Liturgical instruction issued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites (September 26, 1964)


dctil'tol' c Church Cb^retj**'^ Scxcfo^mrI Qhtuur].

- X / Li>cv Cc A i*t4shucko^\ -
^ /fX/Y^J/cT

i-t« «1 (919

Liturgical

Instruction

-Issued September 26, 1964 by

The Sacred Congregation of Rites



Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2016

https://archive.org/details/liturgicalinstrucath



Liturgical Instruction

issued by

The Sacred Congregation of Rites

The text of an English translation of the Vatican Liturgy
Commission’s instruction implementing changes in the Mass and

other forms of the liturgy recommended in the Vatican coun-

cil’s Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy. The instruction was is-
sued by the Sacred Congregation of Rites with the date of Sept.

26, 1964 and released by the Press Department of the National

Catholic Welfare Conference, Washington, D.C.

OUR SUNDAY VISITOR, INC.

Huntington, Indiana 46750





Contents

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

/ 5

Some General Norms / 9

The Most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist / 21

The Other Sacraments and the Sacramen-

tals /27

The Divine Office / 33

The Proper Construction of Churches and Altars

in Order to Facilitate the Active Participation of

the Faithful / 37

3



it
'



Introduction

I. NATURE OF THIS INSTRUCTION

1. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy is deservedly

counted among the first fruits of the Second Ecumenical
Vatican Council, since it governs the most excellent part of

the Church’s activity. It will bear more abundant fruit the

more profoundly the pastors and the faithful of Christ per-

ceive its genuine spirit and put it into practice with good will.

2. The Commission for the Implementation of the Con-
stitution on the Sacred Liturgy, established by the Supreme

Pontiff, Paul VI, in the apostolic letter Sacram Liturgiam has

already speedily undertaken the task entrusted to it, to bring

the directives of the Constitution and of the apostolic letter

to a proper fulfillment and to provide for the interpretation

and execution of these documents.

3. It is of the greatest importance that the documents,

from the very beginning, should be properly applied every-

where, with doubts, if there are any, concerning its interpre-

tation being removed. Therefore, the Commission, by mandate

of the Supreme Pontiff, has prepared this Instruction, in which

the functions of the bodies of bishops in liturgical matters are

more clearly defined, some principles given in general words
in the above-mentioned documents are explained more pre-

cisely, and finally some matters, which can be put into prac-

tice now, before the restoration of the liturgical books, are al-

lowed or required.

II. SOME PRINCIPLES TO BE NOTED
4. What is now defined as to be put into practice has

the purpose of making the liturgy correspond always more

5



perfectly to the mind of the Council concerning the promotion
of active participation of the faithful.

The general reform of the sacred liturgy, moreover, will
be accepted more readily by the faithful if it proceeds gradu-

ally and by stages and if the reform is proposed to the faithful

and explained to them by the pastors by means required of

the catechesis.

5. Nevertheless, it is necessary first that all be persuaded

of the intention of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of

the Second Vatican Council: not only to change liturgical

forms and texts, but rather to stir up that formation of the

faithful and pastoral activity which has the sacred liturgy as

summit and fount (cf. Const., Art. 10). The changes thus far
introduced and to be introduced into the sacred liturgy in the

future are directed toward this end.

6. The power of pastoral-liturgical activity rests in this,
that the Christian life may express the paschal mystery in
which the Son of God, incarnate and made obedient even to
the death of the cross, is so exalted in His resurrection and

ascension that He may share His divine life with the world.
By this life men, dead to sin and conformed to Christ, “may
live no longer for themselves but for him who died for them
and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15).

This is done through faith and through the sacraments of

faith, that is, chiefly through baptism (cf. Const., Art. 6) and

the most sacred mystery of the Eucharist (cf. Const., Art. 47).

Around the Eucharist are ranged the other sacraments and

the sacramentals (cf. Const., Art. 61) and the cycle of cele-

brations by which the paschal mystery of Christ is unfolded

in the Church during the course of the year. (cf. Const., Art.

102-107).

7. Therefore, even if the liturgy does not exhaust the

entire action of the Church (cf. Const., Art. 9), nevertheless

the greatest attention must be paid to the necessary connection

between pastoral works and the sacred liturgy, so that pas-

6



toral-liturgical action is not exercised as if separate and ab-

stract, but as intimately joined to other pastoral activities.

It is especially necessary that there be a close union be-

tween the liturgy and catechesis, religious formation, and

preaching.

III. FRUITS TO BE HOPED FOR
8. Thus, the bishops and their assistants in the priest-

hood should relate their entire pastoral ministry ever more

closely to the liturgy. In this way the faithful may derive the
divine life in abundance from the perfect participation in the

sacred celebrations and, made the ferment of Christ and the
salt of the earth, will proclaim the divine life and communi-

cate it to others.

7





CHAPTER I

Some General Norms
I. APPLICATION OF THESE NORMS

9. The practical norms, found in the Constitution or in

this Instruction, and whatever is permitted or determined now
by this Instruction before the restoration of the liturgical

books, even if they pertain to the Roman rite alone, may
nevertheless be applied to the other Latin rites, the provisions

of law being observed.

10. Those matters which are entrusted to the competent

territorial ecclesiastical authority in this Instruction may and
should be put into effect by that authority alone through

legitimate decrees.

In individual cases, the time and the circumstances in

which these decrees will take effect shall be defined, always

with a reasonable interval of time for the faithful to be in-

structed and prepared for their observance.

II. LITURGICAL FORMATION OF CLERICS (Const.,
Arts. 15-16 and 18)

11. With regard to the liturgical formation of clerics:

a) In theological faculties there shall be a chair of

liturgy, so that all the students may receive the necessary
liturgical instruction; in seminaries and in the houses of

studies, of Religious, local Ordinaries and major superiors

shall see to it that as soon as possible there be a special and

properly prepared teacher of liturgy.

b) Professors who are appointed to teach sacred
liturgy shall be prepared as soon as possible, in accordance

with the norm of Art. 15 of the Constitution.

9



c) For the further liturgical instruction of clerics,

particularly of those who are already working in the Lord’s
vineyard, pastoral-liturgical institutes shall be established

where possible.

12. The liturgy shall be taught for a suitable period of
time, to be indicated in the curriculum of studies by the com-

petent authority, and according to an appropriate method in

accordance with the norm of Art. 16 of the Constitution.

13. Liturgical services shall be celebrated as perfectly as

possible. Therefore:

a) The directions shall be carefully observed and
the ceremonies performed with dignity, under the diligent

vigilance of the seminary directors, with the necessary prepa-

rations beforehand.

b
)

Clerics shall frequently fulfill the liturgical func-

tions of their order, that is, of deacon, subdeacon, acolyte,

lector, and, in addition, of commentator and cantor.

c) The churches and oratories, the sacred furnish-
ings in general, and sacred vestments shall afford an example

of genuine Christian art, including contemporary art.

III. LITURGICAL FORMATION OF THE SPIRITUAL
LIFE OF CLERICS (Const., Art. 17)

14. In order that clerics may be formed for the full par-
ticipation in liturgical celebrations and for the spiritual life

to be derived from these celebrations, while being prepared

to share this participation and life with others, the Constitu-

tion on the Sacred Liturgy shall be put into full effect in semi-

naries and houses of studies of religious, in accordance with

the norm of documents from the Apostolic See, with the

unanimous and harmonious cooperation of all the directors

and teachers to this end. A suitable formation in the sacred
liturgy shall be provided for the clerics together with the rec-

ommendation of books dealing with the liturgy, especially

under its theological and spiritual aspect, which should be

10



available in the library in sufficient numbers; as well as by

meditations and conferences which shall be drawn above all

from the fount of sacred Scripture and the liturgy (cf. Const.,

Art. 35, 2); and by common exercises, in accord with Chris-
tian custom and usage, but suited to the various seasons of the

liturgical year.

15. The Eucharist, the center of the entire spiritual life,

shall be celebrated daily with the use of different and appro-

priate forms which best correspond to the condition of the

participants (cf. Const., Art. 19).

On Sundays, however, and on other major feast days, a
sung Mass shall be celebrated with the participation of all

who are in the seminary or house of studies, with a homily
and, as far as possible, with the sacramental communion of
those who are not priests. The priests may concelebrate, espe-
cially on the more solemn feast days, if the needs of the faith-

ful do not require that they celebrate individually, and after

the new rite of concelebration has been published.
It is desirable that, at least on major feast days, the stu-

dents should participate in the celebration of the Eucharist

assembled around the bishop in the cathedral church (cf.

Const., Art. 41).

16. It is most fitting that the clerics, even if they are

not yet bound by the obligation of the divine office, should
each day recite or chant in common lauds, in the morning as
morning prayer, and vespers, in the evening as evening prayer,

or compline, at the end of the day. The directors themselves
shall take part in this common recitation, as far as possible.
In addition, sufficient time shall be provided in the order of

the day for clerics in sacred orders to pray the divine office.

It is desirable that, as least on major feast days, the stu-

dents should chant vespers in the cathedral church, where
possible.

17. Exercises of piety, arranged according to the laws or

customs of each place or institute, shall be held in due esteem.

11



Nevertheless, care should be taken, especially if these exer-

cises are celebrated in common, that they be in harmony with
the sacred liturgy, according to the purpose of Art. 13, and that

they be related to the seasons of the liturgical year.

IV. LITURGICAL FORMATION OF MEMBERS OF IN-
STITUTES DEDICATED TO ACQUIRING PERFEC-
TION

18. What has been said in the preceding articles con-
cerning the liturgical formation of the spiritual life of clerics

must be applied also to the members, both men and women,
of institutes dedicated to acquiring perfection, with the neces-

sary adaptations.

V. LITURGICAL FORMATION OF THE FAITHFUL
(Const., Art. 19)

19. Pastors of souls shall strive diligently and patiently

to carry out the command of the Constitution concerning the
liturgical formation of the faithful and their active participa-

tion, both internal and external, “according to their age and

condition, their way of life, and standard of religious culture”
(Const., Art. 19). They should be especially concerned about
the liturgical formation and the active participation of those

who are engaged in religious associations of the laity, since
it is the latter’s duty to share more intimately in the life of the

Church and also to assist the pastors of souls in properly pro-

moting the liturgical life of the parish (cf. Const., Art. 42).

VI. COMPETENT AUTHORITY IN LITURGICAL MAT-
TERS (Const., Art. 22)

20. Regulation of the sacred liturgy pertains to the

authority of the Church: therefore, no other person shall pro-

ceed in this matter on his own authority to the detriment, as
may often happen, of the liturgy itself and of its restoration
by the competent authority.

12



21. It pertains to the Apostolic See to reform and to ap-

prove the general liturgical books; to order the sacred liturgy

in those matters which affect the universal Church; to ap-

prove, that is, confirm the acts and deliberations of the terri-

torial authority; and to receive the proposals and petitions of

the same territorial authority.

22. It pertains to the bishop to regulate the liturgy with-

in the limits of his diocese, in accordance with the norms and

spirit of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy as well as the

decrees of the Apostolic See and of the competent territorial

authority.

23. The various kinds of territorial bodies of bishops, to
which the regulation of the liturgy pertains in virtue of Art.

22, 2, of the Constitution, must be understood to be, for the

interim:

a) either the body of all the bishops of a nation, in

accordance with the norm of the apostolic letter Sacram
Liturgiam, n. X; i

b) or a body already lawfully constituted which

consists of the bishops, or of the bishops and other local Or-

dinaries, of several nations;

c) or a body to be established, with the permission
of the Apostolic See, consisting of the bishops or of the bishops

and the local Ordinaries of several nations, especially if in the

individual nations the bishops are so few that they may con-
vene more profitably from various nations of the same lan-
guage or of the same culture.

If the particular local conditions suggest another solution,

the matter should be proposed to the Apostolic See.

24. The following must be invited to the above-men-
tioned bodies:

a) residential bishops;

b) abbots and prelates nullius;

c) vicars and perfects apostolic;

13



d) apostolic administrators of dioceses who have
been appointed permanently;

e) all other local Ordinaries except vicars general.

Coadjutor and auxiliary bishops may be invited by the
president, with the consent of the majority of those who take
part in the body with deliberative vote.

25. Unless the law provides otherwise for certain places

in view of particular circumstances, the convocation of the

body must be made:

a
)

by the respective president, in the case of bodies

already lawfully established;

b) in other cases, by the archbishop or bishop who
has the right of precedence in accordance with the norm of
law.

26. The president, with the consent of the Fathers, de-
termines the order to be followed in the examination of ques-

tions, and opens, transfers, prorogues, and closes the confer-

ence.

27. A deliberative vote belongs to all who are named in
n. 24, including coadjutor and auxiliary bishops, unless a dif-

ferent provision is expressly made in the document of convo-
cation.

28. For the lawful enactment of decrees, two-thirds of

the votes, taken by secret ballot, are required.

29. The acts of the competent territorial authority which

are to be transmitted to the Apostolic See for approval, that is,

confirmation, should contain the following:

a) the names of those who took part in the session;
b) a report of matters taken up;

c) the result of voting for the individual decrees.

Two copies of these acts, signed by the president and the
secretary of the body, and with the proper seal, shall be sent

to the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution

on the Sacred Liturgy.

30. When, however, it is a question of acts in which

14



there are decrees concerning the use and extent of the vernac-

ular language to be admitted in the liturgy, besides what is

enumerated in n. 29, in accordance with Art. 36, 3, of the

Constitution and the apostolic letter Sacram Liturgiam, n. IX,

the acts should also contain:

a) an indication of the individual parts of the lit-

urgy which are to be said in the vernacular;

b
)

two copies of the liturgical texts prepared in the

vernacular, one copy of which will be returned to the body of

bishops;

c
)

a brief report concerning the criteria upon which

the work of translation was based.

31. The decrees of the territorial authority which need

the approval, that is, the confirmation of the Apostolic See,

shall be promulgated and put into practice only when they
have been approved, that is, confirmed by the Apostolic See.

VII. THE OFFICE OF INDIVIDUALS IN THE LITURGY
(Const., Art. 28)

32. The parts which pertain to the schola or to the
people, if they are sung or recited by them, are not said

privately by the celebrant.

33. Likewise the celebrant does not say privately the

lessons which are recited or chanted by a competent minister

or by a server.

VIII. AVOIDING DISTINCTIONS OF PERSONS (Const.,
Art. 32)

34. The individual bishops or, if it seems opportune, the
regional or national conference of bishops shall see to it that

the prescription of the holy Council which forbids any favor

to private persons or any favor on the basis of social distinc-

tions, either in ceremonies or in external pomp, shall be put
into effect in their territories.

35. In addition, pastors of souls shall work with pru-

15



dence and charity so that, in the liturgical services and, more

especially, in the celebration of Mass and the administration

of sacraments and sacramentals, the equality of the faithful

shall be evident even outwardly and that, further, all appear-

ance of money-seeking be avoided.

IX. SIMPLIFICATION OF CERTAIN RITES (Const.,
Art. 34)

36. In order that the liturgical services may exhibit a
noble simplicity in harmony with the mentality of our times:

a) The salutations to the choir on the part of the
celebrant and the ministers shall be made only at the begin-
ning and at the end of the sacred rite;

b) The incensation of the clergy, apart from those
who are bishops, shall be done once for each part of the choir,
with three swings of the thurible;

c) The incensation of the altar shall be done only
at that altar where the liturgical service is being celebrated;

d) The kisses of the hand and of objects which are
being presented or received shall be omitted.

X. SACRED CELEBRATIONS OF THE WORD OF GOD
(Const., Art. 35, 4)

37. In places which lack a priest, if no priest is available

for the celebration of Mass on Sundays and feast days of pre-

cept, the sacred celebration of the word of God shall be
fostered, according to the judgment of the local Ordinary,

with a deacon or even a layman, authorized for this purpose,

presiding over the service.

The pattern of this celebration shall be almost the same
as the liturgy of the word in Mass: ordinarily the Epistle and

Gospel of the Mass of the day shall be read in the vernacular,

with chants, especially from the psalms, before the lessons and

between them; the one who presides shall give a homily, if he
is a deacon; if not a deacon, he shall read a homily indicated

16



by the bishop or the pastor; or “prayer of the faithful” and

with the Lords Prayer.

38. It is also fitting that sacred celebrations of the word

of God, which are to be encouraged on the vigils of the more

solemn feasts, on some weekdays in Advent and Lent, and on

Sundays and feast days, should take into account the pattern

of the liturgy of the word in Mass, although there may be only
a single reading.

In the arrangement of several readings, however, in order

that the history of salvation may be clearly discerned, the
reading from the Old Testament shall generally precede the

reading from the New Testament, and the reading of the Holy
Gospel shall appear as the climax.

39. In order that the celebrations may be held with dig-
nity and piety, it shall be the task of the liturgical commissions

in the individual dioceses to indicate and provide appropriate

aids.

XI. VERNACULAR TRANSLATIONS OF LITURGICAL
TEXTS (Const., Art. 36. 3)

40. In vernacular translations of liturgical texts prepared

in accordance with the norm of Art. 36, 3, it is fitting that the
following be observed:

a) The vernacular translations of liturgical texts
shall be made from the Latin liturgical text. The version of
the biblical pericopes, however, should conform to the Latin

liturgical text, but with the possibility of revising this transla-

tion, if deemed advisable in accordance with the original text
or some other clearer translation.

b) The preparation of the translation of liturgical
texts should be entrusted, as a special concern, to the liturgical

commission mentioned in Art. 44 of the Constitution and in

n.44 of this Instruction. So far as possible the institute of pas-

toral liturgy should assist the commission. But if there is no

such commission, the supervision of the translation should be

17



entrusted to two or three bishops, who will choose persons, in-
cluding lay persons, expert in Scripture, liturgy, biblical lan-

guages, Latin, the vernacular language, and music. For the

perfect translation of the liturgical text into the language of

the people must necessarily and properly fulfill many con-
ditions at the same time.

c) Whenever it is called for, there should be con-
sultation concerning translations with the bishops of neighbor-

ing regions which have the same language.

d) In nations which have several languages, dif-

ferent vernacular translations should be prepared for these

languages and submitted to the special examination of the

bishops concerned.

e) Consideration should be given to the dignity of

the books from which the liturgical text is read to the people

in the vernacular language, so that the dignity of the book it-

self may move the faithful to a greater reverence for the word
of God and for sacred things.

41. In liturgical services which are celebrated in some

places with people of another language, it is lawful with the

consent of the local Ordinary to use the vernacular language

known to these faithful, especially in the case of groups of im-
migrants, or of members of a personal parish, or similar in-

stances. This shall be done in accordance with the extent of

the use of the vernacular and its translation as legitimately

approved by a competent territorial ecclesiastical authority of

the respective language.

42. New melodies for parts to be sung in the vernacular
language by the celebrant and the ministers must be approved

by the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority.

43. Particular liturgical books which were lawfully ap-

proved before the promulgation of the Constitution on the

Sacred Liturgy and indults conceded up to that day retain
their force, unless they are opposed to the Constitution, un-

18



til other provision is made in the liturgical restoration, as it
will be completed in whole or in part.

XII. THE LITURGICAL COMMISSION OF THE BODY
OF BISHOPS (Const., Art. 44)

44. The liturgical commission, which it is desirable that
the territorial authority establish, shall be chosen from among
the bishops themselves, as far as possible. At least it shall con-

sist of one or other bishop, with the addition of some priests

expert in liturgical and pastoral matters, who are designated
by name for this office.

It is desirable that the members of this Commission be
convened several times a year with the consultors of the Com-
mission that they may deal with questions together.

45. The territorial authority may, as circumstances sug-
gest, entrust the following to this Commission:

a) studies and experiments to be promoted in ac-

cordance with the norm of Art. 40, 1 and 2 of the Constitution;
b) practical initiatives to be undertaken for the en-

tire territory, by which the liturgy and the application of the

Constitution on the Liturgy may be encouraged;
c) studies and the preparation of aids which be-

come necessary in virtue of the decrees of the plenary body
of bishops;

d
)

the office of regulating the pastoral-liturgical ac-

tion in the entire nation, supervising the application of the

decrees of the plenary body, and reporting concerning all these
matters to the body;

e) consultations to be undertaken frequently and
common initiatives to be promoted with associations in the
same region which are concerned with scripture, catechetics,
pastoral care, music, and sacred art, and with every kind of re-
ligious association of the laity.

46. The members of the institute of pastoral liturgy as
well as individual experts who are called to assist the liturgical

19



commission shall also freely offer their assistance to individual

bishops for the more effective promotion of pastoral-liturgical

action in their territory.

XIII. THE DIOCESAN LITURGICAL COMMISSION
(Const., Art. 45)

47. The following duties pertain to the diocesan liturgi-
cal commission, under the direction of the bishop:

a) to be informed about the state of pastoral-litur-

gical action in the diocese;

b) to implement carefully what is proposed in li-

turgical matters by the competent authority, and to obtain in-

formation concerning studies and programs which are taking

place elsewhere in this field;

c) to suggest and promote practical undertakings

of every kind which may help to promote the liturgy, especial-
ly those which will assist priests already working in the Lord’s

vineyard;

d) in individual cases, or also for the entire diocese,

to suggest opportune and progressive steps in the work of pas-

toral liturgy; to indicate and also to call upon suitable persons

who on occasion may help priests in this matter; and to pro-
pose suitable materials and aids;

e) to see to it that programs in the diocese to pro-

mote the liturgy progress with a harmonious spirit and with

the assistance of other associations, in a way similar to that
indicated for the commission established within the body of

bishops (n.45e).

20



CHAPTER II

The Most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist

I. THE RITE OF THE MASS (Const., Art. 50)

48. Until the entire rite of the Mass is restored, the fol-

lowing shall be observed.

a) The parts of the Proper which are sung or re-

cited by the schola or by the people are not said privately by

the celebrant.

b
)

The celebrant may sing or recite the parts of the
Ordinary together with the people or the schola.

c) In the prayers to be said at the foot of the altar

at the beginning of Mass, psalm 42 is omitted. All the prayers

at the foot of the altar are omitted whenever another liturgi-

cal service immediately precedes the Mass.

d) In solemn Masses the paten is not held by the

subdeacon, but is left upon the altar.

e) The secret prayer or prayer over the offerings

shall be chanted in sung Masses, and recited in a loud voice

in other Masses.

f) The doxology at the end of the Canon, from the
words “Per ipsum” up to “Per omnia saecula saeculorum. R.

Amen,” inclusively, shall be chanted or recited in a loud

voice. Throughout the entire doxology the celebrant lifts up

the chalice and the host for the little elevation, omitting the

signs of the cross, and at the end genuflects only after the

response “Amen” is given by the people.

g) In low Masses the Lord’s Prayer may be recited
by the people together with the celebrant in the vernacular

language; in sung Masses it may be chanted by the people to-
gether with the celebrant in the Latin language and, if the ter-

21



ritorial ecclesiastical authority shall so decree, also in the ver-

nacular language, to melodies approved by the same author-
ity.

h) The embolism after the Lord's Prayer shall be
chanted or recited in a loud voice.

i) In distributing Holy Communion the formula,
“Corpus Christi,” shall be used. The celebrant, as he says these
words, lifts up the Host a little above the ciborium to show it
to the communicant, who responds: “Amen,” and afterwards
is communicated by the celebrant. The sign of the cross with
the host is omitted.

j )
The Last Gospel is omitted; the Leonine prayers

are suppressed.

k) It is lawful to celebrate a sung Mass with a

deacon only.

l) It is lawful for bishops, if necessary, to celebrate

a sung Mass according to the form used by priests.

II. LESSONS AND CHANTS BETWEEN THE LESSONS
(Const., Art. 51

)

49. In Masses celebrated with the people, the lessons,

Epistle, and Gospel shall be read or chanted facing the people:

a) in solemn Mass, at the ambo or at the edge of
the sanctuary area;

b) in high Mass or in low Mass, if they are read or

chanted by the celebrant, either at the altar or at the ambo or
at the edge of the sanctuary area, as may be more convenient;
if they are read or chanted by another, at the ambo or at the
edge of the sanctuary area.

50. In Masses celebrated with the people which are not

solemn Masses, the lessons and Epistle, together with the in-

tervenient chants, may be read by a qualified lector or server,
while the celebrant sits and listens. The Gospel, however, may
be read by a deacon or by a second priest, who says “Munda

22



cor meum,” seeks the blessing, and at the end presents the

book of Gospels for the celebrant to kiss.

51. In sung Masses, the lessons, Epistle, and Gospel, if

they are proclaimed in the vernacular, may be recited without
chant.

52. In reciting or chanting the lessons, Epistle, the chants

which occur after them, and the Gospel, the order is as fol-

lows :

a) In solemn Mass, the celebrant sits and listens to

the lessons and Epistle as well as to the intervenient chants.

After the Epistle has been chanted or recited, the subdeacon

goes to the celebrant and is blessed by him. Then the cele-
brant, seated, places incense in the thurible and blesses it.

While the Alleluia and its verse are being chanted or toward

the end of other chants following the Epistle, the celebrant

rises to bless the deacon. At his seat he listens to the Gospel,

kisses the book of Gospels, and, after the homily, intones the

Creed, if the latter is to be said. At the end of the Creed he

returns to the altar with the ministers, unless he is to direct

the prayer of the faithful.

b) In high or low Masses in which the lessons,

Epistle, the chants following them, and the Gospel are sung

or recited by the minister mentioned in n. 50, the celebrant

acts in the manner described above.

c) In high or low Masses in which the Gospel is

chanted or read by the celebrant, while the Alleluia and its
verse are being chanted or recited or toward the end of other

chants following the Epistle, he goes to the lowest step of the

altar and there bows deeply while saying “Munda cor meum.”
Then he goes to the ambo or to the edge of the sanctuary area
to chant or recite the Gospel.

d) But if, in a high Mass or low Mass, all the les-
sons are chanted or recited by the celebrant at the ambo or at
the edge of the sanctuary area, then, standing in the same

23



place, he also recites the chants occurring after the lessons

and the Epistle, if this is necessary; he says “Munda cor meum”
turned toward the altar.

III. THE HOMILY (Const., Art. 52)
53. There shall be a homily on Sundays and feast days

of precept in all Masses which are celebrated with the people

present. No exception may be made for conventual, sung, or
pontifical Masses.

On other days, a homily is recommended, especially on
some of the weekdays of Advent and Lent, as well as in other

circumstances when the people come to church in larger num-
bers.

54. By a homily from the sacred text is understood an
explanation either of some aspect of the readings from Holy

Scripture or of another text from the Ordinary or Proper of

the Mass of the day, taking into account the mystery which is

being celebrated and the particular needs of the hearers.

55. If plans of preaching within Mass are proposed for

certain periods, the intimate connection with at least the prin-

cipal seasons and feasts of the liturgical year (cf. Const., Art.

102-104), that is, with the mystery of the Redemption, is to be

harmoniously preserved: for the homily is part of the liturgy

of the day.

IV. THE COMMON PRAYER OR PRAYER OF THE
FAITHFUL (Const., Art. 53)

56. In places where the custom is already in force of

having the common prayer or prayer of the faithful, for the in-
terim it shall take place before the offertory, after the word
“Oremus,” according to the formulas now in use in the indi-
vidual regions. The celebrant shall direct the prayer either
from his seat, from the altar, from the ambo, or from the edge

of the sanctuary area.

The intentions or invocations may be chanted by a dea-

24



con or a cantor or other qualified server, reserving to the cele-

brant the words of introduction and the concluding prayer.

This latter will ordinarily be: Deus, refugium nostrum et vir-

tus” (cf. Missale Romanum, Orationes diversae, n. 20) or an-
other prayer which corresponds better to a particular need.

In places where the common prayer or prayer of the faith-
ful is not in use, the competent territorial authority may de-
cree that it be done in the manner indicated above, with for-

mulas approved for the interim by that authority.

V. THE PLACE WHICH MAY BE GRANTED TO THE
VERNACULAR LANGUAGE IN THE MASS (Const.,
Art. 54)

57. In Masses, whether sung or low, which are cele-

brated with the people, the competent territorial ecclesiastical

authority may admit the vernacular language, the decrees
having been approved, that is, confirmed, by the Apostolic

See:

a
)

especially in proclaiming the lessons, Epistle,

and Gospel, as well as in the common prayer of the faithful;
b

)
according to the circumstances of the place, also

in the chants of the Ordinary of the Mass, namely, Kyrie,

Gloria, Creed, Sanctus-Benedictus, and Agnus Dei, and in

the antiphons at the Introit, offertory, and communion, as well

as in the chants that occur between the lessons.

c) Moreover, in the acclamations, salutations, and

dialogue formulas, together with the formulas at the com-

munion of the faithful: “Ecce Agnus Dei,” “Domine, non sum
dignus,” and “Corpus Christi,” and in the “Lords Prayer” with

its introduction and embolism.

Missals for liturgical use, however, should contain the

Latin text in addition to the vernacular translation.

58. It pertains solely to the Apostolic See to concede the

vernacular language in other parts of the Mass which are

chanted or recited by the celebrant alone.

25



59. Pastors of souls shall carefully see to it that the faith-

ful, more particularly the members of lay religious associa-
tions, also know how to say or to sing together in the Latin
language those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which per-

tains to them, especially with the use of simpler melodies.

VI. THE FACULTY OF REPEATING COMMUNION ON
THE SAME DAY (Const., Art. 55)

60. The faithful who communicate in the Mass of the
Easter Vigil or in the midnight Mass of Christmas may also
receive Communion again in the second Mass of Easter and
in one of the Masses which is celebrated on Christmas in the

daytime.

26



CHAPTER III

The Other Sacraments
and the Sacramentals

I. THE PLACE WHICH MAY BE GRANTED TO THE
VERNACULAR LANGUAGE (Const. Art. 63)
61. The competent territorial authority may admit the

vernacular language, the decrees having been approved, that

is, confirmed, by the Apostolic See;

a) in the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance,

Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony, including the essen-

tial forms, as well as in the distribution of Holy Communion;

b) in the conferral of orders: in the allocutions at

the beginning of each ordination or consecration, as well as

in the examination of the bishop-elect in episcopal consecra-

tion, and in the instructions;

c) in the sacramentals;

d) in funeral rites.

Wherever a more extended use of the vernacular lan-

guage appears desirable, the regulation of Art. 40 of the Con-

stitution is to be observed.

II. THINGS TO BE SUPPRESSED IN THE RITE FOR
SUPPLYING OMISSIONS IN BAPTISM (Const., Art. 69)

62. In the rite for supplying omissions in the case of a

baptized infant, which is given in the Roman Ritual, tit. II,
cap. 5, those exorcisms shall be omitted which are found un-

der n. 6 (Exi ab eo), 10 (Exorcizo te, immunde spiritus—Ergo
maledicte diabole

)
and 15 ( Exorcizo te, omnis spiritus )

.

63. In the rite for supplying omissions in the case of a

baptized adult, which is given in the Roman Ritual, tit. II,

27



cap 6, those exorcisms shall be omitted which are found under

n. 5 (Exi ab eo) 15, (Ergo, maledicte diabole), 17 (Audi

maledicte satana), 19 (Exorcizo te, Ergo, maledicte diabole),

21 (Ergo, maledicte diabole), 23 (Ergo, maledicte diabole),

25 (Exorcizo te—Ergo maledicte diabole), 31 (Nec te lateat),

and 35 (Exi, immunde spiritus).

III. CONFIRMATION (Const., Art. 71)
64. If Confirmation is conferred within Mass, it is fitting

that the Mass be celebrated by the bishop himself. In this case

he confers Confirmation while vested in the Mass vestments.

The Mass within which Confirmation is conferred may be
celebrated as a votive Mass of class II, of the Holy Spirit.

65. After the Gospel and homily, before the reception

of Confirmation, it is praiseworthy that those to be confirmed

should renew the promises of baptism, according to the rite

legitimately in use in the individual regions, unless this has

already taken place before Mass.

66. If the Mass is celebrated by another, it is fitting that

the bishop assist at the Mass wearing the vestments prescribed

for the conferral of Confirmation, which may be either the
color of the Mass or white. The bishop himself shall give the
homily, and the celebrant shall resume the Mass only after

Confirmation.

67. Confirmation is conferred according to the rite pre-

scribed in the Roman Pontifical, but at the words “In nomine
Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti” which follow the formula

Signo Te, a single sign of the cross shall be made.

IV. CONTINUOUS RITE FOR ANOINTING OF THE
SICK AND VIATICUM (Const., Art. 74)

68. When Anointing of the Sick and Viaticum are ad-
ministered at the same time, unless a continuous rite is already

found in a particular ritual, the rite shall be arranged as fol-

lows: after the sprinkling with holy water and the prayers of

28



entrance which are given in the rite of anointing, the priest

shall hear the confession of the sick person, if necessary, then

administer anointing, and finally give Viaticum, omitting the

sprinkling with its formulas and the Confiteor and absolution.

If, however, the apostolic blessing with a plenary indul-

gence at the hour of death is to be imparted on the same oc-

casion, this shall be given immediately before anointing, omit-

ting the sprinkling with its formulas and the Confiteor and

absolution.

V. IMPOSITION OF HANDS IN EPISCOPAL CONSE-
CRATION (Const., Art . 76)

69. All the bishops present at an episcopal consecration

may impose hands; they vest in choir dress. The words “Accipe
Spiritum Sanctum,” however, shall be said only by the bish-

op consecrator and by the two co-consecrating bishops.

VI. RITE OF MATRIMONY (Const., Art. 78)
70. Matrimony, unless a just cause excuses from the cele-

bration of Mass, shall be celebrated within Mass after the

Gospel and the homily. The latter is never omitted.

71. Whenever Matrimony is celebrated within Mass, the
votive Mass for the spouses shall always be celebrated or a

commemoration made of it, according to the rubrics, even dur-
ing the prohibited season.

72. As far as possible, the pastor or his delegate who as-
sists at the marriage shall celebrate the Mass; but if another

priest assists, the celebrant shall not continue the Mass until

the rite of Matrimony has been completed.
The priest who assists at the marriage but does not cele-

brate the Mass shall be vested in surplice and white stole and,
according to the local custom, also in cope, and shall give the
homily. The blessing after the Lord’s Prayer and before the
Placeat, however, is always to be imparted by the priest who
celebrates the Mass.

29



73. The nuptial blessing shall always be imparted with-

in the Mass, even in the prohibited season and even if one or

both of the spouses is entering a second marriage.

74. In the celebration of Matrimony without Mass:

a) At the beginning of the rite, according to the

apostolic letter Sacram Liturgiam, n. V, a brief admonition

shall be given. This is not a homily, but only a simple instruc-

tion for the celebration of marriage (cf. Const. Art. 35, 3).

There shall be, however, a sermon or homily drawn from the

sacred text (cf. Const., Art. 52), after the reading of the Epis-

tle and Gospel from the Mass for the spouses, so that the order

of the whole rite shall be: brief admonition, reading of the

Epistle and Gospel in the vernacular language, homily, cele-

bration of marriage, nuptial blessing.

b) For the reading of the Epistle and Gospel from

the Mass for the spouses, in the absence of a vernacular text

approved by the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority,

it is lawful for the interim to use a text approved by the local

Ordinary.

c) A chant may be sung between the Epistle and
the Gospel. Likewise the prayer of the faithful is highly rec-

ommended after the completion of the rite of matrimony, ac-
cording to a formula approved by the local Ordinary, in which

petitions for the spouses are also to be included.

d) At the end of the rite the blessing shall always

be imparted to the spouses, even in the prohibited season and

even if one or both of the spouses is entering a second mar-

riage, according to the formula which is found in the Roman
Ritual, tit. VIII, cap. Ill, unless another blessing is given in

particular rituals.

75. If marriage is celebrated during the prohibited sea-

son, the pastor shall advise the spouses to take into account

the special character of this liturgical season.

30



VI. SACRAMENTALS (Const., Art . 79)

76. In the blessing of candles on Feb. 2 and in the bless-

ing of the ashes at the beginning of Lent, a single prayer from

among the prayers which are found in the Roman Missal for
these blessings may be said.

77. Blessings which have been reserved up to the pres-

ent time and which are contained in the Roman Ritual, tit. IX,
cap. 9, 10, 11, may be given by any priest, with the exception
of the blessing of a bell for the use of a blessed church or ora-

tory (cap. 9, n.ll), the blessing of the first stone for the build-

ing of a new church (cap. 9, n.16), the blessing of a new
church or public oratory (cap. 9, n.17), the blessing of an anti-

mension ( cap. 9, n.21 ), the blessing of a new cemetery (cap. 9,
n.22), the papal blessings (cap. 10, n.1-3), and the blessing

and erection of the stations of the Way of the Cross (cap. 11,
n.l) inasmuch as this is reserved to the bishop.

31





CHAPTER IV

The Divine Office

I. THE CELEBRATION OF THE DIVINE OFFICE BY
THOSE BOUND TO THE OBLIGATION OF CHOIR
(Const., Art. 95)

78. Until the restoration of the divine office is com-

pleted:

a) Communities of canons, monks, nuns, and other

regulars or Religious bound to choir by law or constitutions

must celebrate the entire divine office daily in choir, in addi-

tion to the conventual Mass.

Individual members of these communities who are
in major orders or are solemnly professed, except for the con-

versi, even if they are lawfully dispensed from choir, must re-

cite individually each day the canonical hours which they do

not celebrate in choir.

b
)

Cathedral and collegiate chapters must celebrate

those parts of the office in choir which are imposed upon them

by the common law or by particular law, in addition to the
conventual Mass.

Individual members of these chapters, in addition to
the canonical hours which all clerics in major orders are

bound to celebrate (cf. Const., Art. 96 and 89), must recite in-

dividually those hours which are celebrated by their chapter.

c) In mission lands, however, while preserving the

religious or capitular choral discipline established by law, re-
ligious or members of chapters who are lawfully absent from
choir by reason of the pastoral ministry may enjoy the conces-
sion made in the apostolic letter Sacram Liturgiam, n.VI, with
the permission of the local Ordinary, but not of the vicar gen-

eral or delegate.

33



II. FACULTY OF DISPENSING FROM OR COMMUTING
THE DIVINE OFFICE (Const., Art. 97)

79. The faculty conceded to all Ordinaries of dispensing
their subjects, in individual cases and for a just cause, from the

obligation of the divine office in whole or in part or of com-

muting it, is also extended to major superiors of non-exempt

clerical religious institutes and of societies of clerics who live
the common life without vows.

III. SHORT OFFICES (Const., Art. 98)

80. No short offices is considered as drawn up after the
pattern of the divine office which does not consist of psalms,

lessons, hymns, and prayers and which does not take into some

account the hours of the day and the respective liturgical

seasons.

81. In order to celebrate the public prayer of the

Church, for the interim those short offices may be used which
have been lawfully approved up to the present time, provided

that they have been drawn up according to the requirements

enumerated in no. 80.

New short offices, however, must be approved by the
Apostolic See in order to be used for the public prayer of the

Church.

82. The translation of the text of a short office into the
vernacular language for use as the public prayer of the Church

must be approved by the competent territorial ecclesiastical

authority, the decrees having been approved, that is, con-

firmed by the Apostolic See.

83. The competent authority for conceding the vernacu-

lar in the recitation of a short office to those who are bound
to this office by the constitutions, or for dispensing from or

commuting the obligation of recitation, is the Ordinary or the

major superior of the respective subject.

34



IV. DIVINE OFFICE OR SHORT OFFICES CELE-
BRATED IN COMMON BY MEMBERS OF INSTI-
TUTES DEDICATED TO ACQUIRING PERFEC-
TION (Const., Art. 99)

84. The obligation of celebrating in common the divine
office or a short office or parts of either imposed by their con-

stitutions on members of institutes dedicated to acquiring per-

fection does not take away the faculty of omitting the hour of
prime and of selecting from among the other minor hours one
that best suits the time of day (cf. apostolic letter Sacram Li-

turgiam, n. VI)

V. THE LANGUAGE TO BE USED IN THE RECITA-
TION OF THE DIVINE OFFICE (Const., Art. 101)
85. In the celebration of the divine office in choir, cler-

ics are bound to retain the Latin language.

86. The faculty granted to the Ordinary of conceding the
use of the vernacular language, in individual cases, to those

clerics for whom the use of Latin constitutes a grave impedi-
ment to their praying the office properly, is extended also to

the major superiors of nonexempt clerical religious institutes

and of societies of clerics who live the common life without
vows.

87. The grave obstacle which is required for the grant
of the preceding concession must be weighed by taking into
consideration the physical, moral, intellectual and spiritual
condition of the petitioner.

Nevertheless, this faculty, which is granted solely to make
the recitation of the divine office easier and more devout, is
in no way intended to detract from the obligation incumbent
upon priests of the Latin rite to learn the Latin language.

88. The vernacular translation of the divine office ac-
cording to a rite other than the Roman rite shall be prepared
and approved by the respective Ordinaries of that language,

35



employing for elements common to both rites those transla-
tions approved by the territorial authority, and then proposed

for the confirmation of the Apostolic See.

89. Breviaries to be used by clerics to whom the use of
the vernacular language in the celebration of the divine of-

fice is conceded in accordance with Art. 101 no. 1, of the Con-

stitution, should contain the Latin text in addition to the ver-

nacular translation.

36



CHAPTER V

The Proper Construction of Churches

and Altars in Order to Facilitate the

Active Participation of the Faithful

I. THE ARRANGEMENT OF CHURCHES
90. In the new construction, repair, or adaptation of

churches great care shall be taken that they are suitable for

the celebration of divine services according to the true nature

of the services and for the active participation of the faithful

(cf. Const., Art. 124).

II. THE MAIN ALTAR

91. It is proper that the main altar be constructed sepa-

rately from the wall, so that one may go around it with ease
and so that celebration may take place facing the people; it
shall occupy a place in the sacred building which is truly cen-

tral, so that the attention of the whole congregation of the

faithful is spontaneously turned to it.

In choosing the materials for the construction or orna-

mentation of the altar, the prescriptions of law shall be ob-

served.

Moreover, the presbyterium or sanctuary area around the

altar shall be of sufficient size that the sacred rites may be
conveniently celebrated.

III. THE SEAT OF THE CELEBRANT AND MINISTERS
92. The seat for the celebrant and ministers, according

to the structure of individual churches, shall be so placed that
it may be easily seen by the faithful and that the celebrant

37



may truly appear to preside over the entire community of the
faithful.

Nevertheless, if the seat is placed behind the altar, the

form of a throne is to be avoided, as this belongs to the bishop

alone.

IV. MINOR ALTARS

93. The minor altars shall be few in number. In fact, to
the extent permitted by the structure of the building, it is

highly suitable that they be placed in chapels in some way
separated from the principal part of the church.

V. ORNAMENTATION OF ALTARS

94. The cross and candlesticks, which are required on
the altar for the individual liturgical services, may also, in
accordance with the judgment of the local Ordinary, be placed

next to it.

VI. THE RESERVATION OF THE MOST HOLY EU-
CHARIST

95. The most holy Eucharist shall be reserved in a solid

and inviolable tabernacle placed in the middle of the main

altar or of a minor, but truly outstanding, altar, or, according

to lawful customs and in particular cases to be approved by

the local Ordinary, also in some other noble and properly

adorned part of the church.

It is lawful to celebrate Mass facing the people even if

there is a tabernacle, small but suitable, on the altar.

VII. THE AMBO
96. It is fitting that there be an ambo for the proclama-

tion of the sacred readings, so arranged that the ministers can

be easily seen and heard by the faithful.

VIII. THE PLACE OF THE SCHOLA AND ORGAN
97. The places for the schola and the organ shall be so

38



arranged that it will be clearly evident that the singers and

the organist form a part of the united community of the faith-

ful and so that they may fulfill their liturgical function more
suitably.

IX. THE PLACES OF THE FAITHFUL

98. The places for the faithful shall be arranged with

particular care, so that they may participate in the sacred
celebrations visually and with proper spirit. It is desirable that

ordinary benches or seats be provided for their use. Neverthe-

less, the custom of reserving seats for certain private persons

is to be reprobated, in accordance with Art. 32 of the Consti-

tution.

Care shall also be taken that the faithful may not only see
the celebrant and the other ministers but may also hear them
easily, with the use of present-day technical means.

X. BAPTISTRY

99. In the construction and ornamentation of the baptis-

try, care shall be taken that the dignity of the sacrament of

Baptism is clearly apparent and that the place is suitable for

the community celebration of the sacrament (cf. Const., Art.

27).

« o $

The present Instruction, prepared at the command of
Pope Paul VI, by the Commission for the Implementation of

the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, was presented to His

Holiness by James Cardinal Lercaro, president of the Com-
mission.

The Holy Father, after having given due consideration to
this Instruction, with the help of the abovementioned Com-
mission and of this Sacred Congregation of Rites, in an audi-

ence granted to Arcadio Maria Cardinal Larraona, prefect of

the Congregation, on Sept. 26, 1964, approved it in a special

way as a whole and in its parts, confirmed it by his authority,

39



and ordered it to be published, and to be diligently observed

by all concerned, beginning the First Sunday of Lent, March

7, 1965.

All things to the contrary not withstanding.

Rome, Sept. 26, 1964.

James Cardinal Lercaro

Archbishop of Bologna

President of the Commission for the Implementation

of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

Arcadio M. Cardinal Larraona

Prefect of S.R.C.

Henry Dante

Titular Archbishop of Carpasia

Secretary of S.R.C.

40