The Recovering Choir Director

In paragraphs 7 and 8 of Mediator Dei Pope Pius XII in his role as primary regulator of the Latin Rite [Sacrosanctum Concilium 22] not only recognizes that the Liturgical Movement did not take root in many places, but also calls out (in general terms) the actions and ideologies of certain proponents of the movement that stray from the initial spirit and purpose of its 19th-century roots — actions whose effects are felt and rationalized even today.

7. But while We derive no little satisfaction from the wholesome results of the movement just described, duty obliges Us to give serious attention to this “revival” as it is advocated in some quarters, and to take proper steps to preserve it at the outset from excess or outright perversion.

8. Indeed, though we are sorely grieved to note, on the one hand, that there are places where the spirit, understanding or practice of the sacred liturgy is defective, or all but inexistent, We observe with considerable anxiety and some misgiving, that elsewhere certain enthusiasts, over-eager in their search for novelty, are straying beyond the path of sound doctrine and prudence. Not seldom, in fact, they interlard their plans and hopes for a revival of the sacred liturgy with principles which compromise this holiest of causes in theory or practice, and sometimes even taint it with errors touching Catholic faith and ascetical doctrine.