By: MARGARET BROWN
POPE BENEDICT XVI, in the recent Motu Proprio (Papal pronouncement) of July 7, gave permission for the Latin Tridentine Mass, as affirmed at the Council of Trent in16th Century, to be used again in Catholic services of worship according to the choice of the local Priest or as requested by the congregations concerned.
In 1962, at the Second Vatican Council, there was an overwhelming vote in favour of conducting the Mass in the language of the country where it was celebrated so people could take an active part in the services. This did not forbid the use of the Latin Mass but since that time the majority has been conducted in the vernacular.
There is a view that this new pronouncement may cause divisions in the Roman Church, resulting in the equivalent of the Anglican practice of High and Low Church.
Also that rather than encourage world wide ecumenism it will nip it in the bud, along with other reforms designed to unite all Christians in one body as Disciples of Christ.
The Motu Proprio has already raised questions as to the nature of the Church. In one formal answer Pope Benedict stated that Protestant Churches such as the Church of England were not eligible to be called part of the Catholic Church.
When this filters down from Rome to the Bishop of Faro, to whom St Vincent’s Anglican Church owes so much, it is to be hoped that our relationship will remain unaltered and shared worship may continue from time to time. Father Zé Manuel, Priest at Nossa Senhora da Luz, has championed the cause of ecumenism with energy and enthusiasm for several years and has partaken in our service of Communion: his friendship and that of his congregation is valued and respected.
