Brian Mershon
November 16, 2006
Una Voce expects Latin Mass document
Poised to assist laymen and priests
By Brian Mershon

From the Nov. 23 edition of The Wanderer, the oldest U.S. Catholic weekly.

International Federation Una Voce (FIUV), and Una Voce America (UVA), in two recent public statements, expressed their support of Pope Benedict XVI to grant greater freedom for laymen interested in assisting at the Traditional Latin rite of Mass.

Both public releases appear to be attempts to counter the public pressures by French bishops and priests, as well as from other quarters within the Church hierarchy including the Roman Curia itself, to kill or significantly modify an expected motu proprio that will ease restrictions on the celebration of the Mass of St. Gregory the Great, with roots to the fourth century.

"It is quite distressing to many of the laity to note that most of this adverse comment is coming from clerics and religious whose prime concern should be one of obedience, leadership, and the care of souls," said FIUV President, J.P. Oostveen. "It is equally distressing that these adverse opinions are being expressed seemingly without any consultation with, or regard for the welfare of, their flocks," he said.

Oostveen added that FIUV, a federation of worldwide lay associations dedicated to the more frequent celebration of the Traditional rite, has reaffirmed its own commitment to firm obedience to Pope Benedict XVI and his authority to govern the Church and to "support him continually with our prayers and humble loyalty especially in these difficult times," Oostveen said.

Training for Diocesan Priests

In a separate statement, exclusive to The Wanderer at publication date, Una Voce America, said its 60 chapters were preparing to assist laity and priests interested in assisting at, and celebrating the Traditional Roman rite. Una Voce America has been in contact with Fr. Joseph Bisig, the newly installed director of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), and Fr. George Gabet, the North American District Superior. The lay apostolate is discussing preliminary plans with the FSSP to assist diocesan and other priests in learning the rubrics for offering Mass according to the 1962 missal.

According to Jason King, Una Voce spokesman, the plans are in their infancy stages and many additional details need to be worked out, but the courses are expected to be either two or three days in length and will be conducted beginning in the Summer of 2007 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska.

King said that 105 dioceses in the U.S. (of 176 total, or 60 per cent) dioceses allow at least one Traditional Latin Mass each Sunday, with an additional 17 dioceses allowing it less frequently. There is at least one location for the daily celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in 33 of the 105 dioceses that allow its celebration, King said.

Expectations Hopeful, but Measured

UVA Chairman Michael Dunnigan, a civil attorney and a canon lawyer said the U.S. lay apostolate, one of 26 national associations of FIUV, is also prepared to assist Catholics in their requests for more frequent celebrations of the Traditional rite in full communion with the Church. "We don't know yet what form the Holy Father's decision will take," said Dunnigan, "but it seems almost certain that it will improve the situation of the faithful who are devoted to the ancient rite."

UVA's King echoed Dunnigan's cautious optimism. "We are optimistic that the Holy Father will fulfill hopes for expanded authorizations for the traditional Latin Mass and the Missal of 1962, he said. "Perhaps there will be a clarification that the Traditional Latin Mass has never been abolished and deserves every right and privilege as an authentic liturgy of the Church, without restriction."

"Rightful Aspirations"

The 1988 motu proprio, Ecclesia Dei Adflicta, issued by Pope John Paul II, called for bishops worldwide to be respectful of "the rightful aspirations" of those faithful who desired to practice their Catholic Faith according to the traditional sacraments and devotions. "Many bishops have indeed responded with the generosity called for by Pope John Paul II," Dunnigan said. "Unfortunately, however, many other bishops refuse to grant permission for this Mass under any circumstances."

Dunnigan said he viewed any further easing of restrictions "a matter of basic fairness" and that he believed the Holy Father is "acutely aware that the just aspirations of many of the faithful have been ignored" by many bishops in many dioceses for as long as 36 years now. He also said that the freeing of the ancient rite "would be an eloquent testimony to Pope Benedict's courage and his profound sense of justice."

Lay Faithful Await Affirmation

The entrenched fears and opposition of many Church clerics being vehemently opposed to the easing of the Traditional rite restrictions is a pretext for what they believe is necessarily a radical criticism of the Second Vatican Council and a rejection of some of the Council's pronouncements. Dunnigan disagreed by saying he takes exception to every caricature of the traditionalist community.

"In fact, many have suffered a great deal as a result of the disdain that often has been showed for their devotion," he said. He also reiterated that his organization promotes the acceptance of all 21 of the Church's councils as legitimate.

"It is not surprising that the members of the clergy would have strong opinions about the traditional Mass," Dunnigan said, "but we hope that the concerns of the laity also will be taken into account," he said.

King said that UVA's goals and objectives related specifically to situations where the Traditional Roman rite is permitted in full communion with diocesan bishops, he believed this document may be beneficial to continued talks between the Holy See and the Society of St. Pius X. "Hopefully, a decision to expand the use of the Mass of Ages would bring Rome and the Society closer to a fully regularized situation," he said.

© Brian Mershon

 

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Brian Mershon

Brian Mershon is a commentator on cultural issues from a classical Catholic perspective... (more)

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