The Emancipation Proclamation

Rumour has it that "the Mass will be officially freed next week...Feb 22." -- which just happens to be the Feast of The Chair of St. Peter.

As the rumours and speculations fly, I have a few of my own.

I think that the "Emancipation Proclamation" will be some statement to the effect that the Mass was never really taken away, so there is nothing to free. That way, Rome looks like the Good Guy to both sides. The Liberals can still tout the N.O. is the choice of the People of God and a Movement of the sPiRiT. The Conservatives can point at one more document (remember Authenticam Liturgicam ?) and say "See! See! The Pope is with us. If only the Bishops would follow him ... " or some other hand-wringing that has been the staple of Catholic Conservatism for the past 25 years.

The Trads will cheer at first, and then realize that nothing is going to change. Chris Ferrara will write a 8 page article in The Latin Mass Magazine detailing the loopholes and inconsistencies within said document, and warn readers not to trust anyone (Bishop or Priest) who tries to implement it.

Meanwhile, we will go back to our lives -- replete with combat against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil -- and working our darndest to pass the Faith on to our children.

Quoting Pop Diva Whitney Houston, "I believe the children are our future ..."

Cardinal Hoyos Interview

Once again, Cardinal Hoyos speaks regarding the Ecclesia Dei Commission et alia.

Steve is touching on the Novus Ordo - T.L.M. dichotomy here, but I would like to bring forth a comment by His Eminence:

I am constantly surprised that young people who have not known the Old Rite before discover the peace and mystery of the Old Mass. What is important is that the two Rites do not oppose each other but one should see the beauty and sanctity in both. (emphasis mine).

The N.O. virtually replaced the T.L.M. As such, there is naturally going to be a comparison between the two Rites. One is better than the other.

Yes, I know that the Sacrifice of Christ is infinite and perfect. Only God can judge the supernatural effects. That is not of which I speak. I speak of the natural which touches our humanity.

One is better at communicating the essence of the Catholic Faith.
One is better at catechizing the faithful.
One is better at instilling reverence for the Sacred.
One is better at lifting a fallen human nature.
One is better at maintaining the 'mystery' part of Sacred Mysteries.

When considering the above, there will be opposition between the two Rites. There should be opposition between the two Rites. When one thing replaces another, there cannot be perfect equality, unless it is replaced by the exact same thing.