Over the years much ink has been spilled over the interpretation of the term participatio actuosa. This book looks at the term critically within the context of Vatican II, most especially the Constitution on the Divine Liturgy. Prescinding from the stated aim of the Council that all the baptized have the right and duty to participate fully, consciously and actively in the liturgy, the author moves to the central point that the liturgy is an ecclesial event--a matter for the entire Church. The second part of the book gives good practical examples how this is achieved in the Eucharistic liturgy according to the Roman Missal. He reminds the reader that full, conscious and active participation is still one of the primary and enduring goals of the reformed liturgy envisaged by Vatican II. Michael S. Driscoll, Professor emeritus of liturgy and sacramental theology, University of Notre Dame