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Liturgy and Personality
The principal point of the book you are about to read is that the liturgy of the Church decisively shapes a healthy personality. Hildebrand insists throughout the text that the primary purpose of the liturgy is not to form the personality but to give proper praise to God, the supreme value. Nevertheless, precisely by ordering human beings to thoroughly to God, the liturgy does in fact, as a derivative effect, contribute to their flourishing. -Bishop Robert Barron From the Foreword
"Dietrich von Hildebrand spent a life rich in wonder, and he invites us here to marvel with him as he considers the ways that liturgy shapes us as persons. Liturgy is our key to understanding God, ourselves, and the whole world. It uniquely prepares us to approach life with a workable hierarchy of values — true to creation because it is true to the Creator. Liturgy makes us fully human, reconciled with the past and with eternity. Liturgy leads us to our true selves. Here is truth and wisdom, profound and practical." – Scott Hahn"
This is a life-changing book. It shows, in totally convincing ways, the incomparable power of the Catholic liturgy to form our personalities into those of saints—which is the whole meaning of life—and with a minimum of struggle and a maximum of joy on our part to boot. Reading this book inevitably elicits the 'value response' von Hildebrand speaks of more than almost any other, viz. gratitude—gratitude as a thinking as well as a feeling. (Thinking and thanking are as interpenetratingly close to each other as Adam and Eve.) As the liturgy thanks and praises God and von Hildebrand thanks and praises the liturgy, we thank and praise von Hildebrand for this tremendous gift." – Peter Kreeft
"Dietrich von Hildebrand spent a life rich in wonder, and he invites us here to marvel with him as he considers the ways that liturgy shapes us as persons. Liturgy is our key to understanding God, ourselves, and the whole world. It uniquely prepares us to approach life with a workable hierarchy of values — true to creation because it is true to the Creator. Liturgy makes us fully human, reconciled with the past and with eternity. Liturgy leads us to our true selves. Here is truth and wisdom, profound and practical." – Scott Hahn"
This is a life-changing book. It shows, in totally convincing ways, the incomparable power of the Catholic liturgy to form our personalities into those of saints—which is the whole meaning of life—and with a minimum of struggle and a maximum of joy on our part to boot. Reading this book inevitably elicits the 'value response' von Hildebrand speaks of more than almost any other, viz. gratitude—gratitude as a thinking as well as a feeling. (Thinking and thanking are as interpenetratingly close to each other as Adam and Eve.) As the liturgy thanks and praises God and von Hildebrand thanks and praises the liturgy, we thank and praise von Hildebrand for this tremendous gift." – Peter Kreeft
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1933
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690 people want to read
About the author
Dietrich von Hildebrand
76 books210 followersDietrich von Hildebrand was a German Catholic philosopher and theologian who was called (informally) by Pope Pius XII "the 20th Century Doctor of the Church."
Pope John Paul II greatly admired the work of von Hildebrand, remarking once to von Hildebrand's widow, Alice von Hildebrand, "Your husband is one of the great ethicists of the twentieth century." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has a particular admiration and regard for Dietrich von Hildebrand, whom he already knew as a young priest in Munich. In fact, as young Fr. Ratzinger, he even served as an assistant pastor in the church of St. Georg in Munich, which von Hildebrand frequented in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also in St. Georg that Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand were married.
The degree of Pope Benedict's esteem is expressed in one of his statements about von Hildebrand, "When the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time." Von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the changes in the church brought by the Second Vatican Council. He especially resented the new liturgy. Of it he said "Truly, if one of the devils in C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been entrusted with the ruin of the liturgy, he could not have done it better."
Von Hildebrand died in New Rochelle, New York, in 1977.
Pope John Paul II greatly admired the work of von Hildebrand, remarking once to von Hildebrand's widow, Alice von Hildebrand, "Your husband is one of the great ethicists of the twentieth century." Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has a particular admiration and regard for Dietrich von Hildebrand, whom he already knew as a young priest in Munich. In fact, as young Fr. Ratzinger, he even served as an assistant pastor in the church of St. Georg in Munich, which von Hildebrand frequented in the 1950s and 1960s. It was also in St. Georg that Dietrich and Alice von Hildebrand were married.
The degree of Pope Benedict's esteem is expressed in one of his statements about von Hildebrand, "When the intellectual history of the Catholic Church in the twentieth century is written, the name of Dietrich von Hildebrand will be most prominent among the figures of our time." Von Hildebrand was a vocal critic of the changes in the church brought by the Second Vatican Council. He especially resented the new liturgy. Of it he said "Truly, if one of the devils in C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters had been entrusted with the ruin of the liturgy, he could not have done it better."
Von Hildebrand died in New Rochelle, New York, in 1977.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 31, 2021
For a more in-depth consideration of this book, read my published review here.
I cannot underestimate how profoundly this work of theology has affected me. I have yet to circle back to copy out the most valuable passages, but I wanted to put some thoughts down before my first impressions left me.
Dietrich von Hildebrand's works previously unavailable in English are slowly being released by the Hildebrand Project, and I am awestruck again and again by the precision and sophistication of his piercing insight. For instance, Hildebrand specifies what he means by "personality" early in the book, and in so doing explains the concept of natural law in terms that, on the one hand, most anyone could appreciate, and which, on the other, is not susceptible of the kind of misunderstandings that plague this concept when it's referenced in contemporary discourse.
The main thesis of the work is that the Catholic liturgy--any communal prayer regulated by the law of the Church--has a transformative effect on its participants precisely to the extent that they forget about its power to transform them and devote the entirety of their attention and effort to glorifying God. Its themes circle around justice towards God through our prayer and obedient service of Him, and the humility that allows us to forget about ourselves and what benefits redound to us on account of that service. In so many words, Hildebrand has named what I find as a Catholic to be wanting in the way we go about celebrating the liturgy, and that makes a true liturgical celebration so thrilling and inexhaustibly attractive when conducted with this clarity of intention.
The later chapters go into detail about the characteristics that the liturgy has when it is preoccupied not with the subjective satisfaction of the participants but drawing them into the adoration of what is objectively and infinitely valuable: none other than the Holy Trinity itself.
Bishop Barron's introduction is truly excellent at drawing out the themes of a work of theology that deserves to be read far more widely than it is. Do yourself a favor and sit down to study this work faithfully, and you will receive a blessing and a renewal that will bring new energy to your participation in the public prayer of the Church.
I cannot underestimate how profoundly this work of theology has affected me. I have yet to circle back to copy out the most valuable passages, but I wanted to put some thoughts down before my first impressions left me.
Dietrich von Hildebrand's works previously unavailable in English are slowly being released by the Hildebrand Project, and I am awestruck again and again by the precision and sophistication of his piercing insight. For instance, Hildebrand specifies what he means by "personality" early in the book, and in so doing explains the concept of natural law in terms that, on the one hand, most anyone could appreciate, and which, on the other, is not susceptible of the kind of misunderstandings that plague this concept when it's referenced in contemporary discourse.
The main thesis of the work is that the Catholic liturgy--any communal prayer regulated by the law of the Church--has a transformative effect on its participants precisely to the extent that they forget about its power to transform them and devote the entirety of their attention and effort to glorifying God. Its themes circle around justice towards God through our prayer and obedient service of Him, and the humility that allows us to forget about ourselves and what benefits redound to us on account of that service. In so many words, Hildebrand has named what I find as a Catholic to be wanting in the way we go about celebrating the liturgy, and that makes a true liturgical celebration so thrilling and inexhaustibly attractive when conducted with this clarity of intention.
The later chapters go into detail about the characteristics that the liturgy has when it is preoccupied not with the subjective satisfaction of the participants but drawing them into the adoration of what is objectively and infinitely valuable: none other than the Holy Trinity itself.
Bishop Barron's introduction is truly excellent at drawing out the themes of a work of theology that deserves to be read far more widely than it is. Do yourself a favor and sit down to study this work faithfully, and you will receive a blessing and a renewal that will bring new energy to your participation in the public prayer of the Church.
November 21, 2016
Dietrich von Hildebrand was a Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher, who Pope Pius XII called the "20th Century Doctor of the Church." He was also greatly admired by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. In order to bring his writings to a wider audience, Hildebrand Project was launched. Today, I would like to share my thoughts with you on von Hildebrand's work Liturgy and Personality.
Liturgy and Personality was originally published in German in 1933. It was later republished in English in 1960. Now, over 80 years later, we are presented once again with this work. The book begins with a foreword by Bishop Robert Barron. In this section, he gives us a brief glimpse at von Hildbrand's personality and tells us that the main point of this book is that "the liturgy of the Church decisively shapes a healthy personality." Von Hildebrand also firmly teaches that the liturgy is designed to give praise to God. The book then contains the original introduction which tells the aim of this book, and ten chapters, which contains liturgical related topics like spirit of communion; spirit of reverence; and spirit of awakenedness.
Reading through this book, I stopped and paused multiple times. I was presented with ideas that I had never even thought of considering before. For example, the word "we" dominates the word "I" in the Liturgy, because the Liturgy is not a personal prayer but a "communion-prayer." Another stop and think moments was when von Hildebrand said, "The eternal union with God is also a theme of the Liturgy." We see this in different feasts and seasons, yes, but we primarily see it in Holy Communion, for this is "in which the God-man comes to us in an ineffable manner and unites Himself to us in a way which is far beyond all the possibilities of natural union."
This book, like most von Hildebrand titles, are rich in their intelligence and depth. At times, you have to stop and re-read a line several times just so that it will sink in. The foreword by Bishop Barron helped to set the stage for this important work, but the afterword, by his widow Alice von Hildebrand, helped to further clarify what you just read. In this section, she gives us more examples and definitions of his term personality, which is needed for the modern reader, because he doesn't use the words like we would. This book is a good read for the coming Advent season. If you take a little bit each day, chew on it, and digest it, you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of not only the Mass, but also the Liturgy of the Hours and the Sacraments. It will also make you more holy and reverent when receiving these great gifts, and not be so casual with them ever again. Highly recommended.
Liturgy and Personality was originally published in German in 1933. It was later republished in English in 1960. Now, over 80 years later, we are presented once again with this work. The book begins with a foreword by Bishop Robert Barron. In this section, he gives us a brief glimpse at von Hildbrand's personality and tells us that the main point of this book is that "the liturgy of the Church decisively shapes a healthy personality." Von Hildebrand also firmly teaches that the liturgy is designed to give praise to God. The book then contains the original introduction which tells the aim of this book, and ten chapters, which contains liturgical related topics like spirit of communion; spirit of reverence; and spirit of awakenedness.
Reading through this book, I stopped and paused multiple times. I was presented with ideas that I had never even thought of considering before. For example, the word "we" dominates the word "I" in the Liturgy, because the Liturgy is not a personal prayer but a "communion-prayer." Another stop and think moments was when von Hildebrand said, "The eternal union with God is also a theme of the Liturgy." We see this in different feasts and seasons, yes, but we primarily see it in Holy Communion, for this is "in which the God-man comes to us in an ineffable manner and unites Himself to us in a way which is far beyond all the possibilities of natural union."
This book, like most von Hildebrand titles, are rich in their intelligence and depth. At times, you have to stop and re-read a line several times just so that it will sink in. The foreword by Bishop Barron helped to set the stage for this important work, but the afterword, by his widow Alice von Hildebrand, helped to further clarify what you just read. In this section, she gives us more examples and definitions of his term personality, which is needed for the modern reader, because he doesn't use the words like we would. This book is a good read for the coming Advent season. If you take a little bit each day, chew on it, and digest it, you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of not only the Mass, but also the Liturgy of the Hours and the Sacraments. It will also make you more holy and reverent when receiving these great gifts, and not be so casual with them ever again. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2025
Two things arose for me out of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s brief work.
1. That the point of the liturgy is not to make us better people, but rather to direct our attention and rightfully order our affections towards Christ. Then in doing so, as a derivative effect we become more like him.
2. That it is the continual, persistent and daily shaping of the liturgy that allows us not to be “upward glancers” but rather wholly awake.
I did feel at times that Hildebrand could be overly prescriptive/legalistic IE that the rightfully ordered man needs to follow these specific demands to better know Christ. However, I do think that Christ’s working on and in us is often shaped by our willingness to let him in. How can we be in relationship if we do not come to the table?
All in all a wonderful read.
1. That the point of the liturgy is not to make us better people, but rather to direct our attention and rightfully order our affections towards Christ. Then in doing so, as a derivative effect we become more like him.
2. That it is the continual, persistent and daily shaping of the liturgy that allows us not to be “upward glancers” but rather wholly awake.
I did feel at times that Hildebrand could be overly prescriptive/legalistic IE that the rightfully ordered man needs to follow these specific demands to better know Christ. However, I do think that Christ’s working on and in us is often shaped by our willingness to let him in. How can we be in relationship if we do not come to the table?
All in all a wonderful read.
April 10, 2018
If you’ve ever wondered how the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours can and should affect your life, this is your opportunity. This book takes some time and focus, but if you put the work in, you will come out with a whole new perspective.
Especially key for me in this read were the concepts of response to value in chapter six, and discretio in chapter eight. The response to value is critical in order for us to understand priorities and the hierarchy of values. Discretio, with its emphasis on the time it takes to grow in maturity, and the understanding of the cycle of life is very practical.
If you’re ready to stretch and grow in your spiritual life, this is for you.
Highly recommended!
Especially key for me in this read were the concepts of response to value in chapter six, and discretio in chapter eight. The response to value is critical in order for us to understand priorities and the hierarchy of values. Discretio, with its emphasis on the time it takes to grow in maturity, and the understanding of the cycle of life is very practical.
If you’re ready to stretch and grow in your spiritual life, this is for you.
Highly recommended!
February 18, 2017
Absolutely incredible. Dietrich's writing style is more decadent and heavy than his wife's so the reading took a little to get into and comprehend, but he is truly a genius.
This is a book that needs to be bought,highlighted and read repeatedly.
This is a book that needs to be bought,highlighted and read repeatedly.
July 5, 2022
One that I will frequently go back to meditate with and use in future teachings on the Liturgy.
January 3, 2018
"The lack of reverence is an essential deficit of our modern age. On the one hand, the feeling of reverence is undermined by the increasing technicalization and instrumentalization of the world wherein everything is considered only as a means for the attainment of practical aims, and being is not allowed to be taken seriously. On the other hand, the attitude of self-glorification is increased in man by progress in the knowledge of secondary causes and by the conquest of the physical world. This makes us forget that, "He has made us and we have not made ourselves." p. 38
July 17, 2018
I found myself at the end of every chapter mouthing, “Wow.”
I want to first highlight what was mentioned by Alice von Hildebrand in her forward: this book and its relevance should not be reserved only to the religious sphere but should extend to the nonreligious sphere of man’s existence. In my opinion, Liturgy and Personality is at the top of other character-growth books that we often find nowadays in our contemporary product sections of self-help and –growth. In my opinion, Hildebrand’s profundity of man’s nature and personality is amongst the unmatched. Every chapter focuses on a particular spirit in the Liturgy (the spirit of communion, of reverence, of value-response, etc.). He begins each chapter by explaining that particular spirit’s importance in the personality of man, then explaining how it pervades the Liturgy and how the Liturgy forms it in man. For instance, in the chapter, “The Spirit of Awakedness in the Liturgy”, Hildebrand begins by describing and explaining the man who is spiritually and inwardly awake in contrast to a man who is only outwardly awake. Being truly awake here does not refer to possessing mental dexterity, to the mental state of being alert and quick- and practical-minded. Although these are gifts to be grateful for, a man who is “awake” in this sense can still lack the spirit of awakedness and hence a true personality: he can still be asleep, unaware of, unresponsive, and unreceptive to the world of values, the truth of life and of man and his existence. What person would like to consider himself “asleep” and “inert” rather than “awake” in this life? What an encouragement to go forth and become truly awake in our living this gift of life! Hildebrand in each chapter calls readers forth to deeper self-reflection and examination of both conscience and consciousness.
Now as for the fruit I’ve reaped from reading Liturgy and Personality. I read a chapter per day, attempting to bring every accumulated learned knowledge into my praying the Liturgy. The new threads of knowledge forming and connecting allowed me to become more all-embracing of the Liturgy and its truth as I prayed the Mass and the Divine Office. This book—a fruit of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s own prayer life—has truly become fruit, nourishing my own prayer life and strengthening my desire to commit ever more deeply to the Liturgy. So much will remain with me from reading this book, but what will always remain is our primary calling to praise and glorify God in all that we do, especially in praying the Liturgy. I had been aware of my perhaps main motive in praying the Divine Office and the Mass—to reap the fruit and grace of prayer, which I know I am in need of to remain faithful to God. Although this is a good motive, it is not and should not be the primary purpose for praying the Liturgy, as Hildebrand mentioned. The primary purpose of praying the Liturgy is the praise and glorify God! Then everything else, the formation of our personality, the fruits of prayer, etc. will fall into their proper place. So much more that I have learned about myself and the Liturgy that I will not mention but will leave for our readers to discover.
St. Irenaeus: "The glory of God is man fully alive."
I want to first highlight what was mentioned by Alice von Hildebrand in her forward: this book and its relevance should not be reserved only to the religious sphere but should extend to the nonreligious sphere of man’s existence. In my opinion, Liturgy and Personality is at the top of other character-growth books that we often find nowadays in our contemporary product sections of self-help and –growth. In my opinion, Hildebrand’s profundity of man’s nature and personality is amongst the unmatched. Every chapter focuses on a particular spirit in the Liturgy (the spirit of communion, of reverence, of value-response, etc.). He begins each chapter by explaining that particular spirit’s importance in the personality of man, then explaining how it pervades the Liturgy and how the Liturgy forms it in man. For instance, in the chapter, “The Spirit of Awakedness in the Liturgy”, Hildebrand begins by describing and explaining the man who is spiritually and inwardly awake in contrast to a man who is only outwardly awake. Being truly awake here does not refer to possessing mental dexterity, to the mental state of being alert and quick- and practical-minded. Although these are gifts to be grateful for, a man who is “awake” in this sense can still lack the spirit of awakedness and hence a true personality: he can still be asleep, unaware of, unresponsive, and unreceptive to the world of values, the truth of life and of man and his existence. What person would like to consider himself “asleep” and “inert” rather than “awake” in this life? What an encouragement to go forth and become truly awake in our living this gift of life! Hildebrand in each chapter calls readers forth to deeper self-reflection and examination of both conscience and consciousness.
Now as for the fruit I’ve reaped from reading Liturgy and Personality. I read a chapter per day, attempting to bring every accumulated learned knowledge into my praying the Liturgy. The new threads of knowledge forming and connecting allowed me to become more all-embracing of the Liturgy and its truth as I prayed the Mass and the Divine Office. This book—a fruit of Dietrich von Hildebrand’s own prayer life—has truly become fruit, nourishing my own prayer life and strengthening my desire to commit ever more deeply to the Liturgy. So much will remain with me from reading this book, but what will always remain is our primary calling to praise and glorify God in all that we do, especially in praying the Liturgy. I had been aware of my perhaps main motive in praying the Divine Office and the Mass—to reap the fruit and grace of prayer, which I know I am in need of to remain faithful to God. Although this is a good motive, it is not and should not be the primary purpose for praying the Liturgy, as Hildebrand mentioned. The primary purpose of praying the Liturgy is the praise and glorify God! Then everything else, the formation of our personality, the fruits of prayer, etc. will fall into their proper place. So much more that I have learned about myself and the Liturgy that I will not mention but will leave for our readers to discover.
St. Irenaeus: "The glory of God is man fully alive."
March 23, 2020
This is my last library book for the foreseeable future. The good news is, this book would have made its way into my trunk of books to be stranded on a desert island with. Dietrich von Hildebrand is one of the greatest moral philosophers of the last few centuries. This is the way to view life; this is the way to live life; this is why I am a Catholic. This faith explains our situation. We are neither nothing nor gods, the mistaken beliefs of our time, but fallen creatures loved by God who are called to worship Him. Our liturgy exists to worship God, and while we gain so much by participating in the liturgy, we err by making our gains the primary purpose. Our sins are forgiven in confession, but what is that if it isn't employed to glorify God? We receive graces in the Eucharist, but of what use are they if we don't glorify God?
And if we are to glorify God, we must change. We cannot glorify God and despise our neighbor He died for out of love. We cannot glorify God and be unwilling to sacrifice for Him. We cannot glorify God and insist on our own place of honor, of wealth, of comfort. We cannot even go to Heaven for our own sake, for what would Heaven be without God? These effects are wonderful indeed, but if we were to worship God for the effects, we would be in the very grave danger of putting our own selves at the center of our world, ironically negating the very thing we strive for. We must love God for no other reason than because we love Him.
To love anything for any reason other than the good of the beloved would not be love at all.
I may post my notes later, but I wish I could do justice to this book in my review. I can't. It is such a beautiful way to live, and I could only wish to live it better to glorify Him who has given me so much despite how foolish I had been with some of His gifts and downright evil with others. Our liturgy, especially the more traditional forms, are the highest expressions of this life, where everything is put into its true perspective in a myriad of different forms but all for the same purpose:
Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
And if we are to glorify God, we must change. We cannot glorify God and despise our neighbor He died for out of love. We cannot glorify God and be unwilling to sacrifice for Him. We cannot glorify God and insist on our own place of honor, of wealth, of comfort. We cannot even go to Heaven for our own sake, for what would Heaven be without God? These effects are wonderful indeed, but if we were to worship God for the effects, we would be in the very grave danger of putting our own selves at the center of our world, ironically negating the very thing we strive for. We must love God for no other reason than because we love Him.
To love anything for any reason other than the good of the beloved would not be love at all.
I may post my notes later, but I wish I could do justice to this book in my review. I can't. It is such a beautiful way to live, and I could only wish to live it better to glorify Him who has given me so much despite how foolish I had been with some of His gifts and downright evil with others. Our liturgy, especially the more traditional forms, are the highest expressions of this life, where everything is put into its true perspective in a myriad of different forms but all for the same purpose:
Gloria in excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu: in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
December 24, 2018
Timeless Truth
This is a Catholic literary classic. I read it in an effort to get more out of Mass, to learn how to better understand and participate in the divine liturgy, and grow spiritually. It's a fantastic book. I'm going to re-read it because it's a deep well... It's not a book one reads quickly or superficially. It requires reflection. I'm also excited to read more by this author.
This is a Catholic literary classic. I read it in an effort to get more out of Mass, to learn how to better understand and participate in the divine liturgy, and grow spiritually. It's a fantastic book. I'm going to re-read it because it's a deep well... It's not a book one reads quickly or superficially. It requires reflection. I'm also excited to read more by this author.
January 24, 2023
I prefer books about liturgy that allow you to experience the power of liturgy. While there is value to a philosophical analysis of liturgy, there is an extent to which it tries to formulaically over-explain an essential mystery of God with God's people. There are plenty of nuggets of wisdom and delight, but this book is probably more useful for people who are already in love with and entrenched in the liturgy rather than for people who are curious about the liturgy.
November 13, 2024
A good overview of the liturgy's place in the world and in forming the individual (as a secondary effect), with some great quotes to ponder. One wonders what he would make of the world today, and the liturgy's place in it.
Later chapters were the best, as he devotes more time to analyzing the liturgy itself.
As a side note, I have never read the word "value" used so much - it almost became distracting.
Later chapters were the best, as he devotes more time to analyzing the liturgy itself.
As a side note, I have never read the word "value" used so much - it almost became distracting.
May 18, 2025
The fruit of an intensely humble, brilliant mind. Dietrich von Hildebrand demonstrates how the liturgical prayer cycle of the Church, approached with reverence and wonder, heals the soul and protects us from intellectual fashion. As one of the few thinkers who saw the dangers of Hitler before most of his countrymen, he's earned the right to say so. This book opens the heart to the "sweetness of Christ" with rich perception and light.
February 1, 2025
Beautiful and Inspiring
I have only attended two Latin masses in my twenty years after converting to Catholicism. After reading this book I desire to immerse myself in the liturgy and experience of the mass this book reveals. What a deep reverence and love Hildebrand expresses in this book.
I have only attended two Latin masses in my twenty years after converting to Catholicism. After reading this book I desire to immerse myself in the liturgy and experience of the mass this book reveals. What a deep reverence and love Hildebrand expresses in this book.
November 17, 2022
Valuable book especially as it pertains to the Traditional Latin Mass. If you are not familiar with the TLM (I am not, being Protestant), then it can be difficult to follow though the principles Dietrich von Hildebrand explicates can be translated into other liturgies and forms of worship.
January 27, 2019
A classic on Liturgy!
November 16, 2020
Changes your approach to the liturgy. The liturgy forms you - as a person, as a Christian. We must conform to the liturgy, not the liturgy to us.
June 24, 2021
Excellent book by Dietrich VonHildebrand. Gives a great explanation of his system of value ethics and understanding of personality and how they are formed by the liturgy.
January 4, 2025
I don't think I finished this, but von Hildebrand is 10/10.
October 29, 2025
Hildebrand explains how the liturgy transforms our personalities into saints. An amazing book.
December 17, 2025
Inspiring book which open you up to the liturgy.
July 22, 2022
The great quality of Dietrich von Hildebrand as a philosopher is his uncanny ability to succinctly condense and apply the many ethical, metaphysical, and theological aspects of his thought to a specific topic which he decides to write. Looking at the title, one may be expecting a rather trite discussion on the nature of the Liturgy and ecclesiastical theology. However the main focus of Hildebrand’s in discussing the nature of the liturgy is precisely how it transforms the human person. Through the liturgy, we are able to glance upwards towards Christ the God-man and taste a hint of the transcendent beauty of heaven. Here on Earth, that takes the form of having reverence towards values and properly responding to them. The liturgy, in its intelligent organization, lifts the veil from eyes and allows to see the nature of Truth. By combining ideas from his Ethics and Transformation in Christ, Hildebrand has made a beautiful case for the significance of the liturgy in our life for both acknowledging values and responding properly to the dominion of God.
December 29, 2017
"The egocentric type does not adore God because the glory of God brings him to his knees, because God is infinitely glorious, inconceivably holy and great, nor because he understands that this response is due to the King of Eternal Glory. He adores God because he wants to become more perfect, to acquire merits and gain graces. In short, somehow the egocentric man transforms his giving himself up to value into a means for his own perfection; he is not interested in this perfection because of the glorification of God but because it is his own perfection."
April 27, 2023
"One of the deepest and most essential marks of man as a spiritual person is his continuity. This means not only the faculty of remembering the past, of looking back on what we have formerly known and experienced, but also the fact of knowing oneself to be one through the stream of time and of moments filled with the most varied contents. It means that man possesses not only one stratum of experience, the actual here and now which embraces limited content, but that he can retain a deeper superactual stratum the knowledge of facts and values and the response to them."
June 26, 2025
“The liturgy aims to imprint the face of Christ upon our very soul with words that are His own.”
April 7, 2013
philosophy, phenomenology, liturgy, catholicism
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