Una Voce International Report: The bad news: III

Qu. 10

Training courses for priests/servers/choirs:

The Latin Mass Society's contribution has already been noted in the earlier post on England and Wales. The LMS and faithful have paid for these courses and the section draws attention to the fact that no English or Welsh bishop has so far proposed to offer help with costs.

Responses to questions coming from the laity in different countries:

"From more information received by members of the Federation, this report takes into account collected documentation which has resulted from requests for information and assisannce by individuals and groups in different parts of the world. This report has included in its study, for presentation to a higher level, the desire of many faithful in various countries to have the experience of a more traditional, spiritual, reverent liturgy, than that which is currently celebrated in the majority of parish churches. It is manifest that many of these demands for help come from young people who were not born when the traditional Mass was cast aside in 1970. Those amongst the young who have already assisted at mass according to the EF, or those who have seen it on television or video, cannot understand why the Church replaced such a beautiful liturgy with the modern rite in the vernacular. .......
Given that most practising Catholics receive no help and no encouragement from their priests or their bishops, they turn to the Una Voce International Federation for help."

Conclusion:

It is well to bear in mind when reading all my posts on the subject of the UNa Voce report, that where it does not give specific names, those names, if my trust in the Holy Father's intentions is well-founded, will reach him before long, even if they are not alredy on his desk.

On the positive side the report makes clear the debt owed by us all to those brave priests and religious who are known to celebrate the EF publicly and regularly, to those who have supported the Traditional movement over the years 'in the wilderness', and to those who blog consistently and persistently in support of Pope Benedict's reforms, and in so doing help to reduce the ignorance to which the report makes regretful reference. In their turn, lay traditional Catholic bloggers group themselves around the Holy Father and these priests and add their own voices in filial encouragement and affection. Secondly we must admire and thank the young, to whom the report makes repeated and appreciative reference. In England and Wales, perhaps our most profound gratitude should be expresssed to the Latin Mass Society whose patient, discreet, undaunted labour of love over the last 4 decades has now, through the Summorum Pontificum of Benedict XVI been given light, and space in which to bear its fruit. Not only that, for while continuing to encourage new venues for the EF through their national system of diocesan representatives, they have now taken the initiative in the training of priests, servers and choirs. Meanwhile in the USA, as far as TV is concerned EWTN is to be particularly congratualated. In France, kto's superb coverage day by day of every Papal event is to be applauded and has certainly been a lifeline to me!

Finally, the Una Voce International Federation itself, deserves the gratitude of us all for its untiring work over the decades, and in the preparation, publication and presentation of the current report to our Holy Father. They have also promised two futher annual reports during the rest of the trial period of reaction and application of the Motu Proprio.

In closing, I should be most grateful for your comments on the above posts and to know that you will be circulating their content among your contacts at home and on the Internet. During the coming week I hope to publish my own reflections on the Report and on the waysthe in which it may affect future decisions of Our Holy Father.

Apropos His Holiness please note that the All Saints Bouquet will be sent on the afternoon of next Friday 31st i.e. in less than a week. More mention of prayer for bishops this time, I think?!

B.S.T. ENDS TONIGHT DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOCKS. 'SPRING FORWARD, FALL BACK'

IN CHRISTO PRO PAPA