If only St. Athanasius had a pollster

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jul 09, 2007

The ubiquitous Father Tom Reese, formerly of America, naturally had some sound-bites prepared about the motu proprio. A few highlights:

If the pope issues a Motu proprio allowing the use of the Tridentine mass without the local bishop’s permission, he is basically saying that he does not trust the pastoral judgment of the bishops.

Hmmm. You said it, Tom. I didn't. But I'm guessing that you think the Pope should trust their pastoral judgment. This is because:

• They have been so successful in maintaining the strength of the faith (as evidenced by high Mass attendance, abundant religious vocations, stable marriages, implementation of Catholic social teaching in local public life).
• They have made every effort to accommodate those traditionalists who do accept the authority of Vatican II, and have demonstrated that those still requesting the Latin Mass are all dissidents.
• They have preserved the faith from any taint of scandal in recent years.
• All of the above.

Our hero sums up the situation:

Other than embarrassing the bishops and pastors who have opposed wider use of the Tridentine mass, the Motu proprio will probably have little effect since public opinion polls show overwhelming support for the new liturgy among Catholics.

Opinion polls. Ah. The Tridentine Mass won't win the New Hampshire primary. Enough said. By the way Father Reese thinks that this issue has "more to do with power and politics than Latin and liturgy." But I guess you knew that by now.

[Tip to Closed Cafeteria]