Liturgical Documents and Articles
Papal Documents
Promulgation of reformed and codified Roman Missal
Pope St. Pius V, 1570
Promulgation of reformed Roman Missal
Pope Clement VIII, 1604
Promulgation of revised Roman Missal
Pope Urban VIII, 1634
On the Reform of the Roman Breviary
Pope St. Pius X, 1911
Towards a Liturgical Reform
Announcing a general reform and outlining some details
Pope St. Pius X, 1913
The Holiness of Divine Worship
On Gregorian Chant and Sacred Music
Pope Pius XI, 1928
On the Sacred Liturgy
Pope Pius XII, 1947
Reforms of St. Pius X
Notes on the New Rubrics and the Use of the New Psalter (1911)
Some extracts that explain the principal points and motivation of the 1911 Breviary Reform (Divino Afflatu).
Discussions on Continuing Reforms
Reflections on Breviary Reform
A article (1953) by Dom Salmon, OSB about future revisions to the Breviary including a distinction of public and private versions.
Holy Week Reform of Pius XII
Maxima Redemptionis Nostrae Mysteria
To Restore the Liturgical Order of Holy Week―1955 SRC General Decree.
Extracts from The Rites of Holy Week Manual
This 1956 ceremonial explains the reasons, objectives, and pastoral solicitude for the Holy Week Reform.
Paschal Candle: History, Symbolism and Restoration
Two vintage articles (1933 & 1951) that explain the history and symbolism of the Paschal Candle, and its restoration in the reformed Easter Vigil.
The History and Spirit of Holy Week
A comprehensive article (1957) by Fr. John Miller that explores the Holy Week rites and their subsequent reform.
Preparing for Holy Week
An excellent book from 1957 by Fr. Clifford Howell, SJ about the significance of the Holy Week Rites. Provides many useful tips for priests.
The Masses of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil
Compiled by Fr. Godfrey Diekmann, OSB, this 1957 missalette has been provided as as study guide to review the prayers and rituals of the Holy Week Reform (45mb)
1960 New Code of Rubrics for Roman Missal and Breviary
Rubricarum Instructum
Apostolic Letter of Pope John XXIII promulgating the new code of rubrics.
Commentary on the New Code of Rubrics
An explanation of the new rubrics and their rationale by Fr. Joseph Loew, SRC consultor.
Rubrics of the Roman Breviary and Missal (1960 Code)
St. Joseph's Name in the Canon (1962)
For the Insertion of the Name of St. Joseph in the Prayers of the Mass
An excellent study of 1961 on the efforts since 1815 to achieve the goal. Includes an account of Pope John XXIII's act in November 1962.