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/