A traditional liturgical calendar observing the pre-Vatican II form of the Roman Rite is often referred to as a 1962 calendar. This calendar is associated with communities that celebrate the Tridentine Mass, the liturgical form promulgated by Pope St. Pius V in 1570 and later revised by Pope John XXIII in 1962. An example of its distinct features includes the observance of older feast days and variations in the liturgical year’s structure compared to the post-Vatican II calendar.
For adherents, this calendar represents a connection to historical liturgical practice and a perceived continuity with the Church’s traditions. It provides a framework for their spiritual life, guiding prayer, devotional practices, and the celebration of sacred mysteries throughout the year. The calendar’s historical context is rooted in centuries of liturgical development, reflecting the theological and spiritual heritage of the Roman Catholic Church.
