Fr. Z's First Reactions to the Congregations "Responses" to the "Dubia" About the Implementation of "Traditionis Custodes"

Fr Zed says, 'I’m dubious about the dubia. ... I have a very hard time believing that these are actual questions that came from outside the Congregation'.

From Fr Z's Blog

Today’s Bolletino (daily notices from the Holy See Press Office) has a document from the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments.   The document includes an introduction from the Prefect to Presidents of Bishops Conferences and “responses” to several “questions” (dubia) allegedly posed to the Congregation about the implementation of the cruel Traditionis custodes.

I’m dubious about the dubia.

I must say that, reading through the questions, I have a very hard time believing that these are actual questions that came from outside the Congregation, unless they were collaborations, like that risible exchange between the Prefect and the Archbishop of Westminster.   I strongly suspect that the “dubia” were concocted inside the Congregation.  I also do not believe for a nanosecond that the “survey” sent to bishops came back with even a sliver of evidence that something had gone awry with Summoum Pontificum.  In essence, I suspect that we are being lied to.   They are simply imposing their will.

One of the hints that this whole operation is disingenuous, that there is not a shred of pastoral concern for people, is this line from the response to a dubium about the use of parish churches for celebrations of Mass with the 1962 Missale Romanum.  They slithered in this line at the end of the answer:

There is no intention in these provisions to marginalise the faithful who are rooted in the previous form of celebration: they are only meant to remind them that this is a concession to provide for their good (in view of the common use of the one lex orandi of the Roman Rite) and not an opportunity to promote the previous rite.

“No intention in these provisions to marginalize the faithful…. provide for their good….”

B as in B.  S as in S.

This is a blow upon a bruise.  We knew it was coming, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t grieve us.   It is wrong to kick someone when he is down, but that is what they have done, with several kicks.

I want to digest this for a little while before getting into it too much.

However, there are things that have to be said immediately.

Before anything else, GO TO CONFESSION.  Make sure your house is clean.

Next, remember that our Lord admonished us to learn meekness from Him.

Meekness is not to be confused with cowardice or timidity.  Meekness is interior balance of the soul in harmony with God which leads to self-possession, self-control.  The meek soul remains calm even when circumstances are harsh.   Through meekness we give ourselves with patience to whatever needs to be handled.   One practical point I read about meekness is that, for example, a person who acts through meekness does not open a door or move a piece of furniture in the same way as a person lacking meekness.

Let no one freak out about this new slate of bad news.  We must stay calm and soldier on.

All analogies limp, but this is a good reminder: a scene in the movie Bridge of Spies.

This analogy breaks down in that the man on trial really is guilty of a crime and those who want to have traditional worship are not guilty of anything but reverence.   They are – as is more and more evident – far more sinned against than sinning.

Nevertheless the response from the Russian spy about “bosses” and about worrying seem apt.

Hence, I urge people to stay calm.  We are just moving into a new phase… the middle game, perhaps, to use a chess comparison.

Next, instead of becoming despondent, you should now add rocket fuel to your efforts to bring other people to the Traditional Latin Mass.  Build attendance.  Build it, built it, build it.

Next, excel in the performance of works of mercy, joyfully and frequently.

Finally, turn the sock inside out.  Be a “Custos Traditionis”! Join an informal association of prayer for the reversal of “Traditionis custodes”. More HERE.