Friday, February 18, 2011

Motu Proprio appeal petition

The rumours about the 'clarification' document about the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum have continued. They remain extremely confusing and clear and authoritative information remains elusive.

While reiterating the call of my last post on this subject for prayer and fasting, I see no harm, and perhaps much good, in this extremly well-written petition drawn up by the New Liturgical Movement and other blogs. It has been online for a few hours and already has more than 800 names on it.

Here is the introduction, also found on Rorate Caeli:

This appeal came out of information coming from a variety of sources, suggesting that the forthcoming Instruction on Summorum Pontificum may contain restrictive elements (or, at very least, elements that could be interpreted restrictively) thereby having the adverse effect of limiting the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum in some manner – or at least making this more possible.

Obviously, we do not presume to know what the text may say. However, in checking in with a variety of our own sources, we have confirmed that there is a very real and substantive reason for some concern here. Substantial enough that a joint, multi-blog, international appeal has been launched: www.motuproprioappeal.com

The appeal does not presume to know or state what the actual contents of this proposed instruction are, however, in the light of the aforementioned reports, and given credible confirmations that there is reason for concern, it simply wishes to calmly and respectfully share our concern with the Holy Father about this potentiality, asking that, whatever is finally released, that the integrity of the letter and the spirit of the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum be preserved.

If, in the end , there is nothing to any of this, then we shall all be very thankful indeed. But if there is substance to this, then at least our concern will have been respectfully voiced to our pastors and to our beloved Holy Father.

Who should then sign this? Everyone who is concerned with liturgical patrimony and mutual enrichment. Whether you are attached to the Ordinary Form and see a reform of the reform, a re-enchantment, as your primary liturgical focus, or the usus antiquior, the other Western liturgical rites/uses, or even are an Eastern Christians, I believe we all have something potentially at stake here, either in practice, in effect, or in principle at very least.

Please sign this appeal as soon as possible and please spread the word.

2 comments:

  1. Bo Arne Maria Hagerf Esq5:02 pm

    Terrible mistake if the Holy Father and Rome succumbs to the liberal Bishops.

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  2. Anonymous6:33 pm

    You have to admit that the response to this petition launched last saturday is pathetic not even 1OOOO in 5 days bearing in mind that its a worldwide petetion

    ReplyDelete