"It is...Our will that Catholics should abstain from certain appellations which have recently been brought into use to distinguish one group of Catholics from another. They are to be avoided not only as 'profane novelties of words,' out of harmony with both truth and justice, but also because they give rise to great trouble and confusion among Catholics. Such is the nature of Catholicism that it does not admit of more or less, but must be held as a whole or as a whole rejected: 'This is the Catholic faith, which unless a man believe faithfully and firmly; he cannot be saved' (Athanasian Creed). There is no need of adding any qualifying terms to the profession of Catholicism: it is quite enough for each one to proclaim 'Christian is my name and Catholic my surname,' only let him endeavour to be in reality what he calls himself." -- Pope Benedict XV, Ad Beatissimi Apostolorum 24 (1914)

Friday, February 25, 2011

An Urgent Appeal

10,000 traditional Catholics appeal to the Pope not to water down Summorum Pontificum

By Damian Thompson

My first ever blog post, four years ago, reported that Catholic traditionalists were worried by the non-appearance of a Motu Proprio removing restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Mass. But they had no need to worry – or so it seemed. Summorum Pontificum restored to priests and groups of the faithful the freedom to celebrate the older form of the Roman Rite without interference from hostile bishops.
As most of you will be aware, the question isn’t as settled as we thought. The enemies of Summorum Pontificum are reported to have prepared an “instruction” that undermines the Motu Proprio. We don’t know the details, but when a blog as influential as the New Liturgical Movement encourages Catholics to sign a petition to the Holy Father asking him not to allow such changes then I think there’s cause for alarm.
So far, 10,000 Catholics have signed. You may may find it hard to believe that Pope Benedict would take back something that he has solemnly granted. But the opponents of the Extraordinary Form are a determined bunch and – especially in the case of conservative supporters of the “reform of the reform” – extremely powerful in the curia. It wouldn’t be the first time a Pope has had his arm twisted. Here, again, is the link to the petition.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/100077729/10000-traditional-catholics-appeal-to-the-pope-not-to-water-down-summorum-pontificum/

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