I was sent an interesting link about the implementation of Summorum Pontificum via the Central Catholic Chaplaincy Centre for London Universities.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Mass in the Extraordinary Form at Newman HouseEarlier this year a small group of students asked me to provide for Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, “in accord with the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum”. In his motu proprio, the Holy Father granted permission for priests to celebrate the older form of the Roman Rite 1. in private, by any priest; 2. where a stable group of the faithful request it; 3. where a parish priest deems it pastorally appropriate.
None of those conditions exist at Newman House. 1. I have no desire to celebrate Mass privately, whether in the ordinary or extraordinary form; [I hope he does anyway. You are never really alone, after all.] 2. Students are not a stable group, but are only here temporarily; 3. I am not a parish priest.
I therefore felt it necessary to refer this matter to the local bishop, the Cardinal, who is responsible for the liturgical life within his diocese. The Cardinal has agreed that there should be one such celebration at the Chaplaincy per Academic Year, and I am very happy to follow his suggestion. [Let me read that again… one. per. year. One per year? What astounding generosity of spirit! What amazing largesse!]
There are several opportunities for students to attend Mass in the extraordinary form within very easy walking distance of Newman House. [Is this starting to sound like how things were at Steubenville? Maybe the students at Steubenville and those in London can form a league, with hats and shirts.] These include Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, St James, Spanish Place, and St Etheldreda, Ely Place. The Oratory in Brompton is also well known for offering Mass in the extraordinary form. The desire of those Catholics who wish to attend Mass in the extraordinary form is therefore well catered for. [Just so long as they don’t expect us to see to their spiritual needs, even though they are under our charge while they are here. It is such an imposition to say Mass for them, after all.]
Nevertheless, since the Roman Rite is the patrimony of the Catholic Church, and the extraordinary form is the expression of the Roman Rite that formerly obtained, [Father… it now presently obtains as of 14 September 2007.] I believe it would be a useful part of developing a fuller experience of the Catholic tradition for students to be exposed to this form of the Roman Rite. [I see… as a curiosity or a learning experience, not as a way to pray?]
I discussed this matter at length with the Area Dean, and with a representative of the Latin Mass Society. The LMS and Fr Phipps have kindly agreed to assist us by the provision of servers and other requisites for the celebration of the extraordinary form.
A Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite will be celebrated in the Newman House Chapel on Saturday 10 May 2008.
Fr Peter Wilson
Senior Chaplain
I hope it will be well-attended, especially by students.
If I were a student involved with that group, I would do my best to get the word out, really canvass and invite others, and make sure that Mass was packed to the rafters, and get lots of photos, and stay in touch with me, as well as some of the other wonderful English bloggers who will take up their cause.
