Michael A. Mathis, C.S.C. (1885-1960)
Liturgical Pioneer
Introduction
Father
Michael Mathis, C.S.C., founded the liturgical studies program at the University
of Notre Dame in 1947. This web site includes a short biographical sketch authored
by Sr. Genevieve Glen, based on the original research of Rev. Robert Kennedy.
His work was later published by Pastoral Press in the series American
Essays in Liturgy.
Mathis' biography is divided into six pages:
- Page 1: Marked with the Sign of Faith
- Page 2: Called as Missioner and Liturgist
- Page 3: Called as Teacher, Preacher, Celebrant
- Page 4: Creating a Liturgy Program at Notre Dame
- Page 5: Integrating Theory into Practice
- Page 6: Leading the Way to the
Constitution
on the Sacred Liturgy
The site also includes an article from Assembly, an issue written to commemorate the centenary of Mathis' birth (1985). Dr. Mark Searle delivered his reflection at the 1985 Pastoral Liturgy Conference:
Assembly 12:1 (September 1985)
"A Place in the Tradition" by Dr. Mark Searle
We gratefully acknowledge Father George Shidel, C.S.C., beloved friend of Father Mathis (who co-chaired with Fr. Mathis the North American Liturgical Week 1959, drawing more than 3,000 participants to Notre Dame), Brother Andrew Corsini, C.S.C., the Holy Cross Province Archives and the University of Notre Dame Archives for their assistance in the preparation of this tribute.
Michael Mathis established summer programs in liturgy at Notre Dame in the summer of 1947. From these summer programs grew the University's graduate degree programs in liturgical studies, the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy (established in 1970), and the annual Pastoral Liturgy Conferences (sponsored by the Center since 1971).
