There have recently been reports of possible restrictions on the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum in the forthcoming Instruction which is to be issued in clarification. It should be added that these reports have been contradicted by other sources and so the situation remains a little confused.
It would, of course, be a great pity if the Ambrosian rite were to be excluded from the provisions of Summorum Pontificum or if there were restrictions placed on Bishops wishing to use the usus antiquior for ordinations. One would hope that some recognition would be given to the magnificent response of the faithful to the provision of the traditional Mass as shown, for example in the above photo.
The main points of concern raised so far can be found at these posts at Rorate Caeli:
The Instruction - I Non-Roman rites and uses: a small sample of things to come, the risk of a return to the "indult" mentality
The Instruction - II Ghettoization must start in Ordination
The Italian blog Messa in Latino has further information for those who read Italian or are happy to work with a google translation.
NLM have now publicised an appeal to the Holy Father. This has also been simultaneously publicised by Rorate Caeli. It is worth noting that the appeal does not make any presumptions about the contents of the clarification but refers to reasons for concern:
The appeal does not presume to know or state what the actual contents of this proposed instruction are, however, in the light of the aforementioned reports, and given credible confirmations that there is reason for concern, it simply wishes to calmly and respectfully share our concern with the Holy Father about this potentiality, asking that, whatever is finally released, that the integrity of the letter and the spirit of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum be preserved.I think that the wording is sensible and moderate, with the right note of balance between expressing gratitude to the Holy Father and asking him not to allow any restrictions to be made in the Clarification. I encourage you to pop over and take a minute to sign the appeal
[Please note that after you vote, the petition site will record the vote and then brings up a "donation" window. You can just close that window. It is not related to the appeal and not required.]
5 comments:
I understand the concern, but lets think about this: to restrict SP would be counter intuitive. After all, HH has expressed a number of times his desire that the use of the EF be broadened. Also, to restrict its application would bring the risk of schism at the moment.
If they do restrict it, what's the point? To "hand over" the EF to the SSPX after their situation is resolved and they have legal standing within the Church (this is just be guessing)?
completely off piste Father - and whilst I imagine you are not a fan of the guitar in a religous musis context this piece might be of interest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P33jM_uQL8&feature=fvst
Thank you for helping to publicise this petition, Father - it was very encouraging to see your signature put to it.
I heard (I cannot say from whom) that there were "people" in the Vatican so annoyed with the Holy Father over "Summorum Pontificum" that they effectively blocked another important statement he was about to make. Obviously there are people - here and there -who do not want to see the EF Mass achieve any more popularity, just as there are voices now raised against the new English translation. Some people seem determined to keep the rest of us locked into an English liturgy which is no longer satisfactory. Ah well! What should we expect? A certain "smoke" is still wafting around in some places (see Pope Paul VI)
Thanks for bringing the appeal to our attention. Just after a few days it has already attracted more than 8000 signitures. I guess, that such lively reaction reflects not only true care for the future of EF (and concern about possible restrictions) but also signals support for the Benectict XVI in his efforts to renew liturgy and to help both Novus Ordo and Usus Antiquior to enrich each other. The resistance aganist Extraordinary Form exists in many countries even after a few years since SP was piblished, unfortunatelly also in my country - Poland. It takes time for clergy to see visionary goal of Holy Father of preserving continuity and renew liturgy as a center of Christian life.
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