Pope Benedict on the Latin Mass and "healthy secularism" [Catholic Caucus]

American Papist ^ | September 12, 2008 | Thomas Peters

[NYer]

The pope surprised many by deciding to hold a mini-news conference with journalists on the short flight from Rome to Paris. Two notable things he said this morning:

Asked about his relaxation of restrictions on use of the Tridentine rite — a move that was controversial in France — the pope said fears that this would set off a liturgical conflict were unfounded.

He said the new rules were designed to satisfy the needs of a small group of faithful who had a special attachment to the old rite; it was “an act of love and tolerance” toward them. It is clear, he said, that the post-Vatican II Mass remains the normal liturgy in the church. (CNS Blog)

And:

On his way to Paris this morning, Pope Benedict XVI called fears his recent authorization for wider celebration of the old Latin Mass marks a rollback on reforms associated with the Second Vatican Council “absolutely unfounded.”

“There is no opposition at all between the liturgy approved by Vatican II and the liturgy celebrated according to the old rite,” the pope said. (John Allen)

Plus:

Pressing the case for what he called a “healthy” form of laïcité, Benedict XVI today said the time has come to reopen the debate over the relationship between church and state in France. (The concept of laïcité is usually rendered in English as “secularism.”)

The pope’s comment came in remarks to French President Nicolas Sarkozy during an early afternoon ceremony at the Elysée Palace.

“I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of laïcité is now necessary,” Benedict said.

“In fact, it is fundamental, on the one hand, to insist upon the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the state toward them,” the pope said during the encounter with Sarkozy and other officials of the French government.

“On the other hand, [it is important] to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to – among other things – the creation of a basic ethical consensus within society,” the pope said. (John Allen)

Remember what I said: while the pope is talking about the specific situation in France, he is also, always, talking to the universal church as well. I found his liturgical observation to be straightforward, and his comments about laïcité to be fascinating, especially the timing of them and sense of urgency.

[NYer]

Pope Benedict XVI (C) speaks to the media during his flight from Rome to Orly airport, near Paris, before his arrival for a four-day visit to France, on September 12, 2008. REUTERS/Alberto Pizzoli/Pool (FRANCE)

[netmilsmom]

I am not a TLM person. I like my historically correct NO.
As long as we stop the “Happy Catholic” masses, I’m alright with that.

[Desdemona]

When the traditional rite disappeared, a lot of people were alienated. It's just a rite. Once, the translation is fixed and the words are the same, it really won't make any difference. Although, alot of the chants are much prettier in Latin.

Secularism, OTOH, is an epidemic.

[BaBaStooey]

The Pope has to step carefully on this in France, because France is the land of Marcel Lefebvre as well as the wacky “Happy Mass” “Spirit of Vatican II” reformists who had nearly as much of a hand in creating the SSPX as Lefebvre did.

[NYer]

How good to see you in the forum!

Secularism, OTOH, is an epidemic.

As is relativism. I know too many who have caved to them.

[djrakowski]

And fortunately, our parish offers the TLM (the one I primarily attend) and several reverently-celebrated NOs. And that, it seems to me, is how it should be.

[rogator]

I could live with that, but unfortunately your parish is a very rare exception to the reality of today’s liturgical zoo.