We will look back on this day in history; the seventh day, of the seventh month, of the seventh year of the third millenium; with great joy and appreciation of the perfection which it so rightly reflects. The release of the Motu Proprio by Pope Benedict XVI, liberalising use of the traditional latin Mass (now known as the "extraordinary" expression of the Roman Rite) will hopefully usher in a period of true renewal and restoration in the Church. The Holy Father has rightfully acknowledged the "great love and affection" which the faithful such as myself, have towards these venerable liturgical forms. I hope this will now mean that my family can enjoy a share in the harmonious reconciliation with ordinary pastoral care within the Church, and no longer feel awkward and sidelined. This is a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the glory of God.
In this way the sacred liturgy according to the Roman manner made fertile not only the faith and piety but also the culture of many peoples. Moreover it is evident that the Latin Liturgy in its various forms has stimulated in the spiritual life very many Saints in every century of the Christian age and strengthened in the virtue of religion so many peoples and made fertile their piety.
In the history of the liturgy there is growth and progress, but no rupture. What earlier generations held as sacred, remains sacred and great for us too, and it cannot be all of a sudden entirely forbidden or even considered harmful.
It has clearly been demonstrated that young persons too have discovered this liturgical form, felt its attraction and found in it a form of encounter with the Mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist, particularly suited to them.
That's one mega picture!
ReplyDeleteMr Picky points out that it's the sixth year of the new millennium (which he spells properly!) but nevertheless joins you in your great rejoicing.
ReplyDeleteOr is it the 8th year of the new mileneeoom?
ReplyDeleteYou lucky devil you, being able to participate and serve the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite so frequently.
ReplyDeleteMost of us can only long for the day, may it not be long in coming, when our priests will generously respond to our legitimate aspirations. We have a whole generation of priests who are not equipped at all to celebrate the Old Mass. No Latin, no rubrical traning, nuts. And the Churches, which have been deformed, are not so easily re-oriented. And there are no scholas to chant the responses, ordinaries and propers either, so this new liberalization will have very little impact on the ground here except to let us know that the Pope is with us and we are thinking with the mind of the Church and are not some kind of fringe loonies which we are made out to be.