Australian priests threaten to resist introduction of new Mass translation
February 18, 2011
Some Catholic priests in Australia are threatening that they will refuse to accept the new English translation of the Mass when it goes into effect later this year.
The recalcitrant priests, unhappy with the approach taken in the new translation, which adheres more closely to the original Latin, say that they will continue to use the current English translation even after the new Roman Missal becomes normative.
One such priests, Father John Crothers, explained that he saw the new translation as a betrayal of the promise of Vatican II. “I’ve no problems with changing things - it's part of my philosophy that you've got to change and grow and develop,” he said. “It's the fact that this is going backwards instead of going forwards.” Thus Father Crothers set himself up as the authoritative interpreter not only of liturgical teachings of Vatican II, but also of what constitutes “backwards” and “forwards” movement.
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Posted by: -
Feb. 19, 2011 7:58 PM ET USA
I bet these dissident priests are all OLD!
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Posted by: dmva9806 -
Feb. 19, 2011 10:52 AM ET USA
We need to be more charitable, and realize that the present stance of these priests may not be their final one. Give their bishop(s) time to bring them into agreement with or at least into obedience to the mind of the Church on this matter. The Church is here until the end of time, we need not be in a great hurry to bring everybody to perfection. They are wrong, but they are also our brothers, and need out help to see the truth.
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Posted by: Defender -
Feb. 19, 2011 1:21 AM ET USA
As much as there might be a shortage of priests, how about firing the "I know best" and "Spirit of Vatican II" crowd and starting all over again with the few that remain? Looking closely at those in these two categories, and you'll likely find other things that they've changed or spoken out on because they know best. Going to Mass with those who remain and we'll likely find things as they should be and perhaps in a Catholic church that looks like one should.
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Posted by: Obregon -
Feb. 18, 2011 11:57 PM ET USA
I am so tired of this type of dissenting priest who thinks he is above the Pope and the Holy See and knows-it-all! It's high time their bishops give them a royal kick on their buttus and send them out of the ministerial priesthood.
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Posted by: ColmCille -
Feb. 18, 2011 7:59 PM ET USA
Priests who refuse to obey the directives of Holy Mother Church should be severely disciplined once, then defrocked. That includes bishops. I say that with all love for these poor souls. But they are charged with the spiritual welfare of Christ's faithful, and disobedient, dissenting priests and bishops do immense harm to the souls Christ loves. Whatever motives the Holy See may have for not disciplining or removing these wayward shepherds pale in importance next to the welfare of souls.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Feb. 18, 2011 7:13 PM ET USA
Oh goody,another "I know best" priest. Well,Fr.Crothers,join the rest of mankind who will not serve. Obedience is a four-letter to them.
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Posted by: -
Feb. 18, 2011 6:38 PM ET USA
We the faithful must ensure that our priests and bishops act like priests and bishops. The softly softly approach has not worked. We must hold them accountable. I intend to monitor my own parish. If priests do not adhere to the new translation, they will be approached twice, then the matter will be referred to the bishop (twice) and if that proves unfruitful, it will go to Rome. This is what we must do.
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Posted by: Gil125 -
Feb. 18, 2011 2:03 PM ET USA
One assumes that he is not in Archbishop Pell's see. And that if he is, he will be summarily dealt with.
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Posted by: pauljworthington637024 -
Feb. 18, 2011 12:42 PM ET USA
Where was Fr. Crothers when the Novus Ordo was summarily jammed down the troats of the Faithful back in the 70's? These guys are all on a one way street. Their numbers are thinning, and rapidly. Parishioners across the English speaking world need to stand up and demand their priests be obedient to their bishops who are in accord with the Supreme Pontiff.
