Second Vatican Council · Ecumenical Council Constitution

Sacrosanctum Concilium

Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

Second Vatican Council; solemnly promulgated by St. Paul VI1963-12-04Current

Overview

Sets out theological principles for the sacred liturgy and directs its renewal, addressing the Eucharist, sacraments, the Divine Office, the liturgical year, music, and sacred art.

Why This Document Matters

It is the foundational conciliar text for understanding the Church's modern liturgical renewal and the faithful's participation in worship.

Historical Context

The first constitution promulgated by Vatican II, emerging from the twentieth-century liturgical movement and the council's pastoral aims.

Authority and Status

Genre
Ecumenical Council Constitution
Authority class
Ecumenical council constitution
Juridical force
Doctrinal, pastoral, liturgical, and disciplinary
Current status
Current
Promulgated
1963-12-04

A constitution of an ecumenical council, solemnly promulgated by the pope. Later liturgical law and authoritative implementation govern concrete discipline.

Key Points

Sacred LiturgyEucharistSacramentsDivine Office

Major Themes

Sacred LiturgyEucharistSacramentsDivine OfficeLiturgical YearSacred Music

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Sacrosanctum Concilium

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab