Excellent news:
On VIS we see some changes in the Roman Curia:
The Holy Father Benedict XVI named as Vice President of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei", Msgr. Camille Perl, until now Secretary of the same Pontifical Commission.
At the same time, His Holiness named as Secretary of the same Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei", Msgr. Mario Marini, until now Adjunct Secretary.
What does this mean?
First, it is an indication that the Commission is here to stay for a while. Originally it was set up as an "ad hoc" Commission.
Second, the addition of a Vice President, is probably an indication of the Commission’s greater weight in the Curia.
Third, the change to the structure, that is the creation of a Vice President position, will probably allow the Commission to respond to queries more rapidly.
Fourth, this sorts out a little detail of curial protocol. Whereas once there was a Secretary and and Adjunct Secretary (who had once been Under Secretary of the CDW), now there is a Vice President and a Secretary. That is a somewhat clearer structure.
My prayers are with the members and officials of the Commission. I also hope that some consideration will be given to raising Msgr. Perl to episcopal dignity.
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Is this yet another Marini?
Fr. Z.,
Is Msgr. Perl also a Canon at St. Peter’s? I see him at Mass and vespers on Sundays every time I go to Rome, where he is usually actively involved in the ceremonies there. If this is the case, do the canons divide their time between tending to the running of St. Peter’s as well as other duties or is this simply a liturgical assignment? I wonder also if Msgr. Perl’s presence at St. Peter’s has been one reason for the improvement of the quality of liturgies there the past 2-3 years.
I’ve always been intrigued with the Chapter of Canons at St. Peter’s as they seem to be eternally present, so to speak, at all Vatican functions, yet very much in the background. I’d like to learn more about how they are, what they do, and how they are appointed. So far, I have never been able to find much information about them.
My question exactly. Not to be disrespectful, but if this is indeed a third Marini, a list with full names and functions would make reading this blog a lot easier ;)
For the sake of clarity, I was ofcourse responding to Richard.
TNCath: Yes, but with a qualification. There are various ranks in the chapter of canons. There are 30 or so of the top drawer canons, the Illustrisimi ac Reverendissimi Domini Canonici, though not all of them are active. These are some rather well-known fellows, such as Msgr. Walter Brandmüller, Msgr. Brunero Gherardini, Msgr. Pabolo Colino, etc. Also in this illustrious list is Msgr. Mario Marini, the now Secretary of the PCED! Msgr. Perl is what is called a Coadiutor capituli, who are not precisely canons and do not have the same rights to vote in a chapter. So, he has the duty and privilege of participating in all the liturgical functions of the chapter, etc.
Fr. Z
I was wondering if you can confirm something for me? I have often heard that Mgr. Perl is not really that sympathetic to the traditional mass and he has publically stated that he prefers to celebrate all his private masses in the new rite. I have also heard from people involved with Una Voce that he does not share Cardinal Dario Hoyos view that the SSPX may not be in formal schism.
In either case I was perplexed by his actions, when the FSSP was going through tough times after the whole protocol 1411 affair in 1999.
Can you enlighten us please?
Many thanks
Where is Msgr. Calkins in all of this? Does he still work for the PCED? Thanks!
Ottaviani, go to comments on Rorate Caeli for supportive words for Msgr.Perle.
There was talk some months ago about promoting the Commission into a Pontifical Council, I think. I am wondering if this is a first step. Conferral of the episcopal dignity on Msgr. Perl might also be a step. The effect of such steps is to signal to the bishops that “Summorum Pontificum” is to be taken seriously. That, in itself, can only be good.
I wonder about Msgr. Perl’s future in the Commission, however, and note that he hales from Luxembourg and the current Archbishop of Luxembourg is reaching the retirement age. In addition, Darío Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos is well past that age. I believe that he is about 78.
P.K.T.P.
Msgr. Calkins still works at the PCED, quietly assisting Msgr. Perl.
I note once more…no past president of Ecclesia Dei has left the post until some time AFTER his 80th birthday,despite the norms of Pastor Bonus etc.