Revising the Rite of Adult Initiation: The Structural Reform of the Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum, Ordo Catechumenatus per Gradus Dispositus, 1964-1972

The purpose of this dissertation is to chronicle the history of the revision of the Ordo catechumenatus per gradus dispositus (OCGD) by Coetus XXII, as mandated at the Second Vatican Council. The method of research is largely archival, and treats the various schemae prepared for the Consilium ad exsequendam contitutionem de sacra liturgia (Consilium) as well as documents pertaining to their composition: drafts, minutes of meetings, correspondence, and reports of experimentation. Chapter One establishes the understanding of adult initiation prior to the Second Vatican Council, thus putting the revisions into historical context. Chapter Two examines the process by which a basic ritual structure for the OCGD began to be formed, and Chapter Three describes the clarification of that structure as well as its presentation to the Consilium. Chapter Four investigates the process by which the approved structure became a rite through the selection and addition of ritual texts. Chapter Five presents the completion of the CoetusÌøåÀå_ original work and the emergence of a rite suitable for experimentation. Chapter Six details the investigation of the experimental rite to the Consilium and to the Congregation for the Rites, and the emendation of the OCGD prior to its presentation to Paul VI and his approval for experimentation. Chapter Seven surveys the responses from experimentation and the resulting revisions to the OCGD. Chapter Eight chronicles the final corrections and alterations to the rite and its promulgation. Finally, Chapter Nine offers an interpretation of the shape of the CoetusÌøåÀå_ work, relating it to the prevailing understanding of sacramental theology, typified by Edward Schillibeeckx. The history of the revision of the OCGD clarifies that the rite is properly celebrated when it becomes localized, for this was the clear intent of the Coetus and of the Consilium.