Universal approval of Latin Missal could be on the way

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 45

Vatican City, Mar 31, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The St. Pius V Missal, which the Catholic Church used until 1962 before it was replaced by the new ordinary following the liturgical reforms of Vatican II, could be approved for universal use, according to sources close to the Vatican.

The decision on the use of the Missal, which was the subject of consultations between Pope
Benedict XVI, the cardinals of the Church and the heads of the different Vatican diacasteries, could be announced after another meeting the Pope has scheduled for April 7 with Curia leaders.

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.

Comments: 45

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Marian Taylor
Memphis TN USA 01/09/2007 04:53 PM EST

Like Artie - I've never seen a Latin Mass; I am a convert (26 yrs. ago), but by accident of birth (I was born too late) I have never had the privilege of attending the Latin Mass and would love to see one. We did have a church here in my city that had a Latin TRANSLATION of the Novus Ordo, but I guess most pastors feel it's "too much trouble" or "it takes too long", etc. to get permission - and why should you have to 'get permission' for something that hasn't been forbidden in the first place?!

Published by: Bill
Aloha, OR, USA 10/11/2006 12:31 PM EST

It's amazing to me, the amount of rancor the thought of traditional Catholicism raises here. In response to any who say they 'prefer' the post VatII rite, I would be forced to ask the same question as I would to those who say their faith was 'strengthened' by reading The Da Vinci Code--what, then, is your faith based on?

We are either Catholics, or we are not. The Catholic faith either is resolute and unchanging, to keep Christianity's foundation strong, or it is nothing.

We are either FOR the Lord, or AGAINST him. If we are lukewarm, He will vomit us from His mouth.

Thanks to the availability of the Tridentine Mass, I finally had a Catholic Mass to attend. The novus crap was just that--crap.

The only schism here is the weak of faith and machiavellian, against the strong of faith. I choose strength of faith. I choose tradition.

Published by: Esteban
Costa Rica 08/16/2006 06:44 PM EST

The SSPX is calling for a Crusade of the Rosary for the months of august, september and octuber of this year.
The Society has the intention of presenting a spiritual bouquet of a million Rosaries to the Sovereign Pontiff for the end of the month of October, month of the Rosary.

These Rosaries will be recited for the following intentions:

1. To obtain from Heaven for Pope Benedict XVI the strength required to completely free up the Mass of all time, called the Tridentine Mass.

2. For the return of the Social Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. For the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The SSPX is calling to a true Crusade of the Rosary, so that this shameful dispute between the Holy See and the SSPX ends, dispute which is causing great scandal and harm to the Catholic Church.

Published by: John
Brea California USA 08/16/2006 10:56 AM EST

The return of the Normative aka Tridentine aka Latin aka Mass of St. Pius the 10th is not a future event. The Mass of All Ages (Tridentine Liturgy never died out in the Latin rite Catholic Church. It was supressed, slandered& belittled by liturgical experimenters and leftist revisionists in the 60's 70's 80's & 90's. Anyone who dared express an interest in the ancient mass was marginalized and shunned by priest, prelates & laity alike in the post Vat2 church. With all that abuse the Tridentine liturgy survived and grew. The simply truth if it be told was NO post vatican 2 Pope would dared make the Tridentine liturgy illegal by virue of the Bull "Quo Primum," in that it is protected and pre-eminent in the Latin Catholic Church for eternity.The fruits of the ancient mass are there for EVERY Catholic to see. Traditional Abbeys, Seminaries,Monasteries, Convents are filled to overflowing, (some) Traditionalist Seminaries reluctantly refuse new candidated simply because they do not have the room to accomodate the many request to enter their seminaries.Posibly most important is Traditionals Roman Catholic parishes, oratories and chapels are filled to overflowing with the faithful and surprise, surprise the vast majority of Catholics attending the Tridentine liturgy on a regular basis are between 18yrs old and 50, many with large family's. Sadly the other side of the coin revels novus ordo parishes generally half empty or half full and this is in reference to the main sunday masses.

Published by: Daniel Turner
Birmingham, AL 04/20/2006 03:21 PM EST

I have no idea what some people are thinking? First of all, the Tridentine Mass is a COMPLETELY different mass than the new mass or Pauline Rite. The difference is not the issue of vernacular versus Latin; The issue is the theology presented by the mass. I'm not saying the new mass can't be done well, but the Tridentine Rite if done according to rubrics is flawless.

Also another important issue:

Someone earlier made the comment that "Before Luther the Bible was only in Latin and Greek so only the Clergy could read it. This is completely erroneous. The main fallacy here is the assumption that most could read at this time. Those who were literate could almost always read Latin and Greek, but most weren't.

They're also missing another important point in regards to that era. Books had to be hand written. A Bible at that time would be valued at around $400,000 according to today's equivalent. In Luther's church it was still only the Clergy and elite who actually read the bible.

Published by: Virginia
Otto, NC USA 04/12/2006 12:08 AM EST

I attended the Latin Mass up until the newer vernacular Mass came about. I remember how bored I was during the Latin Mass because I did not understand a thing that was said. How could I understand a language that had been dead for a millenium? Then the vernacular Mass came into being! What a breath of fresh air! Now I could speak to God in my own language! Why would I want to go back?
And what makes Latin so great? Because it was spoken by the Romans? What makes them so great? If we truly want to be silly, why not go all the way back to the original language spoken by the early church---I do believe it was Greek. And it will be all Greek to us!!!

Published by: JMC
Camden, SC, USA 04/11/2006 03:07 PM EST

I know this e-mail will not be published, but I couldn't help commenting on Mike McCaffrey's wish to hear "In Paradisum" sung at funerals. Come to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Camden, SC. It's sung at almost every funeral there.

Published by: Dane E. Ryan
Evansville Indiana 04/11/2006 01:24 PM EST

This anticipation is horrible. I hope these rumors are true. If they are I will jump up and down and say a Te Deum, just like I did when Ratzinger became Pope Benedict.

Published by: Sheila Warner
Vineland, NJ 04/11/2006 12:44 PM EST

I am a new convert, 2 years old in the Church. I have discovered the Tridentine Rite, and it is not the Latin, so much as the clearer teachings at the Mass. Theology is watered down in the Novus Ordo. I am pleased that the Holy Father is reaching out to heal the schism of SPPX. I am certain that our late great Pope John Paul II is interceding for Holy Mother Church in this matter.

Published by: edwardgeraci
austin,tx usa 04/11/2006 11:28 AM EST

i am very happy that the latin mass will be more widespread.i believe it is a more reverent and beautiful mass.

Published by: TOM
WAYNE, NEW JERSEY 04/04/2006 10:00 PM EST

IF THE POPE PERMITS A WIDER USE OF THE TRIDENTINE MASS AS HE OUGHT,IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN HOW MANY PRIESTS WILL BOTHER TO LEARN OR RE-LEARN HOW TO OFFER IT OR HOW MANY PRIESTS OR LAITY WILL EVEN CARE GIVEN THAT THE THEOLOGY WHICH UNDERSCORES THAT MASS MAY JUST BE TOO CATHOLIC FOR TOO MANY.

Published by: Peter Dickinson-Starkey
Burnaby, British Columbia,Canada 04/04/2006 03:41 PM EST

I read the above comments with sincere tears in my eyes,as tmy beloved Tridentine Mass returns.God does listen to our prayers.Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Published by: Jacob
USA 04/04/2006 07:55 AM EST

I can tell you as a convert to Catholicism that the great majority of people sitting in their pews, listening to the Mass in the vernacular have absolutely no clue as to what is taking place. I'm my Confirmation class in 2001, a class of 42 students, not a single person knew what Transubstantiation is. I am not saying that the Missal of St. Pius V will correct this, but it could be a help. The holiness we are missing is not only a problem in the celebration of the Mass, but in family life, and the daily lives of Catholics. Many catholic friends of mine would complain that their protestant friends say that "catholics are not Christian because they get drunk, party a lot, ect..." Well, they are quite right. Catholics have a duty as the followers of Christ to have a better attitude and manor than their fellow man. Not because we are better than they but because we represent the Catholic Church in EVERYTHING we do and stand for. When the Holy Mass is reduced to a show with an laissez-faire atmosphere, something is deeply wrong. Let us never forget, at the Mass we stand among the saints and angels at Calvary. Many saints were not members of the clergy and yet many suffered martyrdom for the Holy Mass in LATIN, a language they did not speak. Where is our faith?

Published by: Clayton
Ash Flat, AR 04/03/2006 07:55 PM EST

Actually, by the time Latin was codified as the sole language for the Western Church, most of the Western church had slipped back into the hands of barbarians, who most definitely did not speak Latin. Latin has always been, instead, a designation of the Western rite dioceses as uniquely belonging to Rome, of whatever tongue. We are Roman! Never forget it.

Published by: Father Benedict
USA 04/03/2006 03:38 PM EST

The people of God, not the priest, decides how they want to worship.
The universal Council not the Pope decides what orientation "their" church should take.

Published by: John Healy
Washington, DC 04/03/2006 02:00 PM EST

I do not understand why anyone would prefer going to church in a language that they do not understand. In the early Western church, latin was the vernacular so if we want to be like early Christians the mass should be in the vernacular.

Prior to Luther, the Bible was only in Latin and Greek. This meant that no one except the clergy knew what was going on. Why would people want to go back to relying completely on the clergy? Why would people want to go to a service that they only partially understand?

Could it be that the Church is worried because its teachings are only accepted by people who do not understand what they are accepting?

Published by: Mark
Columbus, OH 04/03/2006 01:42 PM EST

It's amazing how some people are so vitriolic when anyone dares ask for the Tridentine Mass, which reflects the mainstream liturgical practice of centuries. No Catholic should have the slightest problem with this liturgy. It is replete with the doctrine of the Church.

Published by: Joan
Casselton,ND 04/03/2006 10:07 AM EST

I have been Catholic my entire life, which started after Vatican II. In my life, I have seen a steady decline of families with youth attending church for various reasons; most of which has been conservatism. You cannot tell me that reverting to preVatican II liturgical practices will be bringing these families or new ones back into the church. This is not just the opinion of a younger Catholic. My grandmother 91 yrs. young is very upset with the changes that are occurring in our church as a whole. She has whole heartingly embraced Vatican II and is saddened by the "backslide". Not all Catholics will rejoice at the re-introduction of the Tridentine Mass.

Published by: Sacerdos in aeternum
NY, USA 04/03/2006 08:20 AM EST

How good God is to us!
For thirty-six years the
Novus Ordo has been eroding, as the late great Cardinal Ottaviani
said, the Catholic understanding of the sacrifice of the Mass, the
priesthood and the most
Blessed Sacrament. Daily we see the effects of this
"weapon of Mass destruction", which I offer daily as a faithful
priest of the Church.
Now God in His mercy has
heard our prayers, for we must rebuild the church
from the ground up, raising up holy families
who will love the Lord
in the beauty of Holiness.

Published by: gerard poitevin
guatemala central america 04/02/2006 08:57 PM EST

deviated from pius 5 the novus ordo church is schism not traditionalism

Published by: edward.fullerton
Kingston-Upon-Hull/Eastyorkshire/England 04/02/2006 11:48 AM EST

sadly was never taught latin at school but would love to learn and hear an latin masses.As, an Irish priest said in one of his letters in the "Universe catholic newspaper the reforms were brougth in to quickly".I wonder what anguish was wrought.In my younger years their was an english translation.My ambition is to learn.

Published by: K Lewis
Wales 04/02/2006 08:42 AM EST

I speak as a convert to the Church (1968). I have been waiting for this day for over 30 years, Deo Gratias. I believ this will just be the start for the Traditional wing of the Church our foes are strong and still very powerfull. May the Lord see this Pope last many more years to come to finish what was begun by the former Pontiff Pope JOhn Paul The Great RIP.

Published by: William Shewmake
Westwego, Louisiana 04/02/2006 12:10 AM EST

When I close my eyes I can still hear Fr Konig chanting the Mass in Latin, Who knows one day I might hear it again in Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

Published by: Thomas D. Herndon
Honolulu, HI 04/01/2006 10:40 PM EST

This is good news indeed. The Tridentine Mass community in Hawaii will continue to pray for the fuller restoration of the Mass and the freedom to celebrate it widely once again.

Published by: Fr. Larry Toschi, O.S.J.
Madera, CA, USA 04/01/2006 07:50 PM EST

It's a shame that the New Latin Mass (Novus Ordo) has not been made sufficiently available to the faithful, so that the Tridentine Mass is the only Latin Mass most people know.

Published by: bean m.
california 04/01/2006 02:44 PM EST

I do not see this as good news. If the SSPX accepts this, then they will admit that the Missal of St. Pius V was indeed abolished, and they need permission to use it. Moreover, the Missal of St Pius V and the Missal of Paul VI are mutually exclusive: there can be no dual Roman Rite. I do not think it will happen, it's just a pipe dream to distract Catholics from the real problems that are going on in the Vatican.

Published by: Land of the Irish
USA 04/01/2006 02:34 PM EST

"Somehow, obedience to Peter as Christ says in the Gospel, is where we Catholics really feel at Our Father's House, in His Will. Not trying to go astray with false authorities, breaking the unity of the Church."

You mean like Paul saying to Peter, "I resist you to your face"?

Published by: ursula Riches
Wales uk 04/01/2006 11:19 AM EST

Obedience is THE virtue 'Jesus was Obedient ...even unto death..' The forbidden fruit was the fruit of disobedience. To do the will of the Father/ hear the word of God and keep it. Both masses are valid but disobedience and schism are not pleasing to God. A mockery of the whole Catholic faith is occuring. Obedience at every price That is beauty.

Published by: JOE BURNES
AUSTIN TX.USA 04/01/2006 07:42 AM EST

THE TRIDENTINE MASS IS VERY BEAUTIFUL AND HOLY.IT WILL BRING BACK VOCATIONS AND HELP THE CHURCH GREATLY.BUT LETS NOT FORGET THE CACRAFICES OF THOSE WHO FORCED IT BACK THE SSPX-----------WITHOUT THEM THERE WOULD BE NO INDULT AND NO POSSIBLE WAY THE VATICAN TODAY WOULD UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH ST. PIUS V IN QUO PRIMAM THAT THE TRIDENTINE MASS WAS TO BE FOREVER AND CAN NEVER BE CHANGED. AND EVERY PRIEST HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT MASS FOREVER WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM A BISHOP ALSO ANY ONE DENIEING A PRIEST THAT MASS WAS TO BE ANATHAMA---------I'M GLAD THE VATICAN UNDERSTANDS NOW

Published by: Treacy
Naples, FL 04/01/2006 04:11 AM EST

For Lenore:
In the Tridentine Rite the congregation is already kneeling at the Agnus Dei.

Published by: Mike
Miami, FL 04/01/2006 02:20 AM EST

Just a caution to everyone that we have been told there will be a universal "indult" before, and that never happened. I do believe that Benedict is more conservative by far than John Paul II in matters of the liturgy, so it very well may be possible that this is it. I think it is good that more people will be exposed to the Traditional Mass which will hopefully one day out the New Mass. I first went when I was 8 with my parents and again at 16 when I got my drivers lisence and have been going ever since (im now 18). Vocations will come out of the gutter if the Mass becomes widespread again. I hope though that the Vatican will release it with the announcement that many of us already know ( that it is not forbidden and can never be and never was). The SSPX is confident they can get this since the commission of 9 cardinals appointed by John Paul II determined as much. God Bless all who are working for a return to reverence and tradition in our Holy Mass!!!!!

Published by: frank
Houston/TX/USA 03/31/2006 11:16 PM EST

Ah, the Tridentine Mass -still the most beautiful expression available to the Church in its feeble attempt to give glory to God. Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam. I am 70 years old, but I would be willing to pray the prayers at the foot of the altar on bare marble steps before I die.

Published by: Peter
Bethany, OK 03/31/2006 09:31 PM EST

Hey Artie, you have a Tridentine Latin Mass at St. Michael's Chapel in Bethany with approval of your local bishop!

Published by: charles pulvino
dallas 03/31/2006 08:55 PM EST

I'll believe it when I see it. Why don't they give us(Tridentine Rite a Bishop or two?

Published by: Patrick
Piedmont, North Carolina 03/31/2006 08:54 PM EST

Amen! Allelieua!
For many of the faithful that have prayed and worked towards this the news that the long wait may be coming to an end is truly wonderful. Of course, there will be resistance, especially when the Latin Masses start to fill up and 40 years of denial are shown for what they were, the will of a minority over the aspirations of the many.

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!

Published by: Esteban
Costa Rica 03/31/2006 08:37 PM EST

Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church, intercede for the church of your adoptive son, Jesuschrist, the second person of the Holy Trinity. That peace and communion may be granted to her, so that they whole world may be able to recognize that God has sent it.

¡Pray for her!

Out father who are in heaven.....

Hail Mary, full of grace....

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.....

Amen.

Published by: phil floersh
tucson/az/usa 03/31/2006 08:22 PM EST

The missal was never thrown out!!! despite the liberals!

phil

Published by: AnUnSi
Lorain OH 03/31/2006 05:38 PM EST

Prediction: Take all Catholics who have never attended Mass according to the older rite. Let them attend on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of one month, while attending Mass according to the newer rite on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. In the second month, at least 90% of them (maybe as many as 99%) will go back exclusively to attending Mass according to the newer rite.

I say this as someone who attended Mass according to the older rite an average of six days weekly from 1957 through 1964, was an altar boy and choir boy using Latin, and studied Latin for nine years to prepare to teach it. I make this objective prediction as someone who considers both rites completely valid and equal in dignity, since each re-presents the sacrifice of Calvary to the Father and each allows us to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If the older rite were better (as some people have been fooled into believing), then Pope John Paul II -- who celebrated it in the 1940s/50s/60s -- would publicly have celebrated it at some point in his 25+ years as pope. He never did. That should tell us a lot.

Published by: Traditional guy
New York 03/31/2006 04:59 PM EST

A quote from the late Michael Davies: "In a discussion with Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger recently, I asked His Eminence for his assessment of the future of the 1962 Missal as an approved liturgical book. He assured me that it was completely secure. For this reason, and because of the publishing event you see here, it is certain that the use of the 1962 Missale Romanum will increase dramatically in years to come. The remarkable increase in young priests ordained with the Pope's approval to use this Missal gives great hope by itself."

Published by: Leonore M. Anders
Oswego, IL USA 03/31/2006 03:25 PM EST

I'm ready!! Still have my St. Joseph missal from 1962. I love to read the prayers in authentic translation. The church I attend put the Agnus Dei in for Lent and the people did not know to kneel upon its completion. Sad..

Published by: diane Garvin
Dallas, Texas - USA 03/31/2006 01:56 PM EST

as a 2001 convert, I had no thought or desire for Latin, until a trad. friend invited me to an Trad. (P Frat. of St. Peter) ordination and High Mass... it was simply stunning, and I could only repeat.. "how could you all have ever let this go?" It competes w/ every secular entertainment offering, and w/ the added dimension of Christ's most powerful Presence! The beauty, mystery, drama of Latin use in the Tridentine Rite and Liturgy is without equal. Let us return to Truth & Beauty in His Love.

Published by: Jack A. Leone
Wantagh, NY USA 03/31/2006 12:57 PM EST

I'm glad to hear of this news! I have never been to the Tridentine Mass. My father is happy that it will be all coming back, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Praise be Jesus.

Published by: Artie
Oklahoma City, OK 03/31/2006 12:48 PM EST

Awesome! I'm 26 years old, and have never experienced the beauty of the "Tridentine" rite!

Published by: Mike McCaffrey
Yarmouthport, MA 02675 03/31/2006 11:43 AM EST

The re-introduction of the Tridentine Mass will be a wonderful reunion for Catholics who
feel that Latin is now lost to them. Truly, “Agnus Dei” can only mean “Agnus Dei” for many of us who love the Latin. If these changes re-introduce other devotions, I hope to hear “Dies irae” and “In paradiso” at funerals again. I am looking forward to a Christmas gift in 2006 of a shiny new Pius V Missal.

I hope the use of this Mass will be widespread and will mean that worshipping in Latin will stop becoming a badge of dissent for those who think the liturgy has robbed them of this beautiful worship language. We must now come together on these issues as the universal church.

Published by: Esther
Miami FL 03/31/2006 11:38 AM EST

Somehow, obedience to Peter as Christ says in the Gospel, is where we Catholics really feel at Our Father's House, in His Will. Not trying to go astray with false authorities, breaking the unity of the Church.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com