10, 9, 8, 7 ...

Fr. Zuhlsdorf at wdtprs posts the following today:

On Wednesday afternoon the Secretary of State, Tarcisio Card. Bertone gave the Motu Proprio to 30 bishops from around the world on Wednesday afternoon in the Apostolic Palace. The bishops were explicitly chosen and invited for this. (I am guessing that they were heads of Bishops Conferences.) Pope Benedict XVI later came to the meeting. The document is three pages long, though what the format is in not revealed. The Pope’s accompanying letter is four pages.

It is clear from the way this was done that the Holy Father wanted to make sure that bishops got this document in this way, rather than having to read about it in the paper. I assume that what will happen now is that these bishops, if they are heads of conferences, will return home and distribute the document to the bishop members of the conference.

[UPDATE: They are not only heads of conferences: H.E. Archbp. Raymond Burke of St. Louis and H.E. Sean Card. O’Malley of Boston was there, whether because of this meeting or a coincidental meeting is not clear.]

The general publication is 7 July.

Pope expected to OK Latin Mass

VATICAN CITY, June 18 (UPI) — Pope Benedict XVI has signed papers that would give Catholic churches the option of using the traditional Latin Mass, a newspaper reported Monday.

The upcoming motu proprio from the pope provides his personal opinion and isn't imbued with papal infallibility, the Times of London reported.

We are awaiting publication with some anxiety, a senior Vatican official told the Times. Everything hinges on the exact wording, and on the letter, which will be released along with the motu proprio, explaining the technicalities of its application by local bishops. The validity of the old Latin Rite has never been repealed, so now we have to see in what circumstances and to what extent the bishops should authorize its use.

The church replaced the old Latin Mass, which dates back to the Middle Ages, with local language masses in the 1960s. The old mass was never banned, but could only be used on special occasions with the permission from a local bishop.

The motu proprio, which expressed views consistent with the pope's when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, was expected to be published in the next few weeks, the Times reported.

News from Argentina

Una Polemica Disposición del Papa Benedicto XVI
Afirman que es inminente el retorno de la misa en latín
El Papa levantará la restricción actual. Pero el uso de esa lengua no será obligatorio. por Julio Algañaraz | El Vaticano Corresponsal jalganaraz@clarin.com

http://www.clarin.com/diario/2007/05/28/elmundo/i-02401.htm

Vuelve la misa en latín. La quiere el Papa desde siempre. El cardenal Joseph Ratzinger, elegido como Benedicto XVI hace dos años, se opuso a la reforma litúrgica promovida por el Concilio Vaticano II y llevada a cabo por Pablo VI. Según aseguraron fuentes vaticanas a Clarín, ya "todo está listo", incluso el motu proprio o "indulto" que será anunciado pronto.

Durante 1.500 años la misa tradicional católica fue dicha en latín y las normas fueron sistematizadas por el Concilio de Trento, en 1570, en plena Contrarreforma, vigiladas por la Santa Inquisición y el Santo Oficio, que en nuestros tiempos fueron rebautizados Congregación para la Doctrina de la Fe, cuyo prefecto o "ministro" fue durante más de dos décadas el cardenal Ratzinger hasta que lo eligieron Papa.

La reimplantación de los ritos tridentinos no será obligatorio para los fieles, pero quedarán abolidas definitivamente las restricciones actuales. Sólo un obispo podrá prohibir la misa tridentina en su diócesis y dándole al Vaticano las razones que explicarán ese gesto.

El regreso de la misa en latín apunta en las intenciones de Benedicto XVI también a absorber definitivamente la escisión de los ultraconservadores secuaces del obispo tradicionalista francés Marcel Lefebvre, quien consumó un cisma en 1988 al consagrar a cuatro obispos. Juan Pablo II debió excomulgarlo a él y a su comunidad, que ya en los años 70 había entrado en crisis con Roma cuando Lefebvre ordenó a varios sacerdotes en el cuartel general de los ultramontanos en Ecóne, Suiza, donde se encuentra la Comunidad San Pío X y su principal seminario. Pablo VI lo suspendió a divinis.

Dos cardenales latinoamericanos conservadores confirmaron que pronto el Papa firmará el documento que reimplanta la misa en latín. En diciembre lo anunció el protodiácono de la Iglesia, el chileno Jorge Arturo Medina Estévez. El purpurado integra la Comisión Ecclesia Dei (Iglesia de Dios), que se había reunido entonces para considerar la liberalización de la misa en latín por iniciativa del mismo Benedicto XVI.

"Hemos hecho algunas correcciones al texto", explicó el cardenal Medina Estévez. El presidente de la comisión es el colombiano Darío Castrillon Hoyos, quien hace tiempo presentó el texto al Pontífice. El cardenal niega a quien lo quiera escuchar que la medida represente un acrobático salto mortal hacia atrás que mortifica las normas litúrgicas del Concilio Vaticano II realizadas por Pablo VI. Desde 1969, las reformas impusieron los idiomas nacionales en las misas e hicieron dar media vuelta al sacerdote celebrante, que desde entonces mira hacia los fieles y no al altar durante la mayor parte de la misa, además de otros cambios, como los cantos en lenguas folklóricas y el uso de instrumentos musicales nacionales.

El cardenal belga Godfried Daneels, en una declaración que difundió ayer la agencia Associated Press, cuya vaticanista Nicole Winfield dedicó al tema un largo artículo, dijo que "el rito no es lo importante sino lo que viene después". "No podemos volver atrás. El Vaticano II es un concilio como todos los demás". Quiso decir que sus decisiones, aprobadas por el Papa, son obligatorias.

Según el cardenal Daneels, que es uno de los escasos purpurados progresistas del actual colegio cardenalicio, una mayor celebración de la misa tridentina podría polarizar a la Iglesia y conducir a "la negación" del Concilio II.

La misa tradicional en latín nunca fue abolida del todo, pero eran necesarios permisos especiales de los obispos. La liturgia tradicionalista se realiza siempre en lugares de culto utilizados por grupos ultraconservadores de la Iglesia, que están muy entusiasmados con la voluntad del actual Papa de regresar al latín, a la música sacra y los cantos gregorianos. Benedicto XVI ha repetido varias veces que los sacerdotes deben estar mejor preparados para el uso del latín en las misas y quiere "latinizar" progresivamente la liturgia de las misas reformadas, que prevalecen hoy largamente en las celebraciones católicas de todo el mundo.

Motu Propio News

http://www.milenio.com/index.php/2007/05/17/69688/

See also The New Liturgical Movement, Rorate Caeli,
and What Does the Prayer Really Say? for English.

From Rorate Caeli

Bertone confirms motu proprio

In an interview for the cover story (pages 56-60) of Le Figaro Magazine (weekly magazine of the French national daily Le Figaro), published today (not yet available on the newspaper's website); excerpt:

Is a Decree widening the possibility of celebrating the Latin Mass according to the rite from before Vatican II (the so-called Mass of Saint Pius V) still expected?

Cardinal Bertone: The merit of the conciliar liturgical reform is intact. But both [for reasons of] not losing the great liturgical heritage left by Saint Pius V and for granting the wish of those faithful who desire to attend Masses according to this rite, within the framework of the Missal published in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, with its own calendar, there is no valid reason not to grant to every priest in the world* the right to celebrate according to this form. The authorization of the Supreme Pontiff would evidently preserve the validity of the rite of Paul VI. The publication of the motu proprio which specifies this authorisation will take place, but it will be the pope himself who will explain his motivations and the framework of his decision. The Sovereign Pontiff will personally explain his vision for the use of the ancient Missal to the Christian people, and particularly to the Bishops.

Tomorrow's News Today

Pope ignores protests to restore Latin mass
March 12, 2007 | www.theaustralian.news.com.au

POPE Benedict XVI plans to bring back the celebration of mass in Latin, overriding a rare show of protest from senior cardinals.

With a papal decree said to be imminent, Catholic publishers in Rome are preparing new editions of the Latin missal.

They have sent proofs to Vatican authorities for approval, the Rome newspaper La Repubblica has reported.

Vatican sources said Benedict, who is fluent in Latin, is considering the publication of a papal motu proprio (literally, on his own initiative), which does not require the approval of church bodies.

This would enable Benedict to ignore opposition from several cardinals.

The decree would declare the Latin, or Tridentine, mass an "extraordinary universal rite", and the vernacular mass, with which most Catholics are familiar, an "ordinary universal rite".

The late French archbishop Marcel Lefebvre was excommunicated for opposing changes in the church agreed by the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, including the replacement of the Tridentine mass with updated liturgy in local languages.

The Pope's proposal will be cheered by Lefebvre's traditionalist followers.

A special Vatican commission, appointed to examine the demands of traditionalists, met in December to help draft the decree. Today, celebration of the Tridentine rite is limited. Bishops can allow it, but only on the condition that the celebration is deemed a sign of "affection for the ancient tradition" and not a criticism of the reforms.

Benedict wrote in his memoirs, My Life: Memories 1927-1977, published when he was still a cardinal: "I was stunned by the ban on the ancient missal."

The Remnant

A good priest-friend, hoping for a "scoop", asked me yesterday if I'd read anything about Sacramentum Caritatis. I found this good read from The Remnant regarding the current liturgical questions from the Eternal City.

Clever Commentary

Has the Pope's long-awaited document on the Tridentine Latin Mass been leaked? A document purportedly summarising its provisions is being frantically emailed around the Catholic world…

…I do hope all this is true. The Tridentine Mass is solemn and exquisitely beautiful - and, therefore, much loathed by the arthritic 1960s trendies who have seized control of Catholic liturgy pretty much everywhere.

But I must end with a health warning. Even if this is an authentic leak of a draft of the document, the forces of reaction in the Church (meaning Left-wing bishops) have plenty of tricks up the sleeves of their polyester vestments.

Read it all here.

Encouraging News

From Rorate Caeli

What follows are snippets from a February 19 talk given at Tradition, Family, Property in McLean, Virginia by American Provincial Msgr. Michael Schmitz of the Institute of Christ the King as reflected in an article in Envoy Magazine “Traditional Liturgy Not Affected by ‘Reform of the Reform’” regarding…

Abp. Piero Marini.

“…has finally accepted another assignment.”

the Motu Propio.

“I can tell you that the document is ready,”

the post-synodal exhortation.

...two specific encouragements — offering Mass ad orientem and using a Latin canon and Gregorian chant during the ordinaries of the Novus Ordo liturgy — may indeed be part of the post-Synod on the Eucharist document...

the “Reform of the Reform.”

...the popularly called “reform of the reform” of the Novus Ordo missal is distinct from, and “does not concern the old missal,”

Young People Flock to the Old Mass

Make your way to this excellent article on the
Institute of Christ the Sovereign King site.

Ad te clamamus

At Fr. Zulhsdorf’s request of a “Tridentine Spiritual Bouquet,” I will offer the Salve Regina each evening for the softening of hearts.

Keep praying

Promising news from two Ecclesia Dei Cardinals
being reported at Rorate Caeli.

Special Report

I see Paul VI and Bugnini in a pas de deux.

Please make your way to this important Special Report found online at The American Spectator.

How did we miss this?

Epiphany Statement

Those who would like to express their support for the 'Epiphany Declaration' (see Saturday's post) may do so here:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Epiphany_Declaration/

From Shawn Tribe @ TNLM

Epiphany Declaration Published: English Speaking Writers and Intellectuals Join Chorus of International Support for possible Papal Motu Proprio

Declaration Supporting Any Papal Initiative
to Allow the Freer Use of the 1962 Missale Romanum

We, Catholic laity and clergy, predominantly of various English-speaking lands, express our hope and desire to see the form of liturgy used prior to and during the Second Vatican Council given, again, greater freedom of use in the life of the Catholic Church and we express our enthusiastic support for any papal initiative to the same end.

We join in spirit as well with those figures of yesteryear who, in 1971, successfully petitioned the Holy See for the continued use of the classical Roman liturgy, deemed by them and by us as a spiritual and cultural treasure of inestimable value. Today in a similar spirit of love for the Church and her rich liturgical tradition, we unite our own voices with those heard in the recent past: with those of Agatha Christie, Cyril Connolly, Kenneth Clark, Graham Greene, Cecil Day Lewis, Malcolm Muggeridge and Iris Murdoch. Moreover, we join with the likes of such esteemed individuals as Evelyn Waugh in expressing our profound attachment to this liturgical treasure of Church.

As such, we wish to voice our support for the possible initiative of the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, which is thought to allow for the wider usage of the classical Roman liturgy in the hope that:

1. Pastorally, the "rightful aspirations" (cf. Ecclesia Dei adflicta) of Catholics attached to the classical form of the Roman liturgy might be more freely and readily realized in the Latin rite;

2. The ancient liturgical usages of the West might be fostered as living forms of worship in the Church, enjoying full right of citizenship in the same – the classical Roman rite as well as the ancient liturgical rites and uses of the religious orders and primatial sees which formed a part of the living, organic and legitimate liturgical diversity of the Church until recent times.

Finally, we believe that the presence of the classical form of the Roman liturgy in broader ecclesial and parish life will positively contribute to the ongoing efforts to implement the liturgical reforms promulgated by the Second Vatican Council as delineated in Sacrosanctum Concilium, and as envisioned by the Fathers of the aforesaid Council.

Saturday, January 6
Feast of the Epiphany

/signed/

Another sighting

Go to Fr. Zuhlsdorf’s blog wdtprs for another interesting sound bite of January 5 on, dare I say, the (in whispered voice) Motu Propio.

The good Father also suggests we keep our blog antennae up.

Overheard at Orbis Catholicus

Buzz from Rome: the indult...Under the starry Roman sky I have some good news for everyone: the indult is here!

This is Dario Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos (born in 1929 and ordained in 1952) walking into the Vatican Basilica on New Years Eve. When asked about the indult what was his reply? "Subito."

(Subito = Soon.)

Another Motu Propio "Sighting"

Catholic News Service (CNS) of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has published an article by staff writer John Thavis, 2007 promises a world of busyness for Pope Benedict, which , among other topics, speaks of the scheduled ad limina visits by bishops of the world, and plans for a May trip to Brazil and a September visit to Austria. Most importantly for many is the second paragraph:

The pope, who turns 80 in May, plans sometime in the spring to publish his book, "Jesus of Nazareth: From His Baptism to His Transfiguration," a work aimed at bringing a vivid portrait of Jesus to a wide audience.

Before then, other papal documents are expected to arrive; they include a post-synodal apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist and, according to Vatican sources, a document issued "motu proprio" (on his own initiative) that would expand permission to use the pre-Vatican II Tridentine Mass.

We’ll see.