A Challenging Reform

Marini offers unique insights into an important institution in the life of the post-Vatican II Church.The Jurist
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!
[Offers] a very readable and clear story of the Consilium's activities.Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
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
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
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
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
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