I was subjected to some abuse on The Lair of the Catholic Caveman (if you haven't had your Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitriol I urge you to visit IMMEDIATELY). I remarked that Cardinal Arinze's number two man was living in "fantasyland" for seeming to intimate that the restoration of the Tridentine MAss would somehow magically fill our churches and seminaries. For my troubles I was subject of a post titled A Spiritual Descendant Of martin luther Speaks! THIS is an example of an "obedient priest"?. My charitable friend then went on to conclue his post thusly: "I know a person or two who has connections in The Vatican. I'm sure the Apastolic Nuncio and Archbishop Ranjith himself would be just tickled to death to read this."
And people can blame me for suggesting that these types are hate-filled, judgmental, and self-righteous? Come on!
When merely expressing an opinion is equated with total disobedience to the Magisterium we have a problem. And for the record, my opinion reflects my personal experience. In the four years since my ordination, in the two parishes in which I have served, I have had maybe three people express interest in the "Extraordinary Form." Get real people. The average Catholic in the pew has no interest in this.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
"The average Catholic in the pew has no interest in this."
I've said this many times, which may be why no one reads me. LOL!
Now, if you disagreed with the magisterium on a matter where he agreed with you, there's be no problem. He does it all the time.
Respect for the Tridentine Mass, and making it more available, is a good thing, but anyone who thinks it's going to have a major effect on the real world is in la-la land.
Jeffrey:
Agreed. I have no problem with the Tridentine Mass. It is the attitude of the people who are clamoring for it that bothers me. Many (not all of course, maybe not even most, but definitely the loudest)are so negative and hateful. If they wouldn't denigrate the Novus Ordo and those who prefer it I would be happy to let them go and worship as they like. But that will never happen. They won't stop until the entire Second Vatican Council is decreed null and void.
[scratches head] I'm with you about some of the most vocal supporters of the Tridentine being vitriolic and nasty, especially about the Novus Ordo (or anyone whose favorite devotion isn't the Rosary).
But I think what the Holy Father has done is really quite clever: he's effectively taken away the issue as a political wedge for the angry folks, and made it more difficult for them to recruit supporters from the otherwise more moderately traditional Catholics. It was one of their biggest talking points. Now, assuming the bishops comply, it becomes a nonissue for most people, and folks who still hammer on the Novus Ordo when they have a Tridentine they can go to will give away their real agenda.
I've no problem with folks who want the Tridentine Mass being able to worship at it. Me, I went to one once (before I was Catholic), and despite having a missal, was unable to follow most of it. It's not my thing - I like worshiping in my own language. Give me a reverent Novus Ordo any day.
Kasia:
I can't say that I disagree with you. I likewise have no problem with people wanting the Tridentine Mass. It is just the obnoxious attitude that some of them exude.
I like the idea that this was a deliberate attempt by the Holy Father to take away this as a political weapon. Let's pray that he is successful!
BTW, I am fond of the Rosary and do pray it often.
It is rather odd that all traditional Catholics get portrayed in such a hateful light. Do Novus Ordo Catholics really hate the trads? Or is it just some NO Catholics who hate some trad Catholics?
Really, folks, the whining is on both sides. Listen and you will hear. I see (and hear) as much disparaging of trad Catholics by NO Catholics as I do the other way around.
Grin. Father, I'm confident that it was a part of the Holy Father's calculus - he's too smart not to have seen it. I doubt it was the only part. I think he also probably thought there was some justice to the complaints of the Tridentine's adherents. Because, as I think you'll agree based on what I've seen of your blog so far, Paramedicgirl is quite correct that neither side is without blame in this (or almost any) situation.
In effect, what I would argue the Holy Father has done is lay the groundwork for a potential ceasefire. The most dogmatic of both sides will not be pacified, but I think that, again assuming enough of the important players cooperate, the wind will quickly leave the sails of the Tridentine vs. NO issue.
I've a very limited understanding of all of the issues here, I will admit, but I suspect what the Holy Father is trying to do is gently steer us away from the '70s "Spirit of Vatican II" movement without sending us careening in the opposite direction. And I'll certainly join you in praying that he's successful!
I also am fond of the Rosary - though I wasn't always - but I've seen a few too many combox conversations turn into "The Rosary is objectively the best prayer you can pray, and if you disagree you're obviously a closet Protestant" sticks. I've no problem with someone advocating their favorite devotion, and the Rosary is certainly a good one. I just don't like being beaten over the head with it. :-)
Paramedicgirl, I fully agree there's whining on both sides. I think it's high time we all stopped the vitriol and started treating each other as Christians. Starting with me. Although the comment above is probably about as unkind a comment as I can remember making about Trads (with whom I have far more sympathy than, say, SOVIIers), I here and now apologize for any whininess or lack of charity in it or any other comment I've made.
God bless,
Kasia
Fr. Charles Ledderer, The Dakotas, USA you are impersonating a Catholic priest. Your identity is fictitious. There are people on here that are believing you. I am asking you not to trick people anymore.
Thanks for writing this.
Post a Comment