Official English Translation and related MP stories

Here's the official English version from VIS:

MEETING DISCUSSES "MOTU PROPRIO" ON USE JOHN XXIII'S MISSAL

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2007 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a communique released today by the Holy See Press Office concerning Benedict XVI's forthcoming "Motu Proprio" on the use of the Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962.

"Yesterday afternoon in the Vatican, a meeting was held under the presidency of the Cardinal Secretary of State in which the content and spirit of the Holy Father's forthcoming 'Motu Proprio' on the use of the Missal promulgated by John XXIII in 1962 was explained to representatives from various episcopal conferences. The Holy Father also arrived to greet those present, spending nearly an hour in deep conversation with them.

"The publication of the document - which will be accompanied by an extensive personal letter from the Holy Father to individual bishops - is expected within a few days, once the document itself has been sent to all the bishops with an indication of when it will come into effect."

OP/MOTU PROPRIO/...VIS 070628 (180)


RELATED STORIES:

Catholic News Service:

Pope meets bishops, discusses decision on pre-Vatican II liturgy

At a glance: Differences between Tridentine Mass, Mass said today

(Note: some point by point commentary could be made about certain aspects of this piece. For example: "...the new missal permits use of the vernacular language; because it called for full, active participation, the use of a local congregation's language became customary." This direct co-relation is not accurate. One can indeed fully participate in the liturgy when done in Latin, either entirely or partially. Hopefully, this is one such idea that with the MP and reform of the reform, will come to be understood as an overly simplistic assumption, and rooted in a particularly one-sided view of what constitutes active participation.)

CNS also includes a caption about the classical Roman liturgy today as well. Does anyone else see the seeds of a definite shift? Whether one were to like it or not, it is becoming more mainline through this process -- regardless of who and how many people opt to worship in it, either now, or down the road. Like the reform of the reform though, it's a process.

Catholic World News:

Vatican confirms briefing on motu proprio; publication near

Motu Proprio coming July 7

Catholic News Agency:

Vatican announces Tridentine Mass Motu Proprio to come “within a few days”

Expected Motu Proprio to be published July 7, German newspaper announces