Pope’s upcoming Apostolic Exhortation likely to call for increased liturgical solemnity, reintegration of Latin

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Vatican City, Mar 20, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- In June Pope Benedict XVI will receive the final proposal from the recent Synod of Bishops for the drafting of his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Eucharist. The commission of 12 cardinals and bishops from around the world, led by the secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Archbishop Nicola Eterovic, will meet in June to present the Holy Father a final proposal based on the 50 propositions that were made at the conclusion of last October's Synod.

According to a Vatican source, the commission will approve “a proposal and a plan for liturgical reform,” which will be made public in the Apostolic Exhortation that the Holy Father will tentatively issue in October.

The Vatican source said that the exhortation would include an invitation to greater use of Latin in the daily prayer of the Church and in the Mass—with the exception of the Liturgy of the Word—as well as in large public and international Masses.

The document would also encourage a greater use of Gregorian chant and classical polyphonic music; the gradual elimination of the use of songs whose music or lyrics are secular in origin, as well as the elimination of instruments that are “inadequate for liturgical use,” such as the electric guitar or drums, although it is not likely that specific instruments will be mentioned.

Lastly, the Pope is expected to call for “more decorum and liturgical sobriety in the celebration of the Eucharist, excluding dance and, as much as possible, applause.”

Comments: 50

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Marty Dancy
Lakewood, Colorado 10/08/2006 09:16 PM EST

Rather than argue all this, I think the best solution for the time being is to have two rites in the west just as the east has many rites. The people who want the old rite can go to that parish and the people who want the new rite can go there. Having a choice will keep more people in the church. If some of the new rite parishes want to put in Latin or more solemn music, they can try it but they can also use more modern forms. However, there are some of us who would prefer to go back to the old rite of 1962 completely. I think that freeing the old rite and allowing both to co-exist would be the best solution. Then we can see how well the two rites inspire the people to attend church and to lead better and holier lives.

Published by: Marcia Weisz
Lemoore, California 10/08/2006 08:44 PM EST

Yes! I agree from the bottom of my heart that the Church has lost her sanctity over the last 40 years. There is very little if no respect for the sacredness of the Mass by the clergy and the congregations. The modern church has lost and not gaining back many vocations but the traditional rite orders are growing by leaps and bounds. That should tell us something. I go to Mass and most of the music has been very much Protestantized and there is no respect for modesty in dress. No reverance or very little. Something is definitely missing.

Published by: Claire Marcus
Huntington Beach, CA USA 10/08/2006 11:10 AM EST

It appears from many of the comments that the church in America is lost, due to the craziness in the liturgy, ranging from folk music and other songs based upon show tune codes (this from the composers themselves), the secular atmosphere, the emotional lift that people get, etc. etc. The Mass is not about feeling good, it's about entering into the Sacrifice of Calvary. I really hope the Holy Father is very firm about what is appropriate and what is not, in the way of music. Pianos, also have no place in the church; the organ is the preferred instrument for accompanying sacred music within the liturgy. Most songs written today are written with piano accompaniment. Sometime when I walk into church I think I am in a piano bar or the local Hilton that has a piano in the lobby-the music is SO inappropriate. This will be like getting the horse back into the barn after the door was left open. But Sacred Music will prevail; the young are waking up to the fact that they can get a better rock concert at the local pub or concert venue. It's no wonder the Church has hemorrhaged so many members over the decades.
As for Latin-I think the emotional reigns here, also. I grew up with the Latin Mass and we all had missals with Latin on one side and English on the other side of the page. Is that too much of a stretch for people these days? Again-is the Mass for my entertainment and emotional lift? Am I there just to get my ticket to heaven punched for another week? We may end up with 2 churches

Published by: Steven Gonzales
St. Amant, LA 08/04/2006 11:12 AM EST

Yes, we need to keep to our traditions as Catholics. Yes, we need to respect the Mass and perhaps the most important prayer in our religion, The Eucharistic Prayer. We need to promote prayer rather than perform pieces. However, with that said, even Sacrosanctum Concilium, states:

"The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. ...; but bishops and other pastors of souls must be at pains to ensure that, whenever the sacred action is to be celebrated with song, the whole body of the faithful may be able to contribute that active participation..."
--SC: Ch. 6, Para. 114.

This tells me that, within certain boundaries, the faithful must be allowed to participate in the music. How can people participate if they are limited to Gregorian chants and organ/choir music (read "sung in Latin")? How many places in just the Psalms does it mention something about "sing praise?" Does it specify style? Not really, although it does mention specific instruments: the organ not among them, by the way!

And then the question becomes, "What about the music being inspired by the Holy Spirit today by such people as Steve Angrisano and Newsong?" What if it isn't orchestral in nature? Are we doing the same that our forebearers did, like Lucien Deiss and Suzanne Toolan? Are we fulfilling our call to be music ministers and lead people in musical prayer, regardless of what musical style we use?

Published by: Henry
Virginia 07/16/2006 05:02 PM EST

Say it ain't so, Joe! We don't need latin any more than we need swahili. Latin should be totally suppressed. Forever!

Published by: Keith Perry
Blue Grass, Iowa, USA 07/15/2006 05:31 PM EST

Perhaps Jennifer Cross and others who responded favorably in this website “need” this reform… but I (and many other Catholics) DON’T. I like guitars and folk choirs… just as just as much as I like the more traditional form of church music. Liturgical Dance isn’t my cup of tea, but I think there should be room for that kind of artistic expression in honor of the Lord. No applause? I think applause is a nice way for the congregation to welcome a newly baptized member of the parish. Our Mass should be “Catholic” enough to permit variety in our expression of our love for God and neighbor.

Published by: Jennifer Cross
Baltimore 07/14/2006 06:33 PM EST

I want to reassure Keith Perry that the reforms have nothing to do with bringing back Latin! It's the translation FROM the original Latin missal that we're talking about, and maybe, a more God-centered liturgy rather than a one-man show and a
informal get-together. We need this long awaited reform!

Published by: Keith Perry
Blue Grass, Iowa 07/14/2006 03:08 PM EST

I remember Mass before the Vatican II reforms were implemented. For me, the Latin Mass was NOT an uplifting experience.

My parents used to say we were going to "hear mass"... and that is exactly what we did! Congregation participation (other than uttering an occasional "et cum spiritu tuo") was generally mediocre. Looking around the church, I always saw a lot of the ladies praying their rosaries while they were "hearing Mass". If I desired an understanding of the Mass prayers, responses and songs, I had to consult my trusty St. Joseph missal for an English translation.

If Pope Benedict wants to reverse Vatican II, we need to know why! Is the Holy Spirit leading him to call for these changes... or is it simply a matter of Pope Benedict arrogantly enforcing his personal preferences???

Published by: James
Canada 07/03/2006 01:58 AM EST

This is great news! The latin mass has drawn very large attentance in churches that have tried it recently. We need the mass to feel more holy and spirtual. More prayer is needed. It is the only way that God speaks to us. I would rather have a small more holy and stronger church then a one that consists of catholics just paying lip service every sunday out of guilt.

Published by: Maya Albertson
Canada 07/01/2006 10:57 AM EST

I find this prospect worrysome. Working in youth ministry, I see the joy on the faces of the teens during mass. They are coming to know Jesus in a way that is pertinent to them. If this is by drums and electric guitars and loving God, I do not see the harm. The youth are the church of today, but they are also the church of tomorrow realistically. The church while sticking to its core values and beliefs as evidenced in Vatican II must grow with the world. I don't see reverting to languages that are not understood and elimating genuine avenues of worship as a positive.

Published by: Jeanne Gratton
Montreal Canada 06/28/2006 11:46 AM EST

There is everything to look forward in bringing back some sacredness to worship and decent attire from the faithful!
There was no dancing and entertainment at Calvary, which the Mass IS truly indeed!

Published by: George Santos
Houston,TX, USA 06/28/2006 11:34 AM EST

If the objective of the Pope is to trim down the Church to the hard core, no contraceptives, no tolerance, no understanding, faithful. Then this will put it well on the road, there will be a lot of abandoned Catholics wondering what to do on Sunday mornings... Shop I guess!

Published by: Jonathan Joffson
Berlin, Vermont USA 05/08/2006 01:14 PM EST

I must be a lonely voice. I don't care for Latin Masses. It does not make worship more "legitimate" or sacred. I go to worship God, and to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I receive the Holy Eucharist in the hand - reverently. I love meaninglful dance & guitar! Does this make me a "bad Catholic"? I thought Vatican 2 brought back many to the Church. Not the other way around.

Published by: Jack Leone
Wantagh, NY USA 04/18/2006 02:20 PM EST

I pray that the PROTESTANTIZATION of the Church is done away with fast. The Mass right now is loaded Protestant aspects. This to achieve unity with other Christian groups. There is no reverance at all. There are no saints in church, no one prays the rosary instead they are talking and eating.

Read St. Luke 22:31-32. The reason that we have so many Christian groups out there is because Satan has sifted us like wheat. There should be one Church, which is one Flock with one Shepherd.

I reaaly hope that the Latin comes back because there's just too much nonsense going on. There's no order. You can't even pray in church with people distracting you in every spot that you go in to try and pray. I pary for those people indeed. I;m not perfect, but if I were a priest I'd be wearing my priest garments at all times along with the CASSOCK. Can you tell whose a nun and a priest when you all go out to stores and malls? I don't think so.

It's too much and it all must end. My father and will start going to the Tridentine Mass in our diocese to appreciate the mass and gain God's grace.

I'm also tired of sermons about television shows and other irrelevant issues. Not to brag, but myself and my fellow lay friends know more about the Catholic faith then the clergy. There's no devotion or true understanding. Hey, we all sin. I make it to confession with true sorrow to avoid hell. I pray for grace and God's help for my own sinfullness and for the Church.

JMJ help us!!

Published by: suzanne kallil mcphee
new zealand 04/18/2006 01:25 AM EST

I recently, as part of my Theology degree,used mime, dialogue and dance within the Liturgy.On Easter sunday I read the story of creation in Genesis and utilised CDs for sound effect, "Morning Has Broken" for the creation of vegetation and animals,a Paganini Rhapsody for the creation of humanity,'Holy,Holy Holy;for the Trinity and ..wait for it,'Let Your Love Flow'at the conclusion.The animals moved reverently around the altar as if just awaking to their creation.The female dancer was respectfully clad( I couldn't get a male so I made her face half male/half female,and she moved slowly at first,wondering what she was, then realising she was a creation and made in the image of God used facial expression to demonstrate her delight.At the end we moved into the aisles and invited people to join us, which they did.Both songs were on the overhead so the congregation were involved, and all the animals etc were members of the assembly who always attend Mass.We came out of our places in the church and gently moved back into them at the end of the Epistle.It was moving and filled with adoration for the glory and love of God.The churchgoers loved it,,and at no time was it regarded as anything apart from an offering up to God.Out priest gave his homily and referred to it as a visual on the beauty and wonder of the creation of the Lord.I used a woman, as the Holy Spirit, a Kiwi as God the father and a Nigerian student as Jesus.Thanks be to God for his love and mercy and understanding.

Published by: Kerey Quaid
Fremont, California 03/27/2006 05:06 PM EST

I am sad to see a lot of anger and fear in people's responses to tentative news about worshipping God. I think we all need to look first to Jesus as our uniting Savior, in a world where many do not know him, or despise him, and ask him to send the Holy Spirit to guide the Pope in exactly what he will tell us. Then, we need to recall that in a big view of history and geography, valid Christian worship has been done in many ways (originally in Hebrew and Greek). Latin is not essential-HOWEVER,as a wordlwide Church, we need ways to unify ourselves in worship. If Latin can help with that, without being a barrier between people's hearts and voices, then ok. It's all a matter of balance, and unltimately, of faith.

Published by: R. Mathews
Sacramento, CA, USA 03/25/2006 02:54 PM EST

I lament that younger parishoners have not been given the opportunity to experience the spiritual enlightenment of chant. Similarly, I regret that new music is often composed and celebrated by those less than qualified to combine music and liturgy in such a way as to elevate both.

But I am one of those who think that both the new and the traditional have a place in Catholic worship, and the thought that the two are exclusive is disheartening.

Perhaps a better way to approach the reintegration of Latin would be to first encourage parishes to adopt a Gregorian mass format at one of their masses. This is not as easy as it sounds. Are we willing to fund a real pipe organ? Hire an educated organist? Who will lead? Will they understand how to sing/teach/lead/even READ chant?

If the parish is sucessful in finding good musical leaders, the mass will be well-received and flourish.

I think, however, that at the same time a contemporary service could flourish, too. But only if the parish is willing to take the same steps, that is, find excellent musicians and leaders with a strong understanding of music and liturgy.

Unfortunately, a lot of this comes down to money. It's just cheaper to use goodwilled but uneducated musicians rather than spend the money on quality. And what saddens me the most is that if parishes are forced to go chant with poor musical leadership, we'll be right back where we started, talking about "the good old days."

Published by: R. Mathews
Sacramento, CA, USA 03/25/2006 02:53 PM EST

Published by: Father Carr
VA, USA 03/23/2006 06:49 AM EST

"If the Tridentinists, New Latinists, Lefevrists et al are to be accommodated"

Mr. Wood, I don't know that you're name calling is very productive or tolerant.

"If not, if the Church turns back the clock it will lose the majority of its present faithful, and it will also lose the greater part of its income. Does this matter? You bet!"

The music etc in the Novus Ordo is hardly intrinsic to the rite. You are sadly correct that for many of the bishops it is all about money but your entirely secular argument is hardly convincing to me, since ultimately it is truth not money that counts. You are concerned about losing those Catholics who come to Mass today in England? What about the vast majority of Catholics who have stopped coming to Church in the past 40 years? As is well documented, the percentage of Catholics who come to Mass on Sunday in England is miniscule these days.

Published by: ed
san diego, ca USA 03/23/2006 01:21 AM EST

i hope and pray every day that the holy father will do something to reform the reform of the mass--and soon. the sense of sacredness and holiness is missing and too many traditional practices are gone--to the detriment of the church.

Published by: R. WOLF
MILTON, FLA, USA 03/22/2006 04:43 PM EST

The Pendulum Swings.
While working on my interdepartmental doctoral humanities program at Florida State University (1976-1985), I learned in a History of Music course that the desperate cries and screams of Christian martyrs were often drowned out by a loud, coarse musical instrument, a hot-air arena organ. In following centuries, Christians forbade this instrument for liturgical use due to its horrific association with those tragic pagan "entertainments." Yet, today, we consider the organ "queen" of instruments and especially appropriate for liturgical use.

Published by: JJ
Georgia, USA 03/22/2006 09:26 AM EST

Eric, I am a convert as well. The Holy Mass is not about nationality or preference. It's Calvary!!! It is a true and living Sacrifice. Christ is truly present before us. I love the guitar and even play the piano and these can be used is very good ways. But when we take a close look at what the Mass is, the sacrifice at Calvary, we can not throw a temper tantrum when our favorite song or instrument is not used. I like The Beatles but I don't want to hear them at Mass. Certaily, not every Parish can afford a lovely pipe organ. But it can have the Holy Mass offered correctly as it should be. The Mass is a gift from God Himself and should not be something open for debate. Accept it as it is or rather as it is to be correctly celebrated. We have protestantized the Sacred Liturgy. I am from New Orleans where we have a wide variety of "Mass styles." Mass should be the same in every Parish in every country. That is real unity. Having Mass in French, German, Swahili, then in English with a little Latin thrown in does not speak real universality. It speakes confusion. Latin is our language, even if you don't speak it. It is ours because we are Catholic and it is the language of Holy Mother Church.

Published by: Phil Krepps
Mt. Carmel, Pa. 03/22/2006 06:28 AM EST

When the changes took place in the 1960's the instruction was for the congregation, rather than just the choir, to sing 'THE' Mass not sing 'AT' Mass. Unfortunately, there was no music composed with English text available. So we borrowed from the Protestant tradition and sang hymns at certain times instead of the Propers of the Mass. Eventually many Mass settings became available, but only recently are some of us locating or even composing ourselves music for the Mass Propers. We can not depend on the 'Big Three' publishing companies to supply appropriate music for Mass but only 'everyone's favorite song.' After over 40 years the dust has still not settled on this issue.

Published by: James Wood
England. UK 03/22/2006 04:28 AM EST

Right. If the Tridentinists, New Latinists, Lefevrists et al are to be accommodated, please will someone arrange for the folks who are happy with our present Mass structures and music be allowed to keep OUR preferred rite? If not, if the Church turns back the clock it will lose the majority of its present faithful, and it will also lose the greater part of its income. Does this matter? You bet!

Published by: Daniel Hill
Australia 03/22/2006 03:51 AM EST

If the Pope (and the Synod) wants to reform to liturgy, the an exhortation is one thing, but leading by example is another. The bishops and Cardinals who want reform need to display this by having their cathedrals and parish visitations reformed, thus giving a proper example.
This includes Rome, the mother of all. The current Papal MC is terrible and often contravenes the GIRM, and has described papal liturgies as a 'show.' If Rome cant get its act together, the Pope can't expect anyone else to.

Published by: liberamedeus
Guam 03/22/2006 03:31 AM EST

I could do quite well without the hymns that are of secular origin including the so-called Ode to Joy. As a classical musician I find it offensive what has been done in Churches to Beethoven's great hymn. Leave it to the concert hall where Beethoven would have it.

Published by: David W. Rozman
Solon/Ohio?USA 03/21/2006 07:21 PM EST

Addition to my previous comment. They must make litigurical music pleasing, and if I may say a view of heaven. Have a problem with the song of farwell, fobade it at my dad's funeral, and will at mother's, and any other family mamaber. The traditional sound more comforting.
May I suggest to Our ordinary here to check the "Mass for Shut Ins" on Sunday Morning. In view of this new document you have to do something about the Lady who sounds like Edith Bunker. As stated before or music folks will have to learn how to play with the congregation, and a vocal timbre we can all follow. Not to scare away potential converts, and stop the folks from singing in the pew.

Published by: David W. Rozman
Solon/Ohio/USA 03/21/2006 07:07 PM EST

Praise be to God.tired of the St. Louis (ex) Jesuits pseudo Irish Malarky. There are many Gregorian chants which I miss badly. There is a song that they do at sunday Mass that is a sound like Madrea madrea sangria. A kind of a backhanded tribute to or Hispanic group. Now if we can get outr organist to play along with the congregation....

Published by: Latinmass1983
Rochester, NY 03/21/2006 06:07 PM EST

John Healy... what if they are thrown out? We did not use many of those hymns before Vat. II, WHY should we be unable to live without them NOW? Why should we use hymns like “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” which was written by Martin Luther, when there are much better Catholics hymns in English and Latin?? You NEED to learn to appreciate more Catholic hymns (in latin and english) which completely and explicitly express Catholic Teaching such as those composed by Saints and other very pious persons with the sole motive to praise God, and not with the ulterior motive Luther had.

Published by: Latinmass1983
Rochester, NY 03/21/2006 06:01 PM EST

"King David would be sad about the elimination of dance." Mike, this is NOTHING similar, at all, to the Liturgy. David was filled with joy because they had found or gotten back the Ark of the Old Covenant. NOW, after CHRIST, we have God HIMSELF in the Mass. We not receive HIM into our souls.. it would be ridiculous to think that after receiving the Eucharist, we should start jumping up and down. Besides, i would bet that the dance performed by David was NOTHING compared to what is seen today in many Catholic churches.

With regard to the use of Latin, remember that the Jews used a sacred language for their religious ceremonies, that latin WAS NOT an obstacle for great Saints in becoming Saints, not for St. John Vianney from being ordained and converting the whole town of Ars. St. Theresa of Avila, who did not much much latin -and she did not completely master her own native language- said that she would give her life for one of the ceremonies of the Church (referring to the Mass as said in her time - much closer to the Tridentine Mass than the new order of Mass today).

Which beautiful and ancient instruments are tou talking about? The ELECTRIC GUITAR???

Published by: Belloc
Lititz, PA 03/21/2006 05:09 PM EST

Father Benedict,

"Yet another example that the pope has never really accepted the universal and collegial decisions made in the 1960 regarding liturgy."

What decisions would those be, Father? The Council didn't open until October, 1962, and Sacrosanctam Concilium wasn't promulgated until more than a year later. On top of that, these "collegial" decisions you refer to were anything but. SC didn't call for anything remotely resembling the fabrication that is the normative Mass. And when that questionable rite was first offered - in the Sistine Chapel, btw, in Latin, ad orientam, with Holy Communion to the kneeling, on the tongue - in April of 1967 at the Synod of Bishops, over TWO-THIRDS rejected it.

So much for collegiality.

Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 03/21/2006 03:31 PM EST

There are a lot of hymns that would have to be thrown out if hymns and music with a secular origin can not be used. Some examples:

1) “What Child is This” is based on a secular song called Greensleeves.
2) “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” is based on one of the themes from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
3) “Amazing Grace” uses the music of “New Britain” – a secular song.
4) “Praise to the Lord” uses the music of Lobe Den Herren, a secular song.
5) “Kumbaya” is a nineteenth century African-American folk song – not a hymn.

In addition, the most common processionals and recessionals for weddings come from secular music. The Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride) comes from Wagner’s Lohengrin. The Wedding March comes from Mendelssohn’s Midsummer’s Night Dream. Handel’s Water Music is often used.

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God” was written by Martin Luther and was the anthem of the Reformation. Should it also be thrown out?

Published by: Eric Stubblefield
CO, USA 03/21/2006 03:16 PM EST

JJ, I agree with your desire to go back to the 1962 missal. As a 36-year-old convert, I was shocked that the Church jettisoned the Tridentine liturgy with is deep connections to antiquity and brought in a "do it yourself" liturgy. It's ridiculous to claim these liturgies (are any two of them alike?) are the same as those in the Early Church. How would anyone be able to clearly show what the Early Church's liturgies were like? I hope those who believe Benedict will reform the liturgy are right, but I hardly see this as a "crack down." Writing encyclicals or Apostolic Exhortations seem to me likely to accomplish little unless the Holy Father is willing and able to exercise discipline. Those who have long stewed their own soup in liturgy and teaching seem very likely to ignore him otherwise, as they have on so many other issues -- withholding communion to pro-choice politicians, fighting for traditional marriage and against homosexual practice, and being faithful to Church teaching on many other points from pro-life to contraception. One of the main problems in the Church today, I think, is that far too many clerics and laity reject part or all of the faith, will not convert, won't leave and will not be disciplined or thrown out. For the sake of those who truly _want_ to be Catholic for what Catholicism is, there needs to be clarity not only in teaching, but in the interior order of the Church. "Tolerance" of error an scandal is not charity, but a form of hatred.

Published by: Giles
London, UK. 03/21/2006 02:03 PM EST

Re:
"Father Benedict :Yet another example that the pope has never really accepted the universal and collegial decisions made in the 1960 regarding liturgy."
Has he read Sacrosanctum Concilium? The bit about the use of latin being retained and promoted in the roman rite, save from the readings? The active promotion of gregorian chant, so as to promote genuine 'participatio actuoso'? I thought it was the extreme traddies who were meant to be paranoid. Read what the Holy Father says about the 'hermeneutics of continuity' before spouting off: Church history did not begin from zero in 1962.

Published by: Scott
Illinois 03/21/2006 12:57 PM EST

Fr. Benedict, once again, seems to be living in a self developed Church instead of the Church of Vatican II, which documents clearly state that Latin is first should be used in the Mass, but not exclusively. Is that the last gasps of breath I hear from dying liberals, saber rattling is just that.

Published by: Timothy Clint
Erie, PA 03/21/2006 12:09 PM EST

At least the children of Going My Way and the nuns understood the value of the Catholic Faith. Remember Patsy who only wanted to be a nun because "everything is so neat and clean" and presumably ordered. " I wouldn't be a dumb nun, sister, really". Can you imagine any of our youth being that impressed today with the Novus Ordo nuns to say the same thing? Perhaps, we should just dial "O" for O'Malley, and not Shawn by the way. Slow but sure the Holy Father is forging ahead to prepare the Holy Catholic Church for a turn around. It won't be quick but this writter believes it will be sustained.

Published by: Carlos Lam
Indianapolis, IN 03/21/2006 11:52 AM EST

Far from being a language that "few understand," Latin is the official language of the Catholic Church. Moreover, its greater use will once again help focus Catholics on the existence of the universal Church.

Published by: Sheryl DeMille
Pittsburgh, PA USA 03/21/2006 11:28 AM EST

We should only be so lucky as to have the "Church of Bing Crosby in "Going My Way!"

Published by: Father Benedict
USA 03/21/2006 09:38 AM EST

Yet another example that the pope has never really accepted the universal and collegial decisions made in the 1960 regarding liturgy.
He is also paving the way for the schismatics who rejected all Vatican II resolutions to come back with a vengeance as if the Eucumenical Council had never occurred.

Published by: Brian Michael Page
Tiverton, Rhode Island, USA 03/21/2006 07:41 AM EST

Finally! The crackdown begins! And we can see liturgy as called for by Vatican II, and not as called for by the NPM and the "big three" publishers that they support.

Question for Mr. McCaffrey: are you in the NPM?

Peace,
BMP

Published by: Guy
Chicago 03/21/2006 04:32 AM EST

Use of Latin AND a multitude of instruments like guitars, flutes, etc. as youth day in Colone demonstrated are not mutually exclusive. Especially on occasions that reflect outreach and evangalism to various age groups and national cultures. The great thing about the Holy Father is that his focus is on reverence and solem worship Not censorship. Those who see and end to music they do not like as one option in the six to seven masses offered on Sunday do not understand Benedict XVI. People like JJ miss the point the Holy Father is making. One again the beatification of Mother Theresa and youth day demonstrate that the Vatican understands that while secular music has no place in worship, the reverence of music NOT the instrument it is played on is key whether pipe organ, piano, guitar, flute etc.

Published by: Tom Pedicone
Corning, NY, USA 03/20/2006 05:23 PM EST

After 40 years of Liturgical drift, maybe we are about to see the real reform, as the Church fathers always intended. Too many years have novelties been whipped into the mass in the "Spirit of Vatican II." Maybe now we can go from mass as performance art to actual worship!

Published by: belloc
Lititz, Pennsylvania 03/20/2006 04:51 PM EST

Deo gratias. Perhaps the reform of the reform is finally upon us.

PS - Mike, um, you're kidding, right?

Published by: Michael Stradley
United States 03/20/2006 04:03 PM EST

Of course it's alarming to liberals--the Pope intends to eliminate all the abuses to the liturgy that they've snuck in under the unattentive eyes of previous popes. Contrary to popular liberal notions, Vatican II did not do away with the use of latin in the liturgy, or any of the other novelties that have infected the Mass since the council ended (communion in the hand, "liturgical dance", priests facing the congregation, etc.)

Pope Benedict XVI hopes to restore the faith and dignity to the Mass that has been slowly eroded by decades of Modernist theology and irreverent novelties in the Mass.

Published by: Shawn Tribe
London, Ontario Canada 03/20/2006 03:50 PM EST

Turning back the clock? The Second Vatican Council instructed the retention of Latin. This is simply implementing the Council. Incidentally, anyone who has any experience of praying in Latin, like many young people who love this tradition, have found that they have no trouble understanding what they are praying in Latin.

Published by: Michael Mateyk
Toronto, On 03/20/2006 03:31 PM EST

I love this pope. Bringing Latin back is going to reinvigorate the liturgy. This is the language that help build our faith and bringing it back is really going to be very exciting. As for the guy who complained that no one knows Latin...get a book. I just a few months ago recieved a booklet on the mass in Latin. English on one side and Latin on the other. Learn the prayers in Latin, some hymns in Latin, no one is expecting all the readings to be in Latin..but the responses ..why not? The young kids today may find they enjoy it too. God bless Benedict XVI

Published by: Anthony Uy
Vancouver, BC, Canada 03/20/2006 02:19 PM EST

King David will be saddened more to see Catholics dancing in front of the cross as Our Lord is hung on it in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The beauty about Latin, is that people can follow this language in missals, while stressing the importance of liturgy as being not part of your everyday cup of tea. Latin lifts us up into the heavenly liturgy, reminds us that we are in holy ground! "Holy"--being set apart

Published by: JJ
USA 03/20/2006 02:13 PM EST

This is only the beginning. I dearly hope to see the piano and guitar replaced with the beautiful pipe organ. Dance has NO place in the Liturgy. Read St. John Vianney on dancing. I hope to one day strictly go back to the 1962 Missal. It's hard to believe as a 21 year old that people could go from the Mass of St. Pius V to the outrageous mess we are in now.

Published by: Brendan Murphy
Carbondale, PA 03/20/2006 12:56 PM EST

With all due respect to Mr. McCaffrey, I'm not sure that he understand the issue here. I would encourage him to read the documents on the liturgy--not only from Vatican II, but all subsequent documents--which are readily available and easy to access. It is not uncommon for people to think that this is a "turning back of the clock" liturgically speaking, however, such people have frequently never read any liturgical documents. Therefore, they assume that certain abuses are actually what Vatican II called for. This is merely a correction of faulty interpretations and applications of what Vatican II actually called for.

Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 03/20/2006 12:11 PM EST

This Apostolic Exhortation is a little alarming. I have difficulty seeing what the relationship to the Eucharistic is to turning back the clock so that we can use Latin more, a language which few understand, and banish the beauty of simple and ancient instruments from the liturgy. King David would be sad about the elimination of dance. Is change this difficult that we must revert to the church of Bing Crosby in "Going My Way?"

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