The latest book published (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2007) by the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff is Magnum Jubilaeum. Trinitati Canticum, which is a monumental and extremely accurate work (some kind of a “journal”) for Papal liturgical ceremonies for the Great Jubilee of the Second Millennium presided over by the Supreme Pontiff, Blessed John Paul II.
The preface, (also published on the website of the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, also in English) written by the former (the then) Papal Master of Ceremonies, Archbishop Piero Marini, is a theological and historical summary of the title.
Part I of the book (Celebrazioni e testi), preceded by two short commentaries about the chronology of the presented events, comprises the rubrics and nigrics of all liturgies (Vespers, Holy Masses, rites ad aperitionem Portarum Sanctarum, or ecumenical celebrations) celebrated in the preparation for and during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 (total of 26 formularies, incl. proper commentaries in chronological order).
Scientific, theological and historical studies form Part II of the title: 14 Articles discussing e.g. the symbols of the ceremonies or liturgical vestments and theological, pastoral and spiritual aspects of the Jubilee. One could say that in line with the “tradition” of the publications of the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, also “experiences” of the TV broadcasts are discussed.
The last but not least Part lists the Jubilee documents (6 in total), such as Apostolic Letter Tertio millennio adveniente, the bull Incarnationis mysterium, or the Calendar of the Holy Year 2000.
The indices (analytical, thematic and chronological, by content) are preceded by a small (more than 20 pages long) supplement: Journal of the Holy Year 1900 („Diario dell’Anno Santo del 1900”) by Nicola D’Amico, Papal MC (during the reign of Pope Leo XIII). Sadly, these are the only fragments of journals of former papal MCs published in the work. The deficiency is all the more visible, when compared to e.g. extraordinarily solemn Jubilee Year of 1925 presided over by Pope Pius XI.
Almost 1,200 pages also contain several dozen full-page images of liturgies of Anno Domini 2000 by blessed John Paul II (each duly described).
In technical terms, Magnum Jubilaeum does not diverge from the modern standards (also from Libreria Editrice Vaticana): good quality, thick matt paper, hardback with a dust jacket; the present volume is sewn and glued. The shortcoming may be size (and weight), which makes it impractical e.g. when travelling.
Ufficio delle Celebrazioni Liturgiche del Sommo Pontefice, Magnum Iubilaeum. Trinitati Canticum, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Città del Vaticano 2007, pp. 1190.