"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)

Sunday, July 22, 2012

FIUV Position Papers on the 1962 Missal



FIUV launches discussion papers on the 1962 Missal The Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce (FIUV) is launching a series of short 'position papers' on aspects of the 1962 Missal, with a view to stimulating debate on aspects of the 'Extraordinary Form' which have been criticised in the past, and might be subject to change in the future.
We have a two-fold goal. First, to contribute to a debate, which has been on-going since at least the mid 20th Century, about the theological appropriateness and pastoral effectiveness of (what is now, in the Holy Father's phrase) 'the former liturgical tradition'. We wish to equip those attached to this tradition with the best possible arguments, backed by the best authorities, for maintaining the organic integrity of this tradition, expressed as succinctly as possible but, we hope, comprehensible to a wide audience. We hope in this way to raise the standard of debate which takes place no longer only in the seminar room, but wherever Catholics meet, particularly on the internet.
Secondly, we do this in light of the Holy Father's letter to Bishops accompanying the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum:
  • For that matter, the two Forms of the usage of the Roman Rite can be mutually enriching: new Saints and some of the new Prefaces can and should be inserted in the old Missal. The "Ecclesia Dei" Commission, in contact with various bodies devoted to the usus antiquior, will study the practical possibilities in this regard.
The FIUV is not merely one among many 'bodies devoted to the EF', but is the only international body able to speak for the laity attached to this form of the liturgy. We were established in 1965, at the very beginning of the 'Traditional Movement', and represent a large and growing number of lay associations in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. We have been representing the views and needs of our member associations in Rome, and to the wider world, for nearly half a century.
Accordingly, we have set up a 'Liturgy and Spirituality Subcommittee' to coordinate the development and publication of these position papers. I (Joseph Shaw, coincidentally Chairman of the Latin Mass Society) am the Moderator of that Subcommittee, and in that capacity I am presenting these papers to the public, on Rorate Caeli, thanks to New Catholic's great hospitality.
Cardinal Castrillon

Mass celebrated by Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos, St Peter's, Rome, for the FIUV General Assembly, Nov 2011


While the Holy Father makes reference to two areas of possible change to the 1962 books, new Saints and Prefaces, debate about the future of these liturgical books is not limited to those matters. For that reason, and also because of the first mentioned purpose of these papers, we will be addressing topics on a wide range of issues. As well as an introductory paper, giving something of a disclaimer about our remit, the topics planned are:

Introduction (revised 19/3/12)
  The Service of Men and Boys at the Altar (revised 19/3/12)
  Liturgical Piety and Participation (revised 19/3/12)
  The Manner of Receiving Communion
  The Vulgate and Gallican Psalter
  Liturgical Orientation
  Liturgical Pluralism
  Latin as Liturgical Language
  Prefaces
  Silence

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