Handbook for Liturgical Studies, Volume IV: Sacraments and Sacramentals

Volume IV: Sacraments and Sacramentals contributes to a deeper understanding of the nature and purpose of sacraments and sacramentals and leads the reader to a more critical appreciation of Vatican II decrees and what the postconciliar reform has implemented. This fourth volume opens with a review of the basic liturgical notion of sacraments and sacramentals and then examines them according to their earliest known form going back to the first four centuries. After the fourth century the treatment is divided between the East and the West. Where opportune, as in the case of confirmation, questions are raised about pastoral implications of the postconciliarreform.Articles and their contributors are Christian Initiation During the First Four Centuries," by Adrien Nocent, OSB; "Christian Initiation in the East," by Stefano Parenti; "Christian Initiation in the Roman Church from the Fifth Century Until Vatican II," by Adrien Nocent, OSB; "Reconciliation in the First Four Centuries," by Anton