Benedict would release a short document on the 45th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium. No luck, though…

Anyway, I thought some people might be interested in seeing the various statements of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI on the anniversaries of the promulgation of the first document of Vatican II.

On the occasion of the Study Day organized by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on the 43rd anniversary of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (2006-11-27)

Spiritus et Sponsa, On the 40th anniversary of the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium on the Sacred Liturgy
(2003-12-40)

Vicesimus Quintus Annus, On the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of Sacrosanctum Concilium (1988-12-04)

 

[benedictgal]

Rather than release a statement, I think that Pope Benedict XVi made a statement, not so much with words, but with an action, when he appointed the new Prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments to replace the retiring Francis Cardinal Arinze.

When he appointed Antonio Cardinal Canizares Llovera, the Holy Father, I believe, made a strong statement indicating that he intends the Reform of the Reform to roll full steam ahead. Now, that is not to say that Francis Cardinal Arinze didn’t pursue the matter fully. The fact that the Nigerian prelate had been shepherding the ICEL translation of the Roman Missal, a job that he inherited from his predecessor, who got the ball rolling, especially with the implementation of Liturgiam Authenticam, means that Arinze took the ball and ran with it as far as he could go. Now, the task falls to Cardinal Canizares Llovera to continue the momentum.

From what I have heard, the Spanish prelate bears the nickname “Little Ratzinger” because he and the Holy Father share many theological and liturgical similarities. In fact, Cardinal Canizares Llovera served at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith under the former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger.

As to the documents you posted, I believe that both the current and the late Pontiffs have tried to make decidedly strong efforts to promote an authentic interpretation of the Constitution on Sacred Liturgy, each in his own way. But, I think that Pope Benedict is taking on a more proactive approach, leading by example, if you will. He has already cleaned house in the Office of Liturgy for the Supreme Pontiff making key appointments who are very close to his line of thinking. That is why I believe that this year, rather than issue a statement of words, he is issuing a statement of deeds.

 

[James0235]

I was kind of hoping that Pope Benedict would release a short document on the 45th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium. No luck, though…

Any word yet on when Sacrosanctum Concilium will be implemented?

James