Rorate Caeli has reported on the recent pilgrimage to Lourdes of the Society of St Pius X. They have given links to some lovely photos of the Solemn Mass, the recitation of the Rosary and Benediction in the underground basilica of St Pius X which will have been used only because it is the only place large enough to hold the numbers of pilgrims attending.Seeing these pictures, I have to ask why it is that the SSPX are able to hold functions freely in Lourdes whereas ordinary pilgrim groups wishing to celebrate the usus antiquior are presented with difficulties and obfuscation.
Let me be clear; I have no objection whatever to the SSPX celebrating their Masses and other spiritual exercises there. They give a fine example of Catholic devotion with a predominantly young following who offer inspiration to other pilgrims.
But if one of the intentions of Summorum Pontificum was to allow the usus antiquior to be celebrated more freely, and without bureaucratic restrictions, surely it should not be a problem for any group at Lourdes to celebrate Mass in the older form - in any of the chapels that could normally be booked for such groups.
7 comments:
What on earth is so unusual about this?
The Arch-layman of Canterbury was allowed to hold his heretical service in the vicinity of the Basilica with no complaint. So why all the fuss about the Society?
Oh I forgot... ecumenism doesn't apply to traditionalists! So much for the new open-mindedness...
Father: I wonder at that myself. If we ever reunify with the SSPX (I pray on this), what will be allowed at Lourdes then?
I didn't realise there were any restrictions on the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass. How do they justify this restriction?
No, there should be no problem for any group. From what we have seen recently, it would appear you need an overwhelmingly large number of pilgrims to sway the authorities in Lourdes.
Fr. Michael Brown of Forest Murmurs was a chaplain to the recent Northen LMS pilgrimage to Lourdes. I don't know what the number of pilgrims was. I'm looking forward to reading his post on the subject. And I daresay the LMS will have a report in its next magazine.
Furthermore, Father, it makes the SSPX look like the legitimate users of the EF.
I hate to say this, but mightn't the reason be simply that the SSPX have a little bit more oomph than your average Earl-Grey-and-finger-sandwiches type of "traditionalist"?
Actually this only really bolsters the SSPX's case against the rest of the church. If they "sign up" then they'll be in exactly the same position as the rest of us. Not very encouraging, really!
The real reason the Lourdes authorise the SSPX to use the basilica is because of the size of the pilgrimage, and the logistical nightmare that would be caused by having their services outside! I know this from organisers of "pélérinages de tradition"
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