Gregor Kollmorgen at the New Liturgical Movement has done us a great service by translating the whole of the recent interview given to L'Osservatore Romano by Cardinal Hoyos. (See NLM: Interview with Cardinal Castrillón on the Motu Proprio - updated). I would like to highlight two particular extracts:We need to be clear: this is not a return to the past but a step forward, because this way you have two treasures, rather than only one.This is a sensible answer to the clichéd characterisation of the use of the Classical Rite as "going back". His Eminence also picks upon one of the most important features of the "Gregorian Rite" as he says we may call it:
We must comprehend some differences: the larger room for silence for the faithful, that fosters contemplation of the mystery and personal prayer. Finding again spaces of silence is today for our culture not only a religious necessity.I have found that it is important to explain to people unfamiliar with the usus antiquior that the Canon is said quietly by the priest. This can be counter-productively "disquieting" for those used to the Novus Ordo but need not be if it is explained properly.
One important point the Cardinal makes is in response to the question of the supposed "excommunication" of members of the Society of St Pius X:
The excommunication concerns only the four bishops, because they have been ordained without the mandate of the Pope and against his will, while the priests are only suspended. The Mass they celebrate is without a doubt valid, but not licit and, therefore, participation is not recommended, unless on a Sunday there should be no other possibilities. Certainly neither the priests, nor the faithful are excommunicated. Let me reiterate in this regard the importance of a clear understanding of things to be able to judge correctly.Cardinal Hoyos is coming to England in June and I very much hope that I will have an opportunity to meet the great man who has done so much to foster the restoration of traditional Liturgy.
3 comments:
Thanks for posting this, Father. It's good to see some clarity added to the situation; often too many people have too many diverging opinions, and thankfully here the Cardinal is able to set down what is what.
Many thanks to Father for this link.
From what Cardinal Hoyos is saying, it seems Rome is not shutting the door, so to speak, on regularising the canonical status of SSPX.
This, I think, can only be a good thing.
Obstacles remain, but I feel sure agreement between Rome and Menzingen is not impossible at some time in the future.
It is a fact that, despite Summorum Pontificum, in many areas the only "old" Mass on Sundays is provided by SSPX.
Where there is, say, an FSSP church, then clearly people are making a statement by going to the SSPX church down the road.
But what, I wonder, are Catholics supposed to do in areas where there is no choice ?
A very welcome clarification from Card. Castrillon de Hoyos on the status of the SSPX and the faithful who attend their Masses. One of the more unpleasant accusations that has been made against those laity is that they are "excommunicated" and not in communion with Rome - a dreadful thing to say about Catholics motivated by a desire to preserve the Catholic Church. Wherever we attend the Gregorian Rite (the phrase has a lovely ring to it, well done Card. CdH!) we should be pulling together.
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