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I'm not an expert on Church law by any means but something came to mind last night about this incident. If the Tridentine has never been abrogated, if any priest is allowed to say it by an historical papal decree, if this Pope has encouraged its use (controversy of this point aside), then this priest is only guilty of disobedience to his bishop. He is not guilty of disobedience to the Church or to the Pope. The Bishop is being disobedient himself. I don't understand how this priest can be punished. Can't he appeal this to the Vatican?

BTW, I am one of the few who is going to support what he did. I think it was an act of part desperation, part presenting the truth to the laity. I used to think the average Catholic was more informed than they actually are. I've since discovered most people don't even know what the Tridentine is or if they do, they are still completely passive and uninformed. The reaction of this priest's congregation was quite telling.

BTW, I am one of the few who is going to support what he did. I think it was an act of part desperation, part presenting the truth to the laity.

I'm going to agree with you, if for no other reason than the bishop is making an idiot of himself and causing more questions to be asked of the chancery. The whole idea of having someone committed over this sort of incident is beyond reprehensible.

It might have been a Luther-esque move, but in the Catholic direction. The orginal protestant movement was 200 years old before Luther brought it above ground. It could be we're seeing the same sort of thing with traditional Catholicism - more and more people want it and all it's richness. The priest is one soldier in the war.

What bothered me about the congregation is that they complained because they couldn't have their way, at least the "ministers". Since when is it a Catholic posture to act like a spoiled brat?

I'm not an expert, either, but I've spent some time with Fr. Zigrang, and he enthroned our home to The Immaculate Heart and Sacred Heart two years ago (It was beautiful!!). I had gotten a bit confused on some things (which is easy to do), but I believe, now, that when the new missal was established, it automatically replaced the previous rite. That is why an Indult is necessary.

Regardless of what is going on in The Church, it is still Christ's Church, and He's in charge. Did not our Blessed Mother warn of these things? She and Her Son call for prayer, penance and fasting (which I still don't see much of).

I will continue to tell Fr. Steve that Christ accomplished more through His obedience in dying on the Cross at the hands of evil men; and it's the blood of the martyrs that makes the Church grow. (Of course, when I called the Bishop's office, I did accuse him of martyring him...)