Una Voce International Report to Pope Benedict: October 2008: U.S.A.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Qu. 1

The U.S.A. is reported as a place where in some dioceses, there is a clear improvement in the attitude of biships who are welcoming the Motu Proprio favourbly, and in others to apply it in obedience to the Sovereign Pontiff. Where there has been such a charitable and paternal reaction, there exists a harmony between the bishops, priests and laity and Parish life is enriched by it.

Qu. 2

There is some increase in the availability of the EF and in places where it is celebrated. Particular reference is made to young Americans, on whose insistence the Traditional Mass has now begun to be offered at St Thomas Aquinas College CA; at Notre Dame University (Indiana); and in Washington at Georgetown University, and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Qu. 6

That mention of 'blogues Internet' cannot fail to bring to mind Fr John Zuhlsdorf (affectionately and gratefully known to us all as Fr Z, who although he lives in Rome, seems to be untiringly in and out of America like a fiddler's elbow and never fails to keep the traditional Cathoic blogosphere up to date not only with what's going on in his native land, but also in the world at large. As I coined elswhere 'He has made the world his parish.'

Qu. 7

The United States has seen an increase in demands on the part of the laity for teaching on the Motu Proprio.

Qu. 10

This section reports the USA as one of the countries (the others being Eng. and Wales,Italy and Germany [Bavaria by any chanc?]), where important formation courses in the Universities and Seminaries have been organised.

(Indidently Google news reported that the Holy Father met privately with a group of American episcopal officials earlier this week, in the wake of the Papal visit to USA last April. It was the usual time of year for it apparently, but timely all the same.)

The last few posts have mainly highlighted the good news, but the next must address the downside faced by Pope Benedict and his 'traditional' Priests, Religious and laity. In spite of that however, the Una Voce Report has helped me to understand more clearly why he is taking time over certain decisions. And so in his words and those of his beloved predecessor, 'Do not be afraid.'

In Christo pro Papa