Catholic ping!
by Sophie de Ravinel (translation by The New Liturgical Movement)The pontifical document is awaited with a certain fear in France, where the bishops expressed their reservations. Ardently desired by Pope Benedict XVI and begun in the autumn, the reconciliation of the Catholic Church with the Lefebvrists should take a decisive step at this beginning of the year 2007 with the awaited publication of a papal decree freeing up the Mass of St. Pius V. We could thus see the appearance in the parishes of France Masses according to the Latin rite in force before the 2nd Vatican Council.
How many churches exactly will adopt the Old Mass, in parallel with the actual rite? It is impossible to foresee. But the pressure of the minority traditionalists, active and demanding, should be strong in certain places, in particular in Paris. The Pope for a long time has thought of putting an end to the schism of 1988. Why leave separated from the Church hundreds of priests and thousands of faithful, while at the same time we preach dialogue with other religions?
It is without doubt in France, where mistrust in regard to the traditionalists remains strong, where Benedict XVI's plans have the most barriers to overcome. ...