Current Position: Earth Sector, U.S.A. Outpost
Mission Status: 1963 - study of introduction of the use of vernacular languages in Roman Catholic Mass
On December 4th, 1963, the Vatican promulgated Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy—one of the most influential documents of the Second Vatican Council.Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963)
• Issued by Pope Paul VI, this document was the first major constitution of Vatican II.
• It called for active participation of the laity in the liturgy, a dramatic shift from previous practices.
• It introduced the use of vernacular languages in Mass instead of Latin, making worship more accessible.
• It emphasized the centrality of the Eucharist and reformed rites to reflect theological clarity and pastoral effectiveness.
The American Bishops approved the use of English in the Catholic Mass on April 2, 1964.
This decision was part of the broader reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which aimed to make the liturgy more accessible and meaningful to the faithful around the world. Here's how the transition unfolded:
Key Milestones in the Shift to English Mass
• April 2, 1964: The U.S. Bishops approved the initial English translation of the Mass.
• May 1, 1964: The Vatican confirmed this translation, officially allowing its use.
• August 24, 1964: Cardinal Joseph Ritter celebrated the first authorized Mass in English at Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, marking a historic moment.
• November 29, 1964: On the first Sunday of Advent, the English Mass was formally introduced across the United States. This marked the beginning of widespread adoption, though full implementation took several years
Christmas 1962 stamps
Nativity Scene in India
by Marcus Topno
— VPSrobotNativity Scene in India
by Marcus Topno
To see the VPS slideshow on Vatican Christmas stamps clink on the following link:
https://vaticanstamps.org/stamplist/vsd30.php?topic=Christmas