Here is an excerpt from Bishop Finn regarding the implimentation of Summorum Pontificum from 2007:
On Saturday, July 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued an Apostolic Letter on the use of the Latin form of the Mass that existed before the Second Vatican Council. What the document directs goes into effect on Sept. 14, the Solemnity of the Triumph of the Cross. The Pope's "Motu Proprio" - a type of document that he issues "by his own accord," is entitled "Sum- morum Pontificum," from the opening words of the document where he indicates that it has always been the responsibility of the Supreme Pontiffs to oversee the worthy worship of God.
What does the Pope's letter direct concerning the Mass? Pope Benedict affirms the continuity of the Roman Rite of the Sacred Liturgy, and emphasizes the lasting value of the form of the Mass that existed before Vatican II. At the same time, he makes it clear that the Mass we use today is the Ordinary Form of the Mass for Catholics and that this form, celebrated in the vernacular or modern day languages of the people, will continue to be the usual way we experience the Eucharistic Liturgy and the other sacraments.
In the Apostolic Letter the Pope calls the 1962 Latin Mass the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite, and the English (vernacular) form we continue to use, the Ordinary Form. He said they are not two rites, but two different, valid, and lawful forms of the same Rite.
How and when may this Extraordinary Form of the Latin Mass be celebrated? The Pope says that, as of Sept. 14 of this year priests are free to celebrate the Extraordinary Form privately without any other specific permission. He is quick to add that they should be careful to do so only after they have learned this form of the Mass and are able to celebrate it correctly, reverently and faithfully. He reminds priests and bishops that, in fact, we must always celebrate the Mass, in either form, in faithful accord with the liturgical directives of the Church. No one, including the bishop, has the authority to modify the Church's liturgical ritual, beyond the specific options indicated in the rites.
The Pope encourages pastors and bishops to respond to the legitimate requests of the faithful to be provided this older form of the Mass. I am pleased to say that, in our Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, my predecessors, Bishop John Sullivan and Bishop Raymond Boland have cooperated with earlier such directives of the Vatican to allow a limited use of the Latin Mass by "indult." It will take a while for other priests to be suitably trained in the celebration of the Extraordinary Form. The fitting celebration of the older form of the Mass will also be practically limited by the need for a proper place or setting for this form.
©2001 The Catholic Key
Reproduced with the permission of Chistopher M. of Lost Lambs, the owner of these images.
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