The Tridentine Mass...

With my moving into my new parish and such, I haven't had a chance to blog about the Motu Propio, Summorum Pontificum, issued by the Holy Father regarding the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. There are many confusions and assumptions regarding this document and in the next couple of blog entries I want to explore this. I welcome any comments or opinions, but I also want my readers to know that this is not just my random comments but the recognized and authoritative position of the bishops worldwide that were presented in letters to its priests by each bishop.

The Mass is often called the Tridentine Mass and I will use this term in my blogs because it is the shortest to type while at the same time not confusing anyone. It gets this name because its norms were set after the Council of Trent in 1570. Some also call it the Latin Mass but this often causes confusion as the current Mass (Novus Ordo) can also be celebrated in Latin as well. Another name often used is the Mass of John XXIII. This is because he issued the last edition of the Mass prior to the Second Vatican Council. When using this term, the current Mass is referred to as the Mass of Paul VI since he approved the first edition of the current Mass.

I use the term 'current Mass' because that is what the Mass most of us attend (and I celebrate). It is the the current and normal Mass of the Church. This document does NOT dispute or alter that, contrary to some opinions. Rather, it allows for wider use of the Tridentine Mass by priests. Prior to this document, priests had to receive permission from their bishop to celebrate the Tridentine Mass. This is no longer the case. The only authority the bishop continues to have over the celebration of this Mass is ensuring priests that are saying the Mass can properly do so. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 15:52 | link | comments |
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