Posted on 07/14/2007 6:29:17 PM PDT by NYer
“I don’t believe that God would withhold His Grace from a congregation due to the failings of the priest.”
I don’t think anybody implied that He would.
“I don’t understand why an orthodox priest would give you advice to disregard one of your obligations as a Catholic.”
Perhaps that’s because it’s not “disregarding” the obligation. It is selecting the less bad of two bad choices. When the liturgy is such a travesty that the Mass itself becomes the occasion of sin, the better choice may be not to attend.
“Seems to me that he is just as in the wrong as the priests who play fast and loose with the Mass.”
I don’t think he’s wrong.
Frank, I think we were all hoping that would be the case, as you describe it. But look at what happened to Blu this morning, the post right under yours, #69. If priests and bishops simply refuse to follow the Pope, what can we do? It seems many are determined to be as resistant as ever. Ecclesia Dei was formed in 1988 to help with these problems, it doesn’t seem they are very effective. Is this going to be a constant uphill battle, to get the Extraordinary form offered, like with NYer trying to get liturgical dancing out of his previous parish? What do you foresee? Will it vary by diocese, or just happen quite gradually?
The priest’s first response was “what kind?”...I wonder if it’s possible he is not aware of the dramatic events of 7/7/7? Many bishops have not yet notified their priests, some priests, as we’ve seen, are hostile to this matter and so might not think it applies to them, especially if they haven’t read the documents.
Maybe just in a conversational, non-confrontational tone, seeking information, ask the priest has he read Summmorum Pontificum and how does he imagine it affecting your parish and diocese? If you ask questions and get that “when pigs fly” response, you are entitled to at least ask, “Oh really? Why not?” His answer may give you a clue to next steps if you wanted to take any. if he says, “Well, I’ve forgotten all my Latin” he’s obviousy not trying to be accommodating.
You’re in a tough spot, unless, do you know if maybe there are other “lurkers” in your parish who might want the TLM like you? If a “stable group” exists, then even if the priest cannot provide the extraordinary form (he doesn’t know it) the matter is still to be referred to the bishop so the group can be accommodated at some point. These are just ideas, trying to toss out some suggestions, I don’t mean to say you should do anything you’d be uncomfortable about.
I watched the rerun of the Motu Proprio show on EWTN that came out on the Monday following the release. At the end of the show, they mentioned that it will take TEN YEARS for this to receive widespread recognition. If that is so, it will take additional time to “right the ship.” It took us 40 years to wander to where we are now. Patience, as my dear mom used to say, is a virtue.
ETWN is pivotal in this regard. The station reaches billions by satellite transmission.
IF a traditional Bishop (such as Fr. Fessio) is named to the Diocese of Birmingham (which includes Hanceville, AL) and if the new Bishop allows the TLM Mass to be shown regularly on TV with “ad orientem” posture, the impact worldwide will be enormous.
Perhaps the Holy Father was waiting for the M.P.’s release before he named the Bishop of Birmingham, AL?
;-o)
F
Pray for your priest, blu.
Both have to be celebrated well. See the link below and all the points for celebrating extraordinary as well as ordinary.
He is currently still in Florida at Ave Maria. He is a master publisher. What better venue than EWTN’s home territory? Of course, I am not the Pope...just an interested bystander.
After a long day of reflection (that’s northern for “yard work”) I have decided to bide my time till September. Then, if I don’t hear anything about it at church, I’ll get the parish directory and make some calls. If there are enough “lurkers” like me, Father will at least have to hear us out.
I remain undaunted! oh, and pretty tired and dirty, but healthier in mind! Thanks for all the advise, all!
I have only found 1 other person in my parish who has even heard of the Motu Proprio until I tell them and I haven't asked the priest because he has been busy and is now going to be gone for a month to stay with his dying father.
I believe that God will provide.
We have an SSPX monastary about 60 miles away in our diocese, maybe a few of them will come back home and offer their services. They could do the Masses and teach the other priests. One can dream.
2. Unfortunately, your story is not that unique. Because of a number of molestation cases in Davenport, my LCMS parish has quite a few new families. They moved to protect their kids. There is a new bishop now, so I wonder if they will head back.
that was just one dumb priest with his head up his rump. He collected about $2,600 before the diocese told him to knock it off.
If a priest doesn't do what is necessary to bring about the changing of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, no good intention on our part will change that.
Since Jesus commanded us to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,'" we must make an effort, to the best of our abilities, to understand our faith. And since the Eucharist is "the source and summit of the life and mission of our church," we are obligated to learn what constitutes a valid consecration.
Thank goodness someone else thinks this church is lacking. My husband are in our late 30’s and just moved to Albany from Europe and before that California. We miss the feel of the traditional church. The one in Albany is catholic light, and since when did Church’s have to entertain?
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