The worldwide picture emerges of very patchy success for the Motu Proprio. Our Holy Father's heart will be grieved at much of the evidence given in the report which lays responsibility for the situation firmly at the feet of many bishops.
From the Reports Introduction:
Having explained the methods of gathering the evidence the bold statement is made:
"In this way information and evidence from the Laity will be given to Rome in counter balance of the reports from the Bishops conferences which have NEVER (my caps)represented a true reflection of the desire of the faithful for the traditional liturgy."
I think Una Voce would only make such a daring statement if they felt confident that His Holiness would pay heed and wwould not be outraged at their boldness. They would base this confidence on at least 12 years of his knowledge and approval of their work for the 'Mass of Ages'. In 1996, as Cardinal Ratzinger, Pope Benedict made the following statement during an address to the Una Voce Federation:
"The International Una Voce Federation has played an important role in supporting the use of the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal in obedience to the directives of the Holy See. For this valuable service I express my gratitude to the members of the Federation and extend my blessing."
I find it difficult to believe that he will not have been closely following their activities since then, particularly since the application of his Motu. Indeed, I would suggest that they probably informed him in advance of their intention to bring him this report. (More of their credentials for acceptance later on.)
Qu.1 The last para. of this section, also critical of bishops, has already been translated in an earlier post.
Qu. 4 This had asked members to be specific about bishops who have refused to respond charitably and who have prevented their priests from celebrating Mass in the EF.
Here is the report's resume of its members' responses worldwide:
"Unhappily, the list would be too long and it would not be good to cite only some.. In certain countries the Bishops Conferences, or some bishops in particular, have refused to recognise the right of their priests - which is accorded by the Supreme Legislature- to celebrate widely and freely the EF form of the Roman Rite. If these bishops do not openly forbid their priests from celebrating this Mass, they have sent a clear message in the form of strict instructions which practically deny their priests the rightful liberty in celebrating the EF."
Qu. 5
On the subject of episcopal letters either to clergy or faithful of individual dioceses, the UV member response is unanimous, apart from some information from Canada and the letters sent direct to Rome from Scotland and Italy.
"The response has been ......that they cannot furnish such letters because numerous bishops have not spoken about the Motu Proprio; many faithful, all, know nothing about the document, so much so that there is great ignorance among the faithful about the document. Here again it is the members of UVIF who battle constantly against this episcopal conspiracy of silence, and who are best-placed to inform the faithful on the documents from Rome. We have noticed that when the faithful are inford of their right to assist at the Traditional Mass, many are angry with their bishops for not informing them about this.
Qu. 6 Membership was asked for names of priests who have co-operated, particularly with UVIF or with their parishioners....
The resume of answers makes even more unpleasant reading:
Basically, no names are given in order to protect such priests....... Many of whom would love to celebrate the old Mass, but who dare not exercise their lawful right for fear of their bishops' disapproval and sanctions.
Full translation of para. for this question follows in next post....
In Christo pro Papa
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