SSPX & The Latin Mass
As a follow-up to your post, Cari, SSPX is currently a schismatic group, but Pope Benedict XVI has been working towards reconciliation with that group. As part of that reconciliation, the Latin Mass and the Latin Missal may come back into universal use. Here's an excerpt from a story about it:
The Pius V Missal contains the Mass celebrated in Latin according to the “Tridentine” rite and is currently allowed only with the permission of the local bishop. Universal approval would mean the traditional rite could be celebrated freely throughout the world by priests who wish to do so.
The move is not directly related to the Lefebvrist schism, since as a theologian the Pontiff had always expressed in interest in bringing back the rite. Nevertheless, Vatican sources note that this would be an important step in resolving the schism, as the possibility of freely celebrating the Mass of St Pius V is one of the points of contention with the Lefebvrists.
In July, the Society of St. Pius X—known as the Lefebvrists—will elect a new superior. The group will chose between openness to reconciliation embodied in the current superior Bernard Fellay or the decidedly anti-Vatican stance of Richard Williamson, another of the four bishops illicitly consecrated by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
From The New Liturgical Movement: http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/2006/03/universal-approval-of-latin-missal.html
The Pius V Missal contains the Mass celebrated in Latin according to the “Tridentine” rite and is currently allowed only with the permission of the local bishop. Universal approval would mean the traditional rite could be celebrated freely throughout the world by priests who wish to do so.
The move is not directly related to the Lefebvrist schism, since as a theologian the Pontiff had always expressed in interest in bringing back the rite. Nevertheless, Vatican sources note that this would be an important step in resolving the schism, as the possibility of freely celebrating the Mass of St Pius V is one of the points of contention with the Lefebvrists.
In July, the Society of St. Pius X—known as the Lefebvrists—will elect a new superior. The group will chose between openness to reconciliation embodied in the current superior Bernard Fellay or the decidedly anti-Vatican stance of Richard Williamson, another of the four bishops illicitly consecrated by the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
From The New Liturgical Movement: http://thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/2006/03/universal-approval-of-latin-missal.html
posted by Heather | 7:57 PM
2 Comments:
Thanks for the info, Heather! I know some really good people who are affiliated with SSPX, so I hope they become reconciled to Rome ASAP. I wrote to the SSPX and asked them some questions, and basically they said that Rome did not have the authority to excommunicate Lefevre or the bishops he ordained, and so they are legitimate. However, this just seemed like a bunch of excuses to me--plus the fact that YES, Rome DOES actually have the authority to excommunicate such people, and actually DID excommunicate Lefevre and his bishops.
It was great to hear what Rome had to say in the article you quoted.
Regarding the Tridentine Latin rite:I think it's important to note that this rite is not solely associated with the SSPX; it is merely their Mass of choice. The Tridentine Latin Mass is an indult Mass and is completely independent from the SSPX. At this time, as stated, it has to be approved by the local bishop, but I think it's exciting that Benedict may allow any priest to say it without special permission in the near future.
We should all go to the Latin Mass sometime. It's an interesting experience.
I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for more info on the reconciliation talks between the SSPX and Rome; I think it's interesting that the leaders of the SSPX want Rome to make the first move. Sounds sort of prideful:
catholicexchange article
Yes, that is a good point about SSPX waiting for Rome to make the first move, and unfortunate, but I am glad that Pope Benedict is still willing to do it. The shepherd going after the lost sheep, as it were.
Post a Comment
<< Home