The renewed order of Holy Week introduced several significant changes, which aimed to:
The reform was a multi-year project initiated by Pope Pius XII. The journey began in 1951 with the experimental restoration of the Easter Vigil to its original nighttime setting. The overwhelmingly positive reception from bishops and faithful worldwide led to a much broader action. On November 16, 1955, the Sacred Congregation of Rites issued the decree Maxima Redemptionis Nostrae Mysteria ("The Greatest Mysteries of Our Redemption"), which announced that Pope Pius XII had approved a fully restored order for all the days of Holy Week, to be implemented in the following year, 1956. ordo hebdomadae sanctae instauratus pdf install