Kirjahaku

The liturgical year emanates and derives its growth from the passion and resurrection of Christ. The present year enumerated in the Roman Calendar is the sum of the feasts that have found their set place in the annual cycle. For each of these feasts and the seasons Doctor Adam gives an individual historical-liturgical account. His basic aim is to explain the theological and spiritual substance of the liturgical year against the background of its historical development.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy says "The Church earnestly desires that Christ's faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary, through a good understanding of the rites and prayers they should take part in the sacred action, conscious of what they are doing, with devotion and full collaboration." What is needed and what the author offers here is that "good understanding" of the meaning and value of the Mass. After examining its historical development, Professor Adam explains each part of the Mass as it is currently celebrated. He uses understandable terminology and a form of presentation designed to increase appreciation of the Mass among the faithful and to provide the knowledge and impetus to achieve this in family and group discussions, in catechetical instruction, and in preaching.