THE WORLD OVER LIVE SPECIAL: ANALYSIS OF MOTU PROPIO: SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM
Discussion of the newly- released papal document by Pope Benedict XVI widening use of the 1962 Roman Missal.
Most Rev. Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska Monsignor James Moroney, Executive Director of the USCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ, Editor of Homiletic & Pastoral Review Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, Bishop of Rockford, Illinois Fr. George Gabet, FSSP, North American District Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
I'm very limited on time, but will offer you some links to other resources. The local Detroit News and Free Press Sunday paper had what amounted to a paragraph buried somewhere quite deep.
At St. John Cantius in Chicago last Sunday, hundreds of Catholic families celebrated the Tridentine Latin mass, filling the church with operatic echoes of faith. Phyllis Virgil, 49, who travels from Elmhurst, said she started attending after her mother gave her an old missal blessed by Pope Pius XII.
She acknowledges that she thought it was old-fashioned and difficult to understand at first. But, after a few times, Virgil said, she felt the mass brought her closer to God.[I think this is common and is similar to my own experience with the traditional form of the Latin Novus Ordo as celebrated at Grotto. Ultimately, in the stillness and silence, we discover God in the Mass and that is the point.]
"My heart just soars when I hear it," Virgil said. "The prayers are so beautiful, and everyone is so reverent during the service, even the children. At several points, there is so much silence. The pace is slower, so you're praying at a pace that helps you better contemplate God." [Bingo! There are three forms of prayer: Vocal, meditative, and contemplative or mental. The traditional form of the Roman Rite is indeed conducive to meditation, and contemplation. It takes us out of a horizontal dimension and propels us into a more vertical dimension, and one in which we not only sense the worship of God with one another, but with all of heaven and earth.]
Rev. Thomas Reese, senior fellow of the Woodstock Theological Center[if that isn't an oxymoron: Woodstock and Theological Center] at Georgetown University, predicted the document would have greater impact in European countries where local bishops have rejected calls to offer the Latin mass.[Reese is among a supply of hippy-era priests, with hippy-era "catholic" spin. That supply includes Andrew Greeley and Richard McBrien whom I would not be suprised to see quoted in the coming days and weeks. Is it possible for the mainstream media to find priests who have the mind of the Church? How about a interviewing a couple of solid Catholic Jesuits: Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ or Fr. Joseph Fessio, SJ. Or other fine priests like Fr. Michael Orsi, or Fr. John McCloskey??]
In the United States, Reese said, more widespread celebration of the Latin mass is likely to appeal to senior citizens who recall the mass from their childhood, as well as a new generation of conservative young people, who Reese believes have become enamored by Latin for the wrong reasons.[And, Fr. Reese has the wrong idea of why people enjoy the Latin. Perhaps if translations hadn't been so dumbed-down, we wouldn't enjoy the truer translations on the facing pages of missals. As for this middle-aged Catholic interested in Latin, I truly want to read the Catholic classics in Latin - such as those written by Augustine, and I want to learn Latin to hear the Mass with my soul. The language is pleasing to the ears. The difference bewteen this generation and previous generations is that our interest in learning the language can be readily fulfilled if given the opportunity. Help us to understand it during the Mass if we request it. Perhaps our parishes and diocese will provide us with opportunities to learn. Latin, when open to the public, is often only offered at times difficult for working class Catholics to sign up, which must change.]
"The mystery of the Eucharist is not that it's in Latin," Reese said [no kidding!?!]. "The mystery is the death and resurrection of Jesus that's being celebrated here. [eh-hmmm, how about the Sacrifice?] To have the mysteriousness of Latin blocking you from seeing the true mystery is one of the reasons we went to [really dumbed-down] English." [which dumbs down our understanding of this great Mystery].
Check these blogs for more on the motu proprio (the first two links will truly give you your fill, along with reading the comment boxes. Each has many posts on this topic):
Oh boy - if you can watch online videos you have got to see this little piece put together by Fr. Tim Finigan in the UK at his blog, The Hermeneutic of Continuity, in celebration of the motu proprio, with thanks to Pope Benedict. Click twice, make sure your speakers are running and watch as it transitions....
Spokane Diocese welcomes formerly schismatic nuns back into church
By Deacon Eric Meisfjord Catholic News Service
SPOKANE, Wash. (CNS) -- There are several paths within the journey that has brought 15 women religious into communion with the Catholic Church: care, compassion, interaction and, most certainly, prayer. Even technology played a part.
But one of the key turning points in the journey was watching the moving funeral liturgy for Pope John Paul II.
Two former members of the schismatic community at Mount St. Michael in north Spokane discussed their return to the Catholic Church in an interview with Inland Register, Spokane diocesan newspaper, at their new home at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane.
The Mount St. Michael community believes in a theological position of "sedevacantism," which, expressed simply, means that because of heresy, the chair of Peter has been vacant since Pope Pius XII, who died in 1958.
Individually, some members of the Religious Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen at Mount St. Michael found themselves beginning to question that position.
"It wasn't like we planned anything, or the sisters came together to this conclusion," said Mother Marie de Lourdes, moderator of the community. Rather, individuals began to reconsider the position, "and discovered others on a similar journey," she said.
Sister Francis Marie said a key point for herself and others was watching the "very moving and rich" funeral liturgy for Pope John Paul. The sisters then began to follow the story of his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the Internet.
"I noticed the good that he was doing," she said. "I sat up and paid attention: We had a good man, a good pope." That idea was almost impossible, according to the strictures of the sedevacantist position, she said. "But he seemed to be doing what a good pope would do."
Pray fervently for the return of others and ultimately, the full order.
Catholics who have an affinity for the traditional form of the Mass and for traditional communities, need to be very careful. Schismatics believe they are the Catholic church and therefore, will use the title accordingly. When in doubt, check with the diocese where a parish or religious order resides to find out if it is in communion with the Catholic church. In general, it can be difficult to discern through a website. It's easier to tell by what is lacking - that is any link to the Vatican, or any Church document from Vatican II forward. However, this is not something that can be used exclusively as not every legitimate Catholic site has links to the Vatican. Once again, check with the respective diocese.
Interesting piece from Focus Information Service in Bulgaria, which provides news in both Bulgarian and English. Keep in mind, some periodicals here in the US are in denial about the level of support Pope Benedict has. I find it interesting to hear that donations are doubling. Deo Gratias!
I don't think the expression "amends Vatican II" is appropriate here, at least not from what we read on the motu proprio which says the older form of the Roman rite was not abrogated by Vatican II.
Vatican. 7 July 2007
With donations to the Church from around the world almost doubling and pilgrims pouring into Rome in ever-greater numbers, Vatican watchers are beginning to reassess the two-year-old pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI and noting a positive “Ratzinger effect”.
Today the Vatican will publish the Pope’s “motu proprio” decree allowing broader use by Roman Catholics of the Latin Tridentine Mass - the pontiff’s last act before leaving for his traditional summer holiday.
The move, which amends the Second Vatican Council’s decision in the 1960s that worship should be in the vernacular, is regarded as yet another sign of Benedict’s conservative attachment to tradition and doctrine.
With the motu proprio now releeased, we have more breaking news on forthcoming document from the Holy See. According to news reports, it is expected July 10th.
The Vatican is on a roll!
The CDF is to clarify an aspect of Lumen Gentium, which is a document of Vatican II. From CWNews:
Coming Vatican doctrinal document will reaffirm role of Church
Vatican, Jul. 6, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Vatican will soon release a new doctrinal document, addressing the unique role of the Catholic Church in God's plan for salvation, according to informed sources in Rome.
The new document, to be released from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, will address questions about the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, in Lumen Gentium (doc), that the Church founded by Christ "subsists in the Catholic Church."
Questions about how the true Church "subsists" in the Catholic Church have drawn a series of answers from the Vatican-- most recently the declaration Dominus Iesus (doc), which was released in 2000 with the approval of Pope John Paul II (bio - news) and signed by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
The document to be released on July 10 will repeat and reinforce the fundamental message of Dominus Iesus that the Church founded by Jesus Christ exists fully in the Catholic Church alone. The document will critique the notion that other religious bodies may also represent the Church founded by Christ, and caution against the "ecclesial relativism" that Pope Benedict has criticized in the past.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will release the document on July 10, reports indicate. The plan for release of the document has not yet been confirmed by the Vatican.
We should start seeing it appear in news outlets today, now that the embargo has been lifted at noon, Rome time. As of 6:30am this morning, there is nothing. I would imagine most newspapers will focus on it in their Sunday papers so tomorrow ought to be a big day. That is when we will begin a new media watch, probably through the eyes of Fr. Z.
Here is an unofficial translation from the Vatican Information Service. I don't know if this is the source of the USCCB version, which has already received some critiquing with regards to accuracy (softened in contrast to official Latin). We need to see the Vatican's English translation before we can comment further. What is sad is that many will run forever with the English version they find from the USCCB. We will assume, for the sake of charity, that any softening is unintended lest we fall into what the ccc calls, rash judgment.
I am not going to be too available today, so I encourage you to visit Fr. Z's homepage daily, if not a few times daily if you really want your motu proprio fix.
Don't miss The World Over Live special at 9:00pm EST on July 9th. Some of you may be interested to know of this on EWTN:
THE WORLD OVER LIVE SPECIAL: ANALYSIS OF MOTU PROPIO: SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM
Discussion of the newly- released papal document by Pope Benedict XVI widening use of the 1962 Roman Missal.
Most Rev. Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska Monsignor James Moroney, Executive Director of the USCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ, Editor of Homiletic & Pastoral Review Most Rev. Thomas G. Doran, Bishop of Rockford, Illinois Fr. George Gabet, FSSP, North American District Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
JULY 9, 9:00 PM
All comments on this blog are now moderated - whether new or old posts. Please submit your comment only once and when I have a few minutes I will check in and publish them. The only things I reject outright are advertisements, lewd comments, attacks against the Catholic faith, links to web-pages containing private revelations not fully approved by the Catholic Church, and comments or links to web pages containing detraction or calumny.
While working at home Thursday, I left EWTN on and was very much pleased with the 60 minute program, Fourteen Flowers of Pardon.
This documentary went through the virtuous life and death of St. Maria Goretti, and the many miracles worked through her.
Maria Goretti was not even twelve years old when she was viciously stabbed 14 times after refusing the advances of a 18-20 year old neighbor, Alessandro Serenelli (each resource varies on his exact age). He made two prior sexual advances without success.
The little girl had quickly built up virtue and wisdom, especially after her father died of malaria. Neighbors said she was obedient and always willing to do the most mundane of chores without complaint. She was devout, stopping in at the nearby parish to pray before the Blessed Mother on her way to the store to get things for her mother. It was on one such trip that she was approached by Alessandro. She boldly told the man who wanted to attack her virginity,
"No, it's a sin! I will not do it!"
On July 5, 1902 the little girl was mortally wounded. After getting stabbed 14 times, Maria Goretti died the next day, on July 6 after much suffering. During that time, this child of God prayed for her attacker and granted him forgiveness before she died.
Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison, but was unrepentant until he saw Maria in a vision years into his incarceration, in 1910. She presented him with 14 lilies, which he said turned into white flames. Following this vision, he asked to meet with the bishop where he finally told the truth - that the little girl had never given in and that she had boldly protested his advances. This marked the beginning of one of the greatest miracles - the conversion of Alessandro Serenelli.
After serving 27 years he was released and went to the mother of Maria to seek forgiveness. Assunta Goretti said that if Maria had forgiven him, and he was forgiven before Christ, then she had nothing to hold over him. She too forgave Alessandro (both pictured at right). At one point, Assunta Goretti and Alessandro Serenelli approached the Communion rail together. He provided testimony leading to her beatification. While it is known for certain that Maria's mother was present at her canonization, accounts differ as to whether Alessandro was there or not.
Alessandro went on to eventually join a Capuchin monastery as a third order member. On his death bed in 1970 he wrote,
"I ask pardon of the world of the outrage done to the martyr Maria Goretti and to purity. I exhort everyone to keep away from immoral shows, from dangers, from occasions that can lead to sin."
There is something noteworthy here, and that is an apostolate based on Alessandro Serenelli called the Serenellians, which is dedicated to those who suffer from sexual addictions. They use his example and words to help reform their lives. Think about television today with all of the sexual content. Even the suggestive outfits worn by actresses today can make it very difficult for people to use self-control. Just going through a check-out line with cover photos on many popular magazines can be a source of temptation. Add to that the availability of porn on the web. Alessandro Serenelli nails it by saying it is necessary to "keep away" from it all. For some people, it is necessary to turn off the TV, or to stay off the internet.
There were many miracles attributed to St. Maria Goretti for her canonization. She is the youngest canonized saint ever. According to a priest-witness who was present in St. Peter's square, Pope Pius XII was moved to tears as he asked the crowd if they were ready to immitate this saint's life. The footage in the movie was spectacular, as were the many still photos of the family and people involved.
In addition to the documentary which aired yesterday, another is being broadcast today at 6:30 PM EST entitled, Love's Bravest Choice. This docudrama will last 30 minutes and you can catch it on EWTN live TV right on the internet, if you do not have cable or get it locally.
References (recently edited with additional links):
Just a quick glance at the website and I can see there is much to explore for any young woman considering a vocation. The rest of us can just admire what Holy Mother Church is now giving us through these sisters. Bishop Finn is very fortunate to have this prayer powerhouse in his backyard. While the average Catholic walking the street does not know it, God is working many graces through the prayers and sacrifices of these women.
Wow, another Bishop with Backbone....Bishop Barry Jones of New Zealand. He just took the helm in the Catholic diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand. He certainly didn't waste any time in the faith and morals department.
For those who do not know Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittester (scroll or "edit-find" her in several categories listed in the link), she is a supporter of Call to Action (scroll down again). She has also been a guest speaker at the local Elephants in the Living Room - a dissenting group of priests, religious and lay people, which Fr. Paul Ward can brief you on here (or by clicking the "Elephant-free zone" logo in my sidebar).
Not in my Diocese!
The actions of Bishop Barry Jones speak loudly: No Catholic parishes in his diocese are to promote/sponsor her visit. This came through communications to all priests in the diocese last week.
An article appearing in The Press - a newspaper of New Zealand, reads in part:
"The point is that silence generates the misunderstanding that this is all approved, when it's not. I have made my position clear to the priests," he said.
Chittister, from Eire, Pennsylvania, has clashed with church authorities internationally over her strong stance on issues such as women's ordination and contraception.
She attended the first Women's Ordination Worldwide Conference in 2000, defying an order by the Vatican.
[...snip...]
"I don't see how I, as a bishop, can advance the teachings of the Catholic Church by appearing to condone other views"
It has not been long since two researchers at the Center for Marriage and Family at Creighton University got publicly schooled by two bishops for suggesting in a public article that cohabitating is not necessarily living in sin. The two also teach theology there.
Hmmmmmm......
Only at a Jesuit school will we find theologians teaching students that its ok to violate the Ten Commandments. However, I would not be surprised to find similar things happening in not too few other so-called Catholic institutions.
Canon Lawyer, Ed Peters gets in on the action by taking a closer look at an area where Lawler and Risch did not do their homework - Canon Law. It seems the couple omitted a few important things from their "research".
There are some things I would like to point out from a standpoint of charity in an area that can be all too sensitive among more traditional-minded Catholics like myself.
Behavior during Mass and before our Eucharistic Lord can vary depending on what one was taught. Growing up in the 70's I can tell you I never experienced a Eucharistic Procession, Benediction, or Adoration. I grew up in an environment where a casual attitude was the norm during Mass - you know, Jesus meeting us where we are at - as friend, not as God. This casual attitude led to casual postures, right to the point of my sitting in the pew with arms outstretched like it was a parkbench - during Mass!!!
We first respect God by treating His Commandments as such, and not as the ten suggestions. And, by living the Beatitudes. Treating Jesus as friend can sometimes lead to an, "I'm ok, you're ok" position where we feel that Jesus will understand our choosing to do wrong over right. I had this attitude before discovering Grotto where good catechesis and grace showed me differently.
With regards to postures, I got some of my catechesis by observing, then doing research. I saw how people at Grotto bowed at various times and linked it to the name of Jesus and when the three Divine Persons are named. I found confirmation in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, realizing I was suppose to be engaged in this form of "active participation" - one involving posture, all along. For your reference, I have discussed this in a post on GIRM 275. I would later conclude that because we are to bow the head at the names of the three Divine Persons, that we should be bowing during any blessing because it is always done "...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Correct me if I'm wrong, but Benediction is no different.
I have not looked to see if there are actually norms for posture of the people during Benediction and if one of my readers can refer me to such a thing, I would love to follow up on it strictly for my own benefit and for the benefit of others who were never taught.
In the video below you will see young people standing during what appears to be Benediction, with their arms raised as if to "catch rays" from Our Lord. One might say, "they must be charismatics". I will tell you that it first took me aback because my only experience with Benediction is one where all who are physically able are kneeling with their heads down. I feel this is proper.
However, I want to point out to my readers, that we as Catholics need to understand that there is an entire generation of people who have never been exposed to our Eucharistic Lord in this way and it is pleasing first, to see them engaged. I have no doubt that the people you see in the video are indeed deeply in adoration of Our Lord and that it is most pleasing to Him. This is a charitable assumption for all of us to make, even though their behavior differs from our own reserved behavior. "Let the children come to me...."
Is there a "right" way to behave in such circumstances? Some would say "yes" and others would say, "no". From my viewpoint, catechesis is needed. If my original conclusion was correct - that we should bow our heads when the three Divine Persons are named, including during blessings and Benediction (and in this case be on our knees where possible), then hopefully, with time, and with careful catechesis on the part of all priests, we will eventually end up with similar behaviors.
Whether the arms of young people are outstretched or their heads are bowed in prayer, I see the actions of the Holy Spirit drawing them to Our Lord and I'm sure His graces engulf them all. I am grateful they pursue Him and perhaps it is this that leads me to happy tears when I view these kinds of videos.
My appeal to traditional-minded Catholics is to suspend judgment when other Catholics don't behave as we do in given circumstances because catechesis has truly been lacking. My prayer is that we will all be patient as this generation explores Our Lord in the Eucharist. Give them time and room to grow.
Yes, Virginia - it is indeed springtime in the Catholic Church.
Sidenotes:
The video is also set to contemporary music. In the Mass, I feel such music has no place, even though I was once in a folk band myself. However, outside the Mass and other liturgical related events, I would ask, what harm does it do in a production such as this?
The priest is Fr. Stan Fortuna who is actually a Catholic "rapper". His style is not my cup of tea and I know how some feel about this issue. I would love to see a time when Catholics don't need to hear things like rap and rock to be drawn in. However, I'm not qualified to say the Holy Spirit isn't using these things in some way - I'm somewhat on the fence and open for thoughts. I can say this much for Fr. Stan Fortuna - he teaches orthodoxy of doctrine and, he teaches Eucharistic and Marian devotion through his works. At least, this has been my experience with what I've seen thus far.
As another aside, someone might point out that the wording shown in the video is not properly capitalized, (i.e., Real Presence). However, consider again, this video was put together by very well-intentioned people who have not yet learned these things. I'm happy to see they were excited enough to make the video and to spread their devotion, as imperfect as it may be. I hope we can all look at such things with a light heart, as I'm sure Our Lord does.
I'm going to do one motu proprio post daily for a while, compiling what I find. Now, it may be edited to include more stories later in the day, so check back for more links accordingly.
In each case, I'll try to start you out with the beginning, then you can follow the links you want for the full story. And, I would rather give you news through the eyes of other bloggers, than directly from the news sources. Those you can easily find on your own.
Fr. Z: Ugly Intellectual Dishonesty - Is the Tridentine anti-Semitic? The images contained in the Jerusalem Post article are a bit....well, strange.
With a biretta tip to Fr. Blake, o{]:¬) I offer for your consideration a piece in the Jerusalem Post. This fits the famous "Tridentine template" which includes the obligatory elements of any ignorant article about the Motu Proprio.
But this piece, below, is something else entirely. It includes a couple very interesting images, juxtaposed. As yourself why, after reading this (My emphases and comments)
The Vatican is expected to publish this week a document authorizing the use of a controversial Latin Mass, parts of which are deemed anti-Semitic, [By whom? And, is this claim actually true?] the Holy See announced Thursday.
"I would characterize my experience as frankly stunning, and even life changing. I must admit that the experience has recast my understanding of the priesthood to some degree."
Shawn Tribe: As a point of note, we are entering into a period where the Devil will certainly be trying to sow discord rather than see greater unity and progress accomplished. One can sense it even here in the comments of the past day. Anything that is of great good can be attacked, and the angles of attack are from all sides -- meaning we too can be unwitting contributors to such. Brother may even attack brother. We need to resist this steadfastly more than ever.
I'll leave you with a video clip on the Classical Roman Rite (h/t NLM - where you can read comments on the video) . The audio is inaudible to me, and it is not my hearing. Can anyone else hear it clearly? I'd like to know if there is a problem with my speakers. The volume control was up on speakers and on the YouTube window.
