A Challenging Reform - by Piero Marini (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In these pages Archbishop Piero Marini reveals the Vision, courage, and faith of the pastors and scholars who struggled to implement the Second Vatican Council's teachings on the liturgy. While in some circles it is fashionable to propose a reform of the liturgical reform, any such revision needs to take into account the history of the consilium 'the organism established by the Holy See to carry out the initial liturgical changes. This story of the work of the consilium offers a fascinating glimpse into the struggles and tensions that accompanied the realization of the council's dream to promote the full, conscious and active participation" of the faithful in Roman Catholic worship.

Piero Marini was ordained on June 27, 1965. He became the personal secretary for Archbishop Annibale Bugnini in 1975 and in 1987 was appointed the head of the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, a position he currently holds. In 1998, Marini was appointed Titular Bishop of Martirano, Italy, and was ordained bishop the following month. In 2003, Marini was appointed Titular Archbishop of Martirano. He also served as the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations from 1987-2007.

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Review Quotes

Archbishop Marini has offered a concise history of the Consilium and its contribution to the realization of the liturgical renewal in the Church. The author's collaborative style is exhibited in the fact that he engaged three liturgists to assist in the editing of his work: Fr. Mark Francis, CSV; Dr. John Page, former Executive Secretary of ICEL; and Keith Pecklers, SJ. Fortunately, Archbishop Marini's 2007 appointment as President of the Pontifical Commission for International Eucharistic Congresses offered him time to record a significant slice of contemporary liturgical history of which he was a part--with both its tedious tensions and awesome achievements. Verbum SVD

Archbishop Marini's book is a very valuable service to the historians of Vatican II and its implementation, and places on record the immensely influential work done by those entrusted with renewing the Church's worship.The Furrow

Marini has done a charitable service for the Church by keeping fresh the vision of the Council Fathers. It is a helpful work at the onset of the twenty-first century as the Church continues visioning and realizing this challenging reform of liturgy.Pastoral Liturgy

Marini's book is a reminder that the Second Vatican Council was and continues to be a defining moment for the Church--something many younger Catholics have never experienced or older Catholics have already forgotten, because of the overly controlling and authoritarian style of ecclesiastical office holders.Catholic Books Review

There is much to praise here. The prehistory of the council is told succinctly. Clear paragraphs offering 'conclusions' close each chapter. An appendix presents primary documentation translated into English. Two indices help make quick references back to the main text. It's a book lover's book. Editors Mark R. Francis, John R. Page, and Keith F. Pecklers deserve our thanks for bringing this work to an English-reading audience.Pastoral Music

[Offers] a very readable and clear story of the Consilium's activities.Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses

In this wonderful book the reader is encouraged to rediscover the vision, courage, and faith of those who struggled in the past as the story of liturgical reform is shaped for the future.Celebrate!

Marini offers unique insights into an important institution in the life of the post-Vatican II Church.The Jurist