Greetings,

There are 5 aricles with something to do with the 1962 Missal mass on this this page today. Every time I come it seems to be about the old rite mass. Does this mean this page is changing its mission from reforming the reform? Is the mission now changing from bringing the REAL Vat II ideal of chanted new rite in original forms, to now just promoting the older rite? I miss the discussion of what can be done in the our parishes(without just saying the old rite mass).

peace
TP | 03.14.08 | #

TP.

In the post-Motu Proprio world, people need to cease seeing the reform of the reform solely through the lens of the modern Roman liturgy. It never could be divorced from the ancient form of the liturgy as it organically came to us, and particularly in the light of the Motu Proprio, the reform of the reform and the usus antiquior are particularly attached -- and clearly that is the Pope's intent and vision from his own words.

That is how it should be of course, because that is a necessary and living connection to what the reform of the reform is trying to accomplish.

This brings me back to a theme I've touched on in this regard: the reform of the reform is not simply about cleaning up the ethos of the modern liturgy; that is only part of it, or what I have called "stage one". It is also about a deeper reform of the modern liturgical books themselves. When one keeps in mind that deeper purpose of the reform of the reform, one can better understand the relevance of the usus antiquior to the reform of the reform.

Just for the record, I should note that this blog has never said it is exclusively "reform of the reform". It has always proclaimed itself interested in that indeed, but also the "classical Roman liturgy", other liturgical rites (Dominican, Ambrosian, Anglican use, Eastern, etc.) not to mention more general topics such as architecture, music and art.

Finally, the blog often relates to current events, and the fact is, the usus antiquior just a half year out from the motu proprio is amongst the biggest news liturgically speaking right now. This is just a reality of the times.

I have always said however, that if people send me what would be typically understood as reform of the reform stories (i.e. the stage one, better celebration of the modern liturgy), I will gladly post them. In fact, I have even tried to cull people specifically for this task from places like the Oratories and so on.

However, I think many of our priests who are active in the reform of the reform have, for the moment, focused on re-connecting to the usus antiquior in the light of the motu proprio. But again, that isn't contrary to the reform of the reform; it's very much part of it.

I believe Fr. Fessio is, once again, showing himself to be a visionary this way. He was one of the founding leaders of the reform of the reform and we see him having learnt and now celebrating some Masses in the usus antiquior. I think this is because he understands the value of "both-and" and perhaps also the value that this can indeed have for the liturgy of the Roman church generally.

So do indeed expect to see lots of stories about the usus antiquior here; not only for the sake of the reform of the reform, but also for its own inherent value and worth as a liturgical topic.
Shawn | 03.14.08 | #

Greetings,

I am a daily reader of this blog. It is very good. I have always enjoyed some of the practical ways of slowing moving liturgy in the right direction. Different ways of introducing chant(both latin and things done in English). I have a church that has had GIA music and "Free flowing" liturgy for 40 years. I always liked the practical things I can do under the radar as our parish slowly makes necessary changes. It is interesting to read about the Older rite, but for me right now, it is just an academic excercise. Just some random thoughts.

peace
TP | 03.14.08 | #

TP, one of those ways is by priests introducing the usus antiquior into their parish, thereby bringing an environment to draw into the parish things like expertise in chant, ad orientem and so on, which they can then use as a platform for drawing into the celebration of the modern form of the Roman liturgy.

Keep in mind as well that for many, the reform of the reform can seem academic as well.

At the end of the day, these things are all real and effect real Catholic peoples in the pews. There is a place here for everyone who seeks good liturgy.
Shawn | 03.14.08 | #