Monday, April 16, 2007
MOTU PROPRIO OR NO MOTU PROPRIO SEEMS TO BE THE QUESTION
We've been on-again and off-again for months. Does this signal a commitment from Benedict to go through with his intentions? NOR links a story that reports:
In the coming weeks, the Pope is expected to release a document that would allow the more widespread practice of the traditional Latin Mass, which was all but shelved with the reforms of the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s. Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone recently confirmed to Le Figaro newspaper that this motu proprio, or personal initiative of the Pontiff, will allow any priest to say the mass according to the old Tridentine rite (which is delivered in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the congregation), rather than have to seek approval from the local bishop as is now required.
Read the entire story here.
A sample of the opposition he is facing can be found in Johnston, PA's Bishop Adamac's opposition reported by Matt Abbott:
During the 'Town Hall'-style question and answer session, one parishioner asked Adamec about recent articles in the local Catholic newspaper regarding an anticipated papal document, and whether our diocese had plans for making a Tridentine Mass available.
Adamec responded, 'No.'
He said the Tridentine rite is only a concession to the Lefebvrites, and there is no need for it here because that situation does not exist here. Adamec said a Latin Mass could be made available [referring to the Novus Ordo with some Latin], but if the Tridentine rite is offered, it is a different rite, and you have to go back to the old forms of spirituality that went with it. He also said you have to go back to the old forms of sacraments, fasting and other aspects.
Can it split the Church? If it does split the Church, will this necessarily be a bad thing? Is bishop opposing bishop a sign of a healthy Church?
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
