A Superb Column by Mons. Charles Pope on the Dubia

A great deal has already been said, of course, about the recent statements of the CDW pertaining to the implementation of Traditionis Custodes; we have already published two round-ups of articles (first and second), and alas, it will undoubtedly be necessary to say a great deal more on the broader topic of the new liturgy war in the coming weeks and months. However, a column published yesterday by Mons Charles Pope in the National Catholic Register is an absolute stand-out, which deserves special attention and consideration. We thank Mons Pope profusely for his great pastoral charity in writing this exhortation to the bishops, and urge everyone to share it as widely as possible. Here are some excerpts, but be sure to read the entire thing at the link given above.

“As a pastor of souls, I cannot find words to express the hurt and anger (righteous, I pray) I experience over the treatment of Catholics who are attached to the older forms of the liturgy and the sacraments. I have not seen such language or harshness directed against any other group, in or out of the Church. ...

I wince at this sort of language directed at good Catholics who love the ancient liturgy of the Church that nourished most of our saints and forebears. Dissenters and even abortion activists are treated better than this. ...

There are some who decry aspects of the Council and the liturgical changes that came after. But frankly, the Mass that came forth in 1970 went well beyond what the Council Fathers envisioned — in fact, the TLM looks a lot more like what the Council spoke of than the ordinary form we have today. The Council Fathers, while permitting more of the vernacular, still esteemed and gave pride of place to Latin, Gregorian chant, sacred polyphony and the organ. It never spoke of things like Mass facing the people or Communion in the hand. Hence it is simplistic and wrong to identify the current form of the Mass with Vatican II or to claim that those who love the TLM thereby reject the Council. ...

This Roman focus on the TLM also puts our bishops in a very difficult position by insisting that they deal heavy-handedly with a problem that may not even exist in their diocese. ... And though Traditionis Custodes indicated that the local bishop is chief liturgist and moderator of the liturgy, the Roman responsa seem to require that bishops ask permission from Rome to appoint priests who are “permitted” to say the TLM. Further, regarding the location of the celebration of the TLM, can a Roman prefect deny the canonical right of a bishop to dispense with disciplinary norms for the good of the faithful? Should a bishop really have to ask permission of Rome to exercise a right he already has? (See Canon 87.) ...

We can only pray that our bishops will steer a pastoral course. We have lived peaceably with the Traditional Latin Mass for decades now here in the United States. There is no need for such harsh measures. These are primarily younger people who are good and devout Catholics. For the love of God and the care of souls, be generous good shepherds and bishops of us all.”