This is a season of changes for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
First, let me say that I think His Holiness is trying slowly to restore the CDF to its proper importance.
We have seen in recent times the changing of the guard in the Undersecretary’s office.
I have heard from three different places in the last week that when the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei is assumed under the aegis of the CDF, that it will have a new seceretary, perhaps a present official of the CDF. Keep in mind that the Secretary of the PCED, Msgr. Mario Marini died recently. That chair is open.
Some have suggested to me that the new Secretary of the PCED may be Msgr. Guido Pozzo, who is an official of the CDR and a member of the International Theological Commission.
The CDF and PCED will have to take care of the doctrinal discussions with the SSPX.
I think that the liturgy dimension of the PCED will probably be shifted to the CDW. There are good people at the CDW right now, but I still think that, since liturgy is also doctrine, it would also be best treated by the PCED, even with its closer alignment with the CDF.
Just some thoughts.
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Well said.
I think that this is all part of bringing the world into the “age of Summorum Pontificum”. The PCED is a structure designed to function under what is now a defunct system. Many people continue to think of the EF in terms of Ecclesia Dei terms–the EF isn’t “normal” liturgy, so it needs a special commission other than the normal congregation to look after it. Many people still think in terms of Bishops “allowing” the EF, and complain to the PCED when the Bishop doesn’t “allow” these celebrations to occur. All of this should have stopped in September 2007. I think that perhaps moving Mgr. Perl to the CDW, and giving him special authority to answer questions relating to the EF as part of the CDW while maintaining a good relationship and minor ties with the PCED is a good idea, and is probably close of what may happen.The Holy Father is a very prudent man (despite what some reporters think…) and he has excellent people in both the CDF and CDW, two of the most important offices at the Vatican.
The “Benedictine Revolution” is becoming virtually unstoppable. Next year, and the next few years after that, many Cardinals will reach 80 and retire. In the next five years, it would be possible to “stack” almost every congregation in Rome with “Benedictines”. We need to pray hard that this pope lives a long, long, time!
Mat.
Matthew wrote: “I think that perhaps moving Mgr. Perl to the CDW, and giving him special authority to answer questions relating to the EF as part of the CDW while maintaining a good relationship and minor ties with the PCED is a good idea, and is probably close of what may happen.”
Would this move possibly put Msgr. Perl in line to be made a bishop?
I can certainly see the wisdom of having the Church’s relationship with the SSPX under the CDF and the implementation of Summorum Pontificum and all EF liturgical matters under the CDW. The SSPX is more a doctrinal than a liturgical issue. It sounds to me that this move is the Holy Father is bending over backwards to heal this division in the Church as well as further the use of the Extraordinary Form. Deo gratias.
what is the CDR?
Cel:
CDF – Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Err..Just realized that doesn’t answer your question at all…sorry
The putting of the Ecclesia Dei Commission under the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith seems to me is Pope Benedict’s way of now discussing Vatican 2 in the light of the long TRADITION of the Church and not focusing narrowly just on the traditional Latin Mass.
Sorry, but I have to be more pessimistic about His Holiness. If he was truly committed then he would release the MP clarification that’s been sitting on his desk for over a year; he’d stop pushing the so-called “Benedictine arrangement” of the altar and turn ad orientem; he’d publicly celebrate the EF often (preferably exclusively); he’d abolish standing communion in the hand; and he’d abandon the sacrilegious World Youth Days. Any one of these reforms would be welcome and helpful. All of them would be unstoppable.
Sure, Tradster. Since Pope Benedict isn’t committed to doing what you want him to do, and in the way you want him to do it, he must not be committed at all.
“First, let me say that I think His Holiness is trying slowly to restore the CDF to its proper importance.” – Fr. Z
I really hope that this means two things:
1) That the CDF becomes once again the most powerful congregation in the Curia.
2) That the CDF reverts to its former name…
I think #1 is more likely to happen, but #2 would be more amusing. I mean that it would be amusing to watch the reaction of liberals. One can always hope.
But “Inquiry” or “Inquest” are the real translations….
Comment by Tradster — 24 June 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Well, I’m not pessimistic at all. The so-called “Benedictine arrangement” predates not only Pope Benedict, but even Vatican II, but quite a margin. It is the traditional Roman (city of Rome) altar arrangement in the great basilicas and oratories where the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved and where the altar was “facing the people”. So, Pope Benedict has simply reverted to the tradition of Rome on that point. (Thanks be to God!)
At this point, the Pope may (I don’t know) think that were he to celebrate the EF, the heretics might use it as an excuse to promote the idea that he was thereby repudiating Vatican II. That might create problems/delays elsewhere for important things he would like to achieve (such as the reconciliation of the SSPX?).
“Welcome and helpful” to whom?