Motu proprio
The news from Rome at the moment is the preparation of the much anticipated motu proprio - Summorum Pontificum - which allows the celebration of a pre-Vatican II type Mass without the consent of the overseeing bishop, as is the current situation. This all begs the question ‘Where is the Church going?’. I, for one, consider the actions taken by Vatican II to be necessary for the continuation of the Church’s appeal to the wider world. Catholics are more educated than ever and so find it harder to simply submit to the will of the Church. Anyway, Vatican II stated that the people of God are the Church rather than a Church-full of clerics. It is with this in mind that the celebration of the Mass in the vernacular is so important, as how can the faithful play a part in the Church when they don’t understand what’s going on?
I’m not suggesting that this document will revert everything back to pre-Vatican II but it does seem to be a continuing trend. I do accept however that in some cases the aftermath of the council went too far in modernizing, to the extent that many forget to cherish what 2000 years of existence has taught the Church…..I suppose the wider use of the Tridentine Mass on certain occasions will resurrect the concept of ‘mystery’ in the Church but I fear this alone won’t be enough to reel in the lost sheep. I know plenty of ‘Catholics’ who see their part in the Church as spectators rather than participants…and I don’t think this is by choice! How, then, is the Church to foster a sense of community in a world where the last word many use to describe themselves is ‘catholic’ or even ‘Christian’?
It’s my opinion that there is much to be learned from certain protestant churches. For example the concept of ‘Sunday schools’ seems like a perfectly viable option. Would the foundation of spirituality discussion groups in parishes not foster such a feeling of community within the Church? I don’t know. I’m just grasping for some sort of solution to such a lapse in communications amongst the people that are infact the Church. This, while such great efforts are underway. It is of the upmost importance to bring the Word, and the leadership that is Rome, to the people of God rather than put it on the table and wait for them to notice it.
As a closing point we must realise that it is through the Latin Mass that the sense of mystery, once central to the faith, will be rejuvinated. This document allows for both forms of celebration - Tridentine or Vernacular and stresses that the Tridentine Mass is ‘extraordinary’ while the Vernacular is still the ‘ordinary’. This document will highlight the value in listening to the wisdom of 2000 years of worship while continuing to move forward. I don’t know if it will ‘fix’ the Church but it’s certainly a step in the right direction….can’t hurt anyway!
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007 and is filed under Rome.
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Michael G Says:
In some dioceses there is resistance to requests from people for the Extraordinary Form. It is sometimes very hostile and the methods used can only be called devious and, in one case that I know of directly, quite vindictive. What are these people afraid of?
November 29th, 2007 at 12:20 am
Micahel Says:
With the current unwarranted hostility to the running of schools by the Churches, Sunday Schools may be neccessary rather than optional. People have a choice wheter to be “spectators rather than participants “. As you rightly state they are the Church however they are happy to devolve their role (in passing on the faith) to the clergy and teachers when it suits. Apart from Sunday Mass (in the Vernacular) how many young people are aware of the Blessed Sacrament, Benediction, the Divine Office and so on? Or for that matter most Catholics born post - Vatican II ? Not to mention the Tridentine Mass!
December 23rd, 2007 at 5:47 pm