Motu Proprio for Universal Indult on Holy Thursday?
Laodicia is reporting that Holy Thursday is to be the latest date for the universal indult for saying the Tridentine Mass. While this date has a certain logic to it, I remain with The Curt Jester in his sure method for prognosticating the date. While I have no earthly idea when or even if a universal indult will be granted, let me say what I think it makes sense as I understand B16’s program for a “reform of the reform.”
Here is what I mean. A wider availability of this Rite will expose a larger number of Catholics to the lost patrimony. Pastors are much less insulated from the desires of their parishioners than are bishops so even in dioceses where the bishop has much animus toward the Rite, it is likely there will be parishes that offer it. Attending the Trindentine Mass can familiarize Catholics with Latin and chant and prepare them, and even create a thirst, for returning some of these lost treasures to the current Roman Missal.
Creating a widespread thirst is a much more effective approach for reintroducing elements that too many “reformers” have succeeding in painting in a negative light for the majority of Catholics. This is perfectly in keeping with Benedict’s gentle manner. In order for this to be effective though, a lot of care will have to be placed in preparing those not already enamored with the Rite lest they be put off by unfamiliarity or even by a poorly done Mass.
I do hope that there is a universal indult soon. While I agree that the beauty of the Tridentine Mass will be compelling for many, I also recognize it will not be everyone’s cup of tea…at least the first couple of times in attendance. In any case, hopefully for most, they will be struck by the greater sense of transcendent mystery that seems to be missing from the majority of Masses conducted according to the current Roman Missal and will desire that some of the elements that contribute to this transcendence, be restored to the current Rite. This is my hope any way.
.jpg)
Well, yes and no. It is interesting that Liturgy and Ecclesia Dei were both meeting with B-16 last night–unreported on B’s calendar.
However, “priests” are not necessarily interested in the Old Rite, either. I spent a good deal of time in a parish run by a conservative priest–maybe ‘orthodox’ is a better term. Solid old guy (RIP.) While he had no problem with using Latin in the NO (on a limited basis, to be sure) he would NOT celebrate the Old Rite. No way, no how.
I suspect that the Indult might have changed his mind, but that’s speculation.
A lot of priests have sweat equity in the NO–they were responsible for dragging their parishes into the NO, and sometimes at some cost.
Comment by dad29 — March 23, 2007 @ 11:26 am
The first time I heard the mass parts in Latin, it took my breathe away. I felt like I was going to be slain in the Spirit. This is sauve for the weary soul.
Comment by Elizabeth — March 23, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Now now, a little more precision. We’re not reporting that Holy THursday is to be the latest date for the motu proprio, we’re reporting rumours that it is to come out on that date.
Comment by berenike — March 24, 2007 @ 1:26 am
Berenike - Sorry about that. Perhaps it was a little too concise. I chose the term “reporting” because that was what you were doing and it does not imply to me that you were making the claim yourselves. Nevertheless, I can see that this could easily be taken that way. I will endeavor to be more clear in the future.
Comment by David — March 24, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
I think that before Pope Benedict would even think of writing a motu propio for a “universal indult” of the Tridentine, that he would rather make sure the Latin Novus Ordo is more accessible to people in the parishes.
The Latin Novus Ordo is beautiful, especially when the priest sings his part, when the music is Latin chant, and when the people respond in Latin the parts pertaining to them.
In Sacramentum Caritatis, the Pope specifically recommends a wider use of Latin for the more fmmiliar prayers - i.e., the Pater Noster, chanted by the entire congregation.
All Catholics should be able to chant these prayers. The Pope, in his weekly Wednesday audience, teaches people how to chant the Pater Noster. I really think he’d want the Novus Ordo done in Latin as a general rule, first - rather than issue another motu propio for the Indult.
Comment by Marie — April 12, 2007 @ 2:56 am