While I have always argued for freedom to engage in either the old or the revised ritual, this is definitely more restrictive than under Pope Benedict XVI. I hope we can keep peace in the Church.
Article 1 – The revised Missal under St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II are given preference as the unique (Vatican II) expression of the “lex orandi” of the Roman Rite. Okay.
Article 2 – The local diocesan bishop has exclusive authority to permit or forbid the use of the 1962 Missal. Ouch.
Article 3 – If the old Mass is currently permitted in a diocese . . .
- Groups desiring it must not deny the validity and legitimacy of liturgy reforms. Okay, this is good.
- Bishops are “to take care not to authorize the establishment of new groups.” Oh my . . . hoping it will die out?
- The old Mass is restricted to one or more locations for celebration but not parochial (parish) churches and without new personal parishes. Oh my goodness, I can hear the screaming and hollering already!
- Even the particular days for when the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII may be celebrated must be designated and must use currently approved vernacular readings. This infers that it will not necessarily be daily.
- The priest who would say the old Mass must be delegated by the bishop and all such priests must be appointed or approved by the bishop to offer it. That is going to upset a number of guys!
I suspect many of my friends feel hurt and betrayed today. I do not know why we had to have these changes, but we need humility and we need to pray for healing in the Church.
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