Well here is a statement made by a New York priest on the matter:
Maida's decision to allow it at St. Josaphat seems in keeping with the spirit of Vatican rules, Reese said. But, "It would be counterproductive if too many people turn this into a marketing strategy to fill churches. The idea behind allowing this mass was that it could help older people in the later stages of their lives. The hope is that this mass eventually will fade away."
-Detroit Free Press (Aug. 3 2004).
So it wasnt the Cardinal speaking this, but the priest implies such.
Boy, it's really hard to read that in print. There is something so simultaneously aggressive and enfeebling about it.
On a positive note though, in the Parish where I grew up, where the Latin Mass hasn't been said since probably '62, a funeral Mass was said in Latin on Saturday.
Don't know for sure, but I think the gentleman who passed away requested it. He entered the Seminary way back when, and called it quits just before he was to be ordained. This was back somewhere around '51-52. He ended up marrying and having kids, the youngest of which was my classmate. He taught Latin, English, was very artistic and had a powerful intellect.
May he Rest in Peace.
Man, I love my Latin Mass, I'm really starting to get into the rhythmn (sp?) of it. And in our bulletin today, listed on the back page are a bunch of quotes from various Saints, all part of a Year of the Eucharist series.
Here's one to think over...
"Often, actually very often, God allows His greatest servants to make the most humiliating mistakes. This humbles them in their own eyes and in the eyes of their fellow men. It prevents them from seeing and taking pride in the graces God bestows on them." (St. Louis Marie de Montfort)
About 4 different Priests say the Latin Mass on a rotational basis. One of the Priests has parkinson's just like the Holy Father, and it's really difficult for him to speak. But there he is nonetheless, a definite profile in courage, and a very good Confessor too.