“The first apostolate and the primary source of all holiness
is the Sacred Liturgy of the Church”
(Pope St. Pius X)

 

 

     since liturgical celebration is at the heart of all pastoral activity we pay special attention and care to the Sacred Liturgy, which gives grace to man and glory to God. Pope Saint Pius X affirms that “the first apostolate and primary source of all holiness is the sacred liturgy of the church.” “For the liturgy, ‛through which the work of our redemption is accomplished,’ most of all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist” (Sacrosanctum Concilium §2), “the source and summit of the whole Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, §11). Today we strive to bring a greater understanding and love of the Sacred Liturgy.

     Our love of the Sacred Liturgy and our desire to give divine worship its true and worthy place is expressed in the solemnity due every liturgical celebration. With the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the principal and central act of the Sacred Liturgy, and the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours), particularly at Lauds (Morning Prayer) and sung Vespers (Evening Prayer), we sanctify each morning and each evening with our prayer. We begin our day when we pray Matins (Office of Readings) and pause at midday with Sext (Midday Prayer). We conclude our day with Compline (Night Prayer) and the beautiful Latin hymns to our Blessed Mother. We invite the faithful to take an active part in the sublime mysteries of the altar as well as their participation in the Divine Office.

 

    It is here that we draw, as from an unquenchable source, our fervor, our fidelity, our joy and the strength needed for our pastoral activity.

 

 

 

“For the liturgy,
‘through which the work of our redemption is accomplished,’
most of all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist.”
(Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, §2)