Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Reactions to Motu Proprio: CBCP President Statement

Here is the statement coming from the CPCP President, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

STATEMENT ON THE "TRIDENTINE" MASS

We fully welcome with respect and appreciation the recent Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI on the "Tridentine" Mass. It clarifies for us the status of the Tridentine Mass in the Latin Language.

In accordance with the Apostolic Letter ("Motu proprio") entitled "Summorum Pontificum" of Pope Benedict XVI, the celebration of the so-called Tridentine Mass, which is in the Latin language, as approved by Blessed Pope John XXIII in 1962 continues to be fully permissible as an extraordinary form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass was never forbidden or abrogated.

The so-called "New Mass" which was introduced after the Second Vatican Council and approved by Pope Paul VI in 1970 has become more popular among the people because it allowed the use of some approved adaptations, including the use of the popular languages and dialects. It became the ordinary form of the Mass, widely celebrated in the parish churches.

When may the Tridentine (Latin) Mass be celebrated? According to the letter of Pope Benedict XVI, it may be celebrated by catholic priests of the Latin Rite: a) in private masses, b) in conventual or community mass in accordance with the specific statutes of the Congregation, c) in parishes upon request of the faithful and under the guidance of the bishop (in accordance with Canon 392). In such Masses, however, the readings may be given in the vernacular.

This permission given by Pope Benedict XVI means that the Mass in Latin and in accordance with the formula of the Council of Trent, hence Tridentine, with the celebrant's back to the faithful may be celebrated, as it was never forbidden or abrogated. For new priests, this will require formation in the Latin Mass.

Now, we are instructed that in the liturgy of the Mass, there is the ordinary form which is that approved by Pope Paul VI in 1970 after the Vatican II; and there is the extraordinary form - the Tridentine (Latin) Mass which is that approved by Blessed Pope John XXIII in 1962. The two forms will have their way of leading the faithful to the true worship of God in prayer and liturgy; and may even be a factor for unity in the Church.

+Angel N. Lagdameo
Archbishop of Jaro
President, CBCP
JULY 9, 2007


Sources:
CBCP Online.net President's Page
In and Out of Season

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi gerald,
Can you tell us more on the state of the Extraordinary form of the Roman Rite in the Philippines?

1. Is the Divine Mercy shrine a Tridentine parish or rather a parish with the Classical Mass?

2. About how many people attend? What is the trend?

3. Are there SSPX churches in the Philippines?

4. What other cities have the Tridentine Mass?

thank you,
john

Gerald said...

Hi John,

1. It is a parish with the Classical Mass offered once every Sundays.

2. More than 50 people attend every Sunday. We have seen an increase in attendees during the past weeks.

3. Yes.

4. There is one in the province of Bacolod and one in Jaro, Iloilo.

Best,
Gerald

Anonymous said...

Gerald,
Thank you for your response. As a Filipino, I am quite interested in the history and state of the Classical Form (how is that for hybrid) in our country. I have been away for awhile and been following the Tridentine struggle since the 90s through friends.

1. Are there monastic/religious orders that are more permissible with the Classical rite?

2. Was there a core group in the 70s that wanted to continue the Classical rite

As a background, the previous parish I went to was run by Dominicans and located in a non-residential neighborhood (abandonded businesses). The conservative priest during the 70s-80s somehow managed to have the NO in Latin with altarboys, rails, a beautiful freestanding altar, no handshaking for the peace thing. It sustained the Tridentine rite followers until the downtown parish was given for the Tridentine rite. It is the same situation today except now the neighborhood is trendy and the congregation is young and growing. The Dominicans and the archdiocese have no choice but to continue the set up because it gives one of the biggest donations despite being one of the smallest parishes.

I have friends who run through the whole gamut of "traditionalists", from indult parishes, to SSPX, to free standing churches.

Since I will be visiting our country more often, I am appreciate your answers. May the classical rite increase (at least to Cebu).

sincerely,
john

Gerald said...

Hello John,

When the MP takes effect in September, we will be able to ask any priests without fear because the Holy Father has reiterated again that our aspirations and requests are legitimate.

I am not sure though regarding the core group in the 70's as I wasn't born yet.

Is the parish run by Dominicans here in the Philippines?

I had been interested and curious about the Classical Mass more than 7 years ago but only discovered the Indult Mass late last year. Since then, I had been attending every Sunday. I only hope that more young people would discover the beauty and spirituality of the Traditional Mass.

I hope also that the FSSP will be welcome here now that we have the MP.

Yes, may the Classical Mass increase.

Best,
Gerald