I refer to the article ‘Archbishop would welcome consistent calendar for annual Easter celebrations’, (The Sunday Times of Malta, January 17).

May I remind readers that 52 years ago, on December 4, 1963, the Vatican II Council Fathers approved the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy with an appendix including a declaration on the revision of the calendar.

In it they recognised the importance of the wishes expressed by many concerning the assignment of the feast of Easter to a fixed Sunday and concerning an un­changing calendar. They declared:

First, the Sacred Council is not opposed to assigning the feast of Easter to a fixed Sunday in the Gregorian Calendar provided those to whom it may concern give their assent, especially the brethren who are not in communion with the Apostolic See.

Second, the Sacred Council likewise declares that it does not oppose efforts designed to introduce a perpetual calendar into civil society, provided they retain and safeguard a seven-day week, with Sunday, without the introduction of any days outside the week.

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