The Spirit of the Liturgy at 25

2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Joseph Ratzinger’s landmark book, The Spirit of the Liturgy. To celebrate this significant work and its impact on the life of the Church, the Society for Catholic Liturgy will dedicate its 2025 annual conference to this topic and the liturgical legacy of Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI.

In preparation for the conference, we are hosting a year long series of talks based on the 12 chapters of the book. This will serve as a refresher for those who know the work well, and a helpful introduction for those seeking to read it for the first time. 

All times are 4:00PM Eastern.  By registering, you will receive timely reminders and also a Zoom link the day of the lecture.  We are excited for you to join us.

Register Here

Liturgy and Life: The Place of the Liturgy in Reality

3 October 2024

Timothy O’Malley, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame

Liturgy - Cosmos - History

7 November 2024

Roland Millare, S.T.D., St John Paul II Foundation, Houston, TX

From Old Testament to New: The Fundamental Form of the Christian Liturgy—Its Determination by Biblical Faith

5 December 2024

Rev. Uwe Michael Lang, C.O., D.Phil., St Mary’s University, Twickenham

The Relationship of the Liturgy to Time and Space: Some Preliminary Questions

9 January 2025

Alexis Kutarna, Ph.D., Cathedral High School, Houston, TX

Sacred Places - The Significance of the Church Building

6 February 2025

Christopher Carstens, Diocese of La Crosse, WI

The Altar and the Direction of Liturgical Prayer

6 March 2025

Rev. Ryan Ruiz, S.T.D., Mount St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology, Cincinnati, OH

The Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament

3 April 2025

Rev. James Bradley, J.C.D., The Catholic University of America, Washington DC

Sacred Time

1 May 2025

Rev. Michael Earthman, S.T.D., Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Houston, TX

The Question of Images

5 June 2025

Elias Haslwanter, Ph.D., University of Vienna

Music and Liturgy

10 July 2025

Susan Treacy, Ph.D., Ave Maria University (Emerita)

Rite

7 August 2025

Rev. David Friel, S.T.D., St Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, PA

The Body and the Liturgy

4 September 2025

Fr. Michael Wurtz, C.S.C., S.L.D., King’s College, PA