According to a report in Britain’s Catholic Herald, the Vatican is preparing to issue a “juridical guarantee” for the Tridentine Mass. What exactly that guarantee would entail is not spelled out. Some Traditionalists are hoping that it means priests won’t have to get their bishop’s permission before celebrating it. I’m not sure that’s going to happen. I think what will happen is that the Vatican will spell out in clearer language the current notion that bishops should be more open to allowing it where people are asking for it.
I’m very interested in what this “juridical guarantee” will mean, too.
It is sad to note that there are many US Dioceses wherein the Ordinary has NOT allowed an Old Rite Mass—which, in many cases, results in illicit OR Masses being offered and concomitant inroads from SSPX (or even worse.)
It would seem that there is a precedent that could be set by this action. I agree with Mr. Bettinelli that a celebrit will still be needed.
I hope and pray that the bishops will see the need for the “traditional Mass.” I prefer to call it the Mass of Pius V, as opposed to the Missa Normativa. If in fact there is more widespread use of this Mass, I would assert that we will see a rise in devotions to and in the Church.
This also would do great things in bringing back the SSPX, SSPV, and others. Although, their issues are deeper now than just the liturgy.
God Bless,
Camilam
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Well, you might also call it the “Mass according to the Missal of Blessed John XXIII,” as he was the Pope who promulgated the 1962 Missal by which the Indult Masses are offered today.
But calling it either the ‘Mass of St Pius V’ or the ‘Mass of John XXII’ is very misleading. Its form was pretty much set by the time of Gregory the Great (+600 A.D.), which makes one realize what we tossed out in 1969.
Someday I want to walk into a VOTF meeting and ask them to agitate for the “Mass of Bl. John XXIII!”
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Fr. Wilson,
From my understanding, you are quite correct.
The Canon didn’t change from Pope Gregory until John23 added the name of St. Joseph to it. That’s along time not to change a Canon.
Not only did we toss out much in 1969, we now have somewhat inorganic canon, how many? Seven or so? what is believed to cover all people from “soup to nuts” I guess that we even have one for kid’s.. Kind of like the ball park…all kids nine and under get their own Mass on the first of the month.
What is next? A canon for Lesbians and Gays?
Shhh!!! Don’t say that too loud. They might hear you.
Fr. Wilson,
I agree with you, the reasoning for my calling it the Mass of Pius V is based on Quo Primum: “Let all everywhere adopt and observe what has been handed down by the Holy Roman Church, the Mother and Teacher of the other churches, and let Masses not be sung or read according to any other formula than that of this Missal published by Us. This ordinance applies henceforth, now, and forever, throughout all the provinces of the Christian world, to all patriarchs, cathedral churches, collegiate and parish churches, be they secular or religious, both of men and of women – even of military orders – and of churches or chapels without a specific congregation in which conventual Masses are sung aloud in choir or read privately in accord with the rites and customs of the Roman Church. This Missal is to be used by all churches, even by those which in their authorization are made exempt, whether by Apostolic indult, custom, or privilege, or even if by oath or official confirmation of the Holy See, or have their rights and faculties guarenteed to them by any other manner whatsoever.”
I love the Mass. I love it whether it be the Missa Normativa or the Tridentine. It is the source and summit of our life in the Church. Through my short life, I have had the honor of learning to serve (and MC) the Pontificale Romanum.
I do however, think that there is something inherently good in the Missa Normativa. As long as it is done according to the statutes of Vatican II, there is no problem. I would refer you to St. Agnes in St. Paul, MN. (My spiritual and home parish, although I don’t live in Minnesota any longer.)
Te igitur clementissime Pater,
Camilam