There is an interesting development in the matter of Summorum Pontificum and the use of the vernacular in celebrations of the TLM.
The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei reponded to a questions proposed concerning Art. 6.
The questions were: "Can readings be given in the vernacular in the context of the Liturgy? Does Article 6 uphold the practice of duplicating the readings reading them in the context of the Liturgy in Latin, then before a homily in the vernacular, or does it allow them to be read from the Altar in the vernacular?
Also, can local editions of the Missal that refer back to the 1962 Missal could be used for this purpose (i.e. the one that came out in the US in early 1964. For example, a Missal faithful to the rubrics of the 1962 Missal, but with a vernacular proper. This was given approval for use in the US by the Holy See.
The responses:
1. Article 6 of the Motu Proprio summorum Pontificum forsees the possibility of proclaiming the readings in the vernacular without having to proclaim them first in Latin.
2. The readings may be proclaimed in English according to translations approved for liturgical use by the Holy See and the Bishops of the United States.
I remember when the text of Summorum Pontificum was issued, I suggested that Art. 6 did in fact bear the interpretation that vernacular readings could be used instead of Latin. Lot’s of people pretty much freaked out and did everything but promise to dig up my mortal remains, try me and throw me in a river.
It seems I was right after all.
Don’t get me wrong: I do NOT think that what is permitted here should be imposed on congregations. That would be a terrible idea, if people didn’t want such a thing. However, Summorum Pontificum permits this, according to the PCED. I can think of some occasions when I might be good to do. I bet you can too.
