Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Bishops Welcome "Summorum Pontificum"

Responses to Instructions on 1962 Missal

WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Bishops are welcoming the letter of the Pope issued "motu proprio," on one's own initiative, concerning the expanded use of the Roman Missal promulgated by Pope John XXIII.

The monthly newsletter for June-July of the U.S. bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, released Saturday, was dedicated to the Pope's letter "Summorum Pontificum."

The newsletter provided a non-official translation of the document concerning the use of the 1962 missal, along with the explanatory letter to the bishops.

The liturgical committee also published an explanation, in the form of 20 questions and answers, on the apostolic letter itself, and an explanation, in the form of 10 questions and answers, on the difference between the ordinary and extraordinary forms of the Roman Missal.

The bishops quoted heavily from the text of Benedict XVI's letter, and assured support for the document: "The Committee on the Liturgy and its Secretariat are charged by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops with the supervision of the implementation of the provisions of 'Ecclesia Dei Adflicta,' and will continue to provide support and advice on this important pastoral initiative."

Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, in a press statement released Saturday, said that he believes the letter "will open up great possibilities for reconciliation and unity with those who have shown great devotion to the Roman liturgy prior to the reform of 1970."

He added that he believes the document will "provide Catholics with the opportunity to better understand the continuity between" the former and current Roman Missals, and expressed hope that "people will be able to more clearly see the growth and progress we have realized since Vatican II, while at the same time preserving the rich heritage and legacy of the Church."
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 10:29 AM