On Friday, July 16, the Vatican published the order of its own Tratidiones guards (Guardians of Tradition) by Pope Francis, who regulates the possibility for priests to celebrate Mass in an unusual way, that is, with a Mass prior to 1970.
In this note we explain what you need to know about the character of the Holy Father.
1.- Pope reasons to publish this on their own
In the document, the pontiff states that Benedict XVI asked the bishops to send to the Vatican, in 2010, his assessment of the use of Popes, a request renewed by Pope Francis in 2020 through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Francisco claims to be posting Customs guards “In light of the wishes expressed by the episcopate and listening to the opinion of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith” with a view to “continuing the constant search for ecclesial communion.”
In the accompanying message Moto feature, the Pope affirms: “I am saddened by the effective use of the Roman Missal of 1962, which is increasingly marked by a growing rejection not only of the liturgical reform, but also of the Second Vatican Council, with the groundless and intolerable claim that it has betrayed tradition and “the true Church”. “.
Francis also warns against “excesses that occur in the celebration of the Mass” and asks the bishops “to ensure that every liturgy is celebrated faithfully and faithfully to the liturgical books issued after the Second Vatican Council, without any abnormality that could easily turn into abuse.”
The Holy Father recalls: “Liturgical ceremonies are not private acts, but are the celebrations of the Church, which are the ‘Sacrament of Unity’, so they must take place in communion with the Church.”
2. It is the bishop who authorizes the Eucharist in the 1962 Missal
Therefore, among the measures taken, the diocesan bishop will henceforth authorize the use of the 1962 Roman Missal, according to the guidelines of the Vatican.
If there are groups in the diocese that celebrate Mass in this way, the bishop must ensure that it does not exclude the validity of the reform of the liturgy, as approved by the Second Vatican Council and the authority of the Popes.
3- The bishop determines when and where these liturgies are celebrated
The bishop will designate one or more places where the faithful can gather to celebrate Mass in an unusual way. The document proves that the place cannot be the parish church and that the bishop will indicate the days on which it can be celebrated.
At these ceremonies, the readings are proclaimed in the vernacular, that is, in the language of each place and not in Latin, using translations of the Bible approved by the episcopal conferences.
4.- The bishop appoints a priest assigned to accompany these groups
The bishop will appoint a deputized priest to accompany these groups of believers pastorally.
For this he must know the Roman Missal before the Reformation of 1970, have a good knowledge of Latin “and must be animated by lively pastoral charity and ecclesiastical communion.”
5. – No new groups will be created to celebrate Mass with the 1962 Missal
Pope Francis’ document states that the bishop will have to review whether the personal dioceses created for these believers are still useful, and therefore will be able to decide whether or not to preserve them.
In addition, you will be careful not to allow the creation of new groups.
6.- Priests should ask permission from the bishop
If no priest is appointed after posting Moto feature Customs guards Wanting to celebrate Mass with the 1962 Missal, he must make a formal request to the bishop, who in turn will consult the Vatican before giving permission.
Likewise, priests who celebrate Mass in this way must seek permission from the bishop to maintain this power.
7.- Any text that does not comply with Moto feature canceled
Article 8 of Customs guards It states: “Foregoing rules, instructions, privileges and usages inconsistent with these Motu Proprio provisions are hereby rescinded.”
This means canceling the provisions that violate or violate what is stated in this document. The most important previous text on this topic is Moto feature Popes Benedict XVI, published 2007.
8.- A unique expression of Lex Orandi
Article 1 of Customs guards He points out that “the liturgical books promulgated by Holy Pontiffs Paul VI and John Paul II, according to the decrees of the Second Vatican Council, are the only expression of the Orandian canon of Roman rites.”
