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.

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