On January 7, 2026, Pope Leo XIV said that Catholics need to take another look at the teachings that came out of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). Pope Leo called them “the guiding star” for our actions as a Church today. Sixteen documents came out of the Council, the first one on the Sacred Liturgy in 1963, but others on such topics as the role of lay people in the Church, ecumenism, doctrine, and the position of the Church in the world today. I will be continuing writing about the Liturgical Year and the Mass, but I will be adding reflections on Vatican II documents in the months ahead.
As a liturgist, I have often quoted sections of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (CSL) in articles and presentations. The most common of these is the notion that the liturgy is both source and summit of Catholic life: “the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows.” CSL #10. Another is the prime importance of participation in the liturgical action: “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy.” CSL #14.
These reforms might have seemed to happen quickly, but they did take several years before implementation. The New Order of Mass was available in 1969 with revisions to follow. A new Lectionary, which more than doubled the number of Bible readings heard at Masses, had its mandatory use in 1971. “The treasures of the bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God's word.” CSL #51.
There were controversies about the changes in the Mass at the time, and there are still differing opinions today. Reflect on CSL #21: “In order that the Christian people may more certainly derive an abundance of graces from the sacred liturgy,” [It was desired that we derive – that we obtain – an abundance of graces] “holy Mother Church desires to undertake with great care a general restoration of the liturgy itself.” [The reforms were to be done with great care. The changes in the liturgy were to be a restoration.]
“For the liturgy is made up of immutable elements divinely instituted, and of elements subject to change.” [The liturgy consists of things we should not change and of things that may be changed. The challenge is to understand what falls into each category. Liturgical scholars help us with this determination.] “These not only may but ought to be changed with the passage of time if they have suffered from the intrusion of anything out of harmony with the inner nature of the liturgy or have become unsuited to it.” [Over time, additions to the liturgy may be out of harmony – confused or incoherent – with the liturgy. They may be unsuitable or inappropriate. Again, scholars will help resolve these issues.]