I was sent a link to this video today which shows the Papal motorcade in Paris. The commentary is in French so if you don't understand French, just go to 1'32" to see the banner which reads "Thank you Most Holy Father for Summorum Pontificum"
Most of the commentary is given by a woman journalist who gives an excellent summary of the effect of Summorum Pontificum and of the issues raised by it. She even makes the fine point that the term "extraordinary form" is a juridical one and that the Holy Father has made it clear that there is no contradiction between the two forms of the rite. On mutual enrichment, she says that the older form could benefit from more prefaces, and that the newer form can benefit from the understanding that the Eucharist is not the assembly of one community but an act of the whole communion of the Church, and an act of adoration of God.
A priest also gives comments, noting that there had been a great controversy in France and that the Holy Father's intention had been to promote reconciliation. At the end, he reminds the viewers that the Holy Father comes to us as the successor of Peter, given to us by Christ to guide the Church and that we should welcome him with joy because he makes us stronger in our Christian life.
This footage from KTO was broadcast on France 2 and on giant screens around Paris.
(My correspondent said that the priest was a Parisien and that he had some particular responsibility in the diocese of Paris. I'd be grateful if anyone can fill in the details here.)
5 comments:
Fr.,
I watched the KTO coverage of the Holy Father's visit throughout, and don't think I missed anything. I made notes from the speech at the Elysee until the Papal plane was taxiing for take off back to Rome. And have followed all the comment since (specifically kto, La Croix
Le Monde and Figaro and its blog.
Naturally I was delighted to see the banner. As to the priest, I recognise his voice as that of a regular kto journalist. Perhaps he represents the Parisien Archdiocese on the channel. kto is the mouthpiece of the French bishops' conference under the auspices of the Paris archdiocese.
I note that the video on your post is from gloria.tv This is a specifically 'traditional' channel.
Naturally they would wish to highlight this particular snip and it IS cause for hope and encouragement.
But, and it is a big BUT, the totality of coverage and debate needs to taken into account.
We shouldn't listen only to those things we want to hear. And believe you me, as well as favourable comment, I've heard some pretty unpleasant/unspiritual/unCatholic criticism of Benoit XVI on kto debates, particularly from influential Catholic journalists. SO FAR NO CONTRIBUTOR HAS FULLY REPRESENTED THE TRADITIONAL CASE DURING OR AFTER THE VISIT. They DO however,repeat quite frequently a film 'The Pontificate of Reason' in English. This is an excellent appraisal of the Pontificate up to last year. Highly recommended viewing for non-French speakers.
The situation here is far more complex than is generally understood in UK.
The French situation is important for us to understand because the visit showed how Pope Benedict faced all issues head on in his first visit to one of the largest and most secularised countries in Europe, and we know that the saving of European Catholicism and cultural heritage is one of his major priorities.
There are countless back videos available on kto. I recommend a trawl through their site to anyone interested in getting at the many-faceted truth of the Catholicism in French society today.
If time today, will see if I can match the priest's voice to a face.
I have conducted all this work for my blog 'Thoughts from the Desert of French Catholicism' (probable subtitle 'Spes Salvi'). It should be up and running early next week and will concentrate, as its title suggests. I'm in process of writing appraisals on these aspects of the visit: political, cultural, media, French Hierarchy, Liturgical, Youth, response and attitudes of ordinary layfolk, liturgical music, overview of present traditional Catholicism in France. This will be the result of a two year research period culminating last weekend. It is a labour of love and hope and is dedicated with constsnt prayer for His Holiness Benoit XVI.
I am praying constantly too, that England and Wales may be graced with a similar visit in the not too distant future. God knows the need. (The Beatification of Cardinal Newman in Birmingham perhaps? Preceded or followed by the Holy Father personally installing his choice of a new Archbishop in Westminster Cathedral. One must pray and in the meantime one can dream?!!!)
Sincerely,
Jane
Jane - many thanks. I understand that a lot of the coverage in France will have included questionable discussions but felt that it was right to highlight this very good commentary.
Please email me (rosary[at]freeuk.com) when you get your blog going. I'll be happy to publicise it here.
Fr.
Thanks for answering me and I appreciated your drawing attention to positive French reaction amongst all the rest. Thanks too for saying that you'll publicise my blog when it's ready. I'll certainly let you know when it is!
Don't think I'll be able to make the Buckingham meeting, but will be coming over for the annual LMS Requiem in November.
Thanks again,
In Christo,
Jane
Please, somebody tell me this is not true:
http://angelqueen.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=270030#270030
If it's true, then something must be done and quickly in "catholic" France.
Oh dear! We need some acts of reparation.
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