Statement Following the Recent Release Of the Motu Proprio

Archdiocese of Boston ^ | July 18, 2007 - | Archdiocese of Boston

[Cheverus]

The recent statement of the Holy Father amends the previous process, established by Pope John Paul II, whereby a priest had needed permission from the local bishop to celebrate the Tridentine rite according to the 1962 liturgical text (Missal). In other words, Pope Benedict has expanded the permission that had already been given by Pope John Paul to allow for the celebration of the Tridentine Mass.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, in his weekly posting of June 29 ( www.cardinalseansblog.org) shared observations which follow from the Cardinal's participation at a meeting held in Rome prior to the release of the Motu Proprio. "The Holy Father was very clear that the ordinary form of celebrating the Mass will be the new rite, the Novus Ordo. But by making the Latin Mass more available, the Holy Father is hoping to convince those disaffected Catholics that it is time for them to return to full union with the Catholic Church. So the Holy Father's motivation for this decision is pastoral. He does not want this to be seen as establishing two different Roman Rites, but rather one Roman Rite celebrated with different forms. The Motu Propio is his latest attempt at reconciliation."

In his personal letter to the bishops, the Holy Father, himself, indicates that he does not see the celebration of the Tridentine form of the Mass becoming a widespread or divisive issue: "It is clearly seen that the new Missal will certainly remain the ordinary form of the Roman Rite, not only on account of the juridical norms, but also because of the actual situation of the communities of the faithful."

In fact the Cardinal adds in his June 29th blog: "Therefore this document will not result in a great deal of change for the Catholics in the U.S. Indeed, interest in the Latin Mass is particularly low here in New England."

In order to address important questions that have arisen since the release of the Motu Proprio, Cardinal O'Malley has recently stated that based on his participation at the meeting in Rome, it is his understanding that the elements of the Good Friday services which are understandably objectionable to our Jewish and ecumenical brothers and sisters are not permitted to be used in the celebration of the Tridentine Rite.

Here in the Archdiocese, and throughout the Catholic Church, we are committed to fostering and strengthening Catholic-Jewish relations. We have benefited greatly from our collaborative efforts over the past forty years. We take great inspiration from the Holy Father, who has often repeated his steadfast commitment to ongoing Catholic-Jewish dialogue.

Copyright © 2007 Archdiocese of Boston; all rights reserved

[Cheverus]

I don't think I need to translate this from "humble" do I?

[Pyro7480]

In order to address important questions that have arisen since the release of the Motu Proprio, Cardinal O'Malley has recently stated that based on his participation at the meeting in Rome, it is his understanding that the elements of the Good Friday services which are understandably objectionable to our Jewish and ecumenical brothers and sisters are not permitted to be used in the celebration of the Tridentine Rite.

Ecumaniac's prayer: "O Lord, preserve us from praying for the conversion of the Jews and the heretics." (rolls eyes)

[Pyro7480]

Catholic ping!

[ELS]

Well, His Eminence's understanding is wrong. I really hope PCED or Benedict XVI straightens out his and others' misunderstanding.

[maryz]

From Card. O'Malley's blog following the Rome meeting (y9ou have to scroll way down for it:

This issue of the Latin Mass is not urgent for our country, however I think they wanted us to be part of the conversation so that we would be able to understand what the situation is in countries where the numbers are very significant.

Yes, Benedict XVI -- of Vatican Cable News!

Dense? Disingenuous? We report -- you decide!

[maryz]

I think I may have to write an actual letter to him rather than put a comment on his blog -- because I'll write it in Hebrew (yes, I can) to demonstrate that we troglodytes who prefer the Tridentine Mass are not necessarily anti-Semites!

Guess what? Jews know Christianity (unlike Judaism) is a proselytizing religion -- in the 10 years I studied Hebrew, the Jews I studied with and under were more slightly bemused by that observation (when it came up, which was infrequently) than offended.

And when I was in college -- back in the 60s, I read a piece in a literary criticism work (of medieval lit) -- I think by Rosamund Tuve (one of the big ones in her field), and she said that no one with a grain of literary sensibility could possibly interpret the Good Friday liturgy as anti-Semitic, or as anything but excellent religious poetry!

[maryz]

Maybe you could ask the Mod to add "(Boston)" to the title?

Frank Sheed, NYer -- one more county heard from!

[Frank Sheed]

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[Frank Sheed]

"The Holy Father was very clear that the ordinary form of celebrating the Mass will be the new rite, the Novus Ordo. But by making the Latin Mass more available, the Holy Father is hoping to convince those disaffected Catholics that it is time for them to return to full union with the Catholic Church. So the Holy Father's motivation for this decision is pastoral. He does not want this to be seen as establishing two different Roman Rites, but rather one Roman Rite celebrated with different forms. The Motu Propio is his latest attempt at reconciliation."

†Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam†

[ELS]

Yeah, I read that blog entry when he wrote it. May God be as charitable to him as he is to traditional Catholics.

[Frank Sheed]

Prayer for a Bishop

Heavenly Father,
in these trying times
when the spirit of the age
threatens Christian values,
give our bishop holiness of life
and wisdom to direct and guide our (arch)diocesan
family so that we may grow in your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

[CatQuilt]

I believe that over time this Motu Proprio will bear wonderous fruits for the Church. It will, unfortunately, be a struggle for those of us in the Archdiocese of Boston to participate.

[maryz]

a struggle for those of us in the Archdiocese of Boston

Yes, but at least we have RENEW to look forward to -- a three-year infestation! :(

[maryz]

it is his understanding that the elements of the Good Friday services which are understandably objectionable to our Jewish and ecumenical brothers and sisters are not permitted to be used in the celebration of the Tridentine Rite.

Dense.

[CatQuilt]

In addition to the long-term benefits of renewing (I know, bad choice of word lol) the sacredness of the Mass, this motu proprio also has the short-term benefit of enabling the Pope to see which of his bishops are the sheep and which are the goats (if he didn’t already know!).

[maryz]

You're right -- I hadn't thought of it that way. And after the time and thought and effort (e.g., vis à vis the French bishops), I can't imagine the Pope and Ecclesia Dei will just put it out and ignore the reaction!