Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Ch. 1. The Idea of a Consilium (October-December 1963) -- Ch. 2. The Consilium Is Born (January-March 1964) -- Ch. 3. The Consilium's First Period of Activity, Prospects and Difficulties (March-June 1964) -- Ch. 4. The Instruction Inter Oecumenici, a Decisive Turning Point (July-October 1964) -- Ch. 5. The Consilium Engages the Reform (October 1964-March 1965) -- Ch. 6. Activity of the Study Groups -- Ch. 7. The Aftermath of the Initial Reform (1965-1980) -- Editors' Epilogue -- Document I. Motu Proprio Primitiae et adnexa Instructio -- Document II. The "Memorandum" of the French Liturgical Commission -- Document III. Promemoria on the Interpretation of the Liturgical Constitution -- Document IV. Principles and Norms for the Confirmation of the Acts of the Episcopal Conferences -- Document V. Formula of Promulgation of Deliberations of a General Character -- Document VI. Difficulties Between the Consilium and the Sacred Congregation for Rites on the Draft of the Instruction.

"In these pages Archbishop Piero Marini reveals the vision, courage, and faith of the pastors and scholars who struggled to implement the Second Vatican Council's teachings on the liturgy. While in some circles it is fashionable to propose "a reform of the liturgical reform," any such revision needs to take into account the history of the consilium - the organism established by the Holy See to carry out the initial liturgical changes. This story of the work of the consilium offers a fascinating glimpse into the struggles and tensions that accompanied the realization of the council's dream to promote the "full, conscious and active participation" of the faithful in Roman Catholic worship."--BOOK JACKET.