Pius Parsch, bornJohn Bruno Parsch (May 18, 1884 – March 11, 1954) was a priest of theRoman Catholic Church.
Parsch was born in Neustift nearOlmutz,Moravia, in what is now theCzech Republic. He was given the namePius when he entered the community ofCanons Regular inKlosterneuburg Abbey. He was a leading figure in theLiturgical Movement, publishing the results of recent liturgical scholarship in popularly accessible books in German. Some of these were translated into English, includingThe Liturgy of the Mass (Herder, 1940),The Breviary Explained (id., 1952), andThe Church's Year of Grace (Liturgical Press, 1953).
Parsch promoted the "volksliturgischen" or "People's Mass". This early practice of the liturgical renewal was notable for celebration at a free standing altar with the priest facing the people (which he instituted at St. Gertrud Kirche), gothic vestments and an emphasis on the liturgical seasons rather than thecalendar of the saints.[1] These features were all permitted but uncommon prior to Vatican Council II.[2]
Parsch died on inKlosterneuburg, aged 69.
