L’Osservatore Romano as origin of the maelstrom: Ed Peters opines

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The respected, clear-thinking canonist Ed Peters of In the Light of the Law has offered a blistering assessment of the role of the Vatican’s daily L’Osservatore Romano in regard to the latest in a string of media screw-ups.

My emphases and comments.

The continuing mess at L’Osservatore Romano

Peter Seewald

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While many able others are scrambling to respond to the eruption over the pope’s remarks on condom use by male prostitutes, I want to ask a few questions about the occasion of this public relations fiasco, namely, the decision by L’Osservatore Romano [Note these points] to publish [1] prematurely, [2] out of context, and [3] without commentary, [4] the single most controversial paragraph of the pope’s book, Light of the World, in, if nothing else, apparent violation of the agreement in place between its various publishers concerning a coordinated release of the work. [Elsewhere I mused about the possibility that the Holy See had an agreement with the publisher that they could strike passages deemed inopportune before going to press.  So… what happened?  No such agreement?  Didn’t choose to use it?  Just wanted to get out ahead of the story?]I frankly wonder whether, even now, L’Osservatore Romano yet realizes what a serious disservice it has committed by arrogating to itself the role of introducing the pope’s book, Light of the World, and by its making that introduction in such a palpably incompetent manner? [C’mon, Ed.  You’ve gotta learn to express yourself!]

[…]Instantly, of course, the world formed exactly the wrong understanding of that paragraph that anyone could have predicted. [Yes… you would have thought anyone could have predicted it.] Now, instead of being able to present the pope’s interview as a positive and even vigorous affirmation of unified truth, Catholic theologians and spokesmen must respond defensively against secular attacks and distortions, resorting (for the most part) [And this is important…] to a level of sophistication that befits a graduate seminar in moral theology, not a reader-friendly presentation of ideas. I mean, great scot, the book is not even published yet, and already the Vatican Press is Office is having to issue hasty corrections and unconvincing clarifications!

And it’s all because of L’OR.

Again.

Yes, again. L’OR’s panting after pop relevance (with pieces on, e.g., The Beatles and The Simpsons) is embarrassing enough. I’ve learned to ignore that. It’s mistreatment of Brazilian Abp. Cardoso Sobrihno should have been seen as the warning sign that it was. I said so at the time.

But, if this media fiasco is not enough to bring sweeping changes to L’OR, then, I don’t know what ever will.

Eeeed Peteeeeeer’s, Ladies and Gentlemen!  Give it up for Ed!

Posted in Biased Media Coverage, Throwing a Nutty | Tagged , ,
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Could SSPX Bp. Williamson be expelled from the SSPX?

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Here is an interesting bit from the DICI site of the SSPX:

GENERAL HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
11-21-2010

Filed under From Tradition, News

The Superior General, Bishop Bernard Fellay, has learnt by the press of Bishop Richard Williamson’s decision, just ten days before his trial, to dismiss the lawyer charged with his defense, in favor of a lawyer who is openly affiliated to the so-called neo-Nazi movement in Germany, and to other such groups.

Bishop Fellay has given Bishop Williamson a formal order to go back on this decision and to not allow himself to become an instrument of political theses that are completely foreign to his mission as a Catholic bishop serving the Society of Saint Pius X.

Disobedience to this order would result in Bishop Williamson being expelled from the Society of Saint Pius X.

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Benedict XVI on the Good Friday prayer for Jews

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
Peter Seewald

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Sandro Magister has an English translation of some of the Holy Father’s book-interview with Peter Seewald, Light of the World.

Among the bits provided there is something about the Holy Father’s choice to change the bidding prayer for the Jews on Good Friday according to the older, traditional form of the Roman Rite.

Let’s see what Magister offers of the Pope speaking about Judaism with my emphases:

I must say that from the first day of my theological studies, the profound unity between the Old and New Testament, between the two parts of our Sacred Scripture, was somehow clear to me. I had realized that we could read the New Testament only together with what had preceded it, otherwise we would not understand it. Then naturally what happened in the Third Reich struck us as Germans, and drove us all the more to look at the people of Israel with humility, shame, and love.In my theological formation, these things were interwoven, and marked the pathway of my theological thought. So it was clear to me – and here again in absolute continuity with John Paul II – that in my proclamation of the Christian faith there had to be a central place for this new interweaving, with love and understanding, of Israel and the Church, based on respect for each one’s way of being and respective mission [. . .]

A change also seemed necessary to me in the ancient liturgy. In fact, the formula was such as to truly wound the Jews, and it certainly did not express in a positive way the great, profound unity between Old and New Testament. For this reason, I thought that a modification was necessary in the ancient liturgy, in particular in reference to our relationship with our Jewish friends. I modified it in such a way that it contained our faith, that Christ is salvation for all. That there do not exist two ways of salvation, and that therefore Christ is also the savior of the Jews, and not only of the pagans. But also in such a way that one did not pray directly for the conversion of the Jews in a missionary sense, but that the Lord might hasten the historic hour in which we will all be united. For this reason, the arguments used polemically against me by a series of theologians are rash, and do not do justice to what was done.

We don’t pray “directly for the conversion of the Jews in a missionary sense” …

But that doesn’t mean we don’t pray for their conversion.

Right?

Posted in Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged ,
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Document on the implementation of Summorum Pontificum

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Remember that document that was supposed to come out about the implementation of Summorum Pontificum?

For a while now I have been less than eager to see it issued.

On the other hand, there is little likelihood that that such a document would be restrictive, given the fact that the Holy See is presently engaging the SSPX in discussions.   Imagine what a dampening effect a restrictive document would have on that process.

On the other hand, it is probably a good idea that the CDF/PCED issues some sort of clarification about a few important points.  For example, I have reason to suspect that in England (which I just left) there may be a “gentleman’s agreement” among some English bishops to try to repress the expansion of the use of the “Traditional Latin Mass”, or TLM according to the 1962 Missal.   They may be trying to assert that Summorum Pontificum does not foresee the increased use of the older forms.   Counter to this, we had heard statements from the PCED’s former President Card. Castrillon-Hoyos that the Holy Father did in fact foresee the expansion of the use of the older form of Mass.

In other words, now that Summorum Pontificum is in force, some bishops are now keenly interested in implementing the provisions of Ecclesia Dei adflicta.

discriminationTo be clear, Summorum Pontificum removes the heavy burden of making this hard decisions and imposes that burden on the pastor of a parish.  He can chosen to use the 1962MR.   On the other hand, it seems that some bishops think that if there is a parish or two in a diocese where the older Mass is offered, then other pastors cannot chose to use the older Missal because, after all, “there’s a place for that sort of person… over there“, and it looks rather like the last row of seats in the back of a bus, or perhaps a drinking fountain with a special sign over it.

This comes from Kathnews, a German source.  My emphases and comments.  The translation is pretty rough, you will have the apprehension sense in the immediate kind no problems having.

Kathnews: The implementing provisions of the “Old Mass” will be published shortly

Signed by Benedict XVI. probably before Christmas.

Vatican (Catholic news-exclusive). Immediately after the publication of the papal letter “Summorum Pontificum” in July 2007 it was announced that implementation rules are expected to bring more clarity in the document to deal with the extraordinary form of the Roman rite. The publication of these provisions had already been announced several times in the Catholic media and discussed in numerous Internet forums and blogs have been. Sometimes it was said that publication of the designation was imminent, the Holy Father did, they are even already on his desk and they would only sign it. These assumptions have so far not be confirmed and proved in many cases, wrong.

Kathnews are now available exclusive information that the publication of the Regulations for the Motu Proprio “Summorum Pontificum” is really imminent. Of senior Vatican sources Kath News has now learned that the document was already prepared ready, but then had to be corrected in some points. As the news editor Kath could also learn a corrected version should be submitted in these days [to] the Holy Father. The current version should therefore also be the one to be published in addition to the Motu Proprio published in 2007. The design rules could therefore be signed before Christmas 2010 by the Pope and clarify outstanding issues relating to the use of the Tridentine mass.

Will the Holy Father chose to do this in the wake of the maelstrom caused by the Condom Commentary?

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, WDTPRS |
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Silver Trumpets in St. Peter’s

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I was on an airplane for most of this… but I understand that the silver trumpets, retired from use by Paul VI, were used in the Vatican Basilica for the consistory.

Any news on that?

Posted in Just Too Cool | Tagged
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What Did The Pope Really Say?

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

First, keep in mind that Papa Ratzinger was talking to a guy who had a microphone.   How is that the same as an official act of the Vicar of Christ exercising his magisterium?

Also, he was asked if the Church is opposed in principle to the use of condoms.  He responded – and it may be important to read all the words.  My emphases:

She of course does not regard it as a real or moral solution, but, in this or that case, there can be nonetheless, in the intention of reducing the risk of infection, a first step in a movement toward a different way, a more human way, of living sexuality.

Peter Seewald

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“Of course” means that the Church’s teaching is pretty clear.  Also, just as the Pope clarified in a presser on an airplane on his way to make an apostolic visit, condoms are not a real solution because they fail both to prevent disease and conception.  They are not a “real” solution.  They are not a “moral” solution because of the motive for their use in most cases.   Nevertheless, sin is also wrapped up with “intention” in individual cases.  Furthermore, there is a human way to respond to the problems for which some people claim condoms are the answer.  Condom use is a more human way in individual cases such as that which the Pope identified in his non-magisterial interview.   That doesn’t mean that it is yet a good way.  It is simply better than the disastrous way employed before a decision was made to move towards a more human way.  Also the word human implies that the acting subject is a person, an image of God.

That is a quick glance at what the Pope said.

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Thinking about not thinking about the Pope, the press and condoms

Posted on 22 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
Peter Seewald

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I had a great day yesterday not writing about the Pope and condoms.

After a Solemn High Mass at Holy Innocents in Manhattan, with music of De Victoria and the presence of a group of college students, I dashed up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw an exhibit of views of Italy including many things that dove-tailed with the Canaletto exhibit I saw in London.  Then I walked across Central Park and saw a huge gray and white raptor on a horizontal branch about 20 feet off the ground eating the gut out of a squirrel.  It sure looked like an Osprey to me, but I think they usually eat fish.  The kids watching were great: EEEEWWWW, when it would pull up some juicy intestines.  One guy explained to junior that animals don’t get food in styrofoam packages.    Then waiting at a corner I saw a car whip around corner into the back of a cab thus propelling it in turn into the back of an SUV.  Once again I heard the EEEEWWWW, from the people around.   Then a movie. Then Chinese.  The last part of the New Jersey Giants v. Iggles game.  Not bad.

In the meantime, I did not write about the Pope and condoms for even one second of the day!

I found a comment on CMR, however, which expresses in far less testy terms than I would use, something of my thoughts on the matter of the Pope and the Press.   My emphases:

I must admit that the whole thing has me scratching my head. The question I keep coming back to is “why?” Why did the Pope try to make this VERY nuanced point when it is obvious to even the most casual observer that the media would get this wrong? Did this nuanced point about male prostitutes really have to be made? I mean, have male prostitutes sworn off condoms because the Pope says they are wrong? Why? Why this point?

I cannot help but wonder if the Pope’s inner egg-head got the better of him here. In a way, I feel like the Pope wandered into the woods on the first day of hunting season while trying to make a point detailing the different kinds of rods and cones involved in color-blindness. It is just not the time or place to be making this point.

And then the Holy See press office. Somebody over there coulda shoulda known what was contained in this interview and anticipated the blowup.  [Oh boy… this is why it is best for me to use someone elses words.] The whole reason you have a press office is so that you can be ahead of these kind of stories rather than being reactive. Extending my lame hunting analogy, it seems that the press office tells all of the color blind hunters “Hey, I think I saw something move over there!” And then claims “How was I supposed to know?”

Doesn’t anybody over at the Vatican, from the Pope on down, know how this works?

Listen up!!! The press doesn’t do nuance!

I would like to be able to apply the Sherlock Holmes theory to this.  Once you eliminate the possibly answers, the impossible is the answer.

It is impossible to imagine that an organization with global impact and footprint doesn’t know how to hire someone to coordinate the Roman Curia’s official press presentations and responses.

It is impossible to imagine that in setting up that book-interview, the Holy See didn’t retain the right to strike elements that would be inopportune.

It is impossible to imagine that the Pope and his advisers don’t know what the press does with raw meat.

I wonder if the Holy Father goes forward with controversial statements knowing that they are going to create a furor precisely because he knows that there will be a public discussion to follow.

On the way to get the Chinese food last tonight, we were talking about how the sharp repression of Modernism in the early 20th century lead the its resurgence later.   We discussed what might have happened had modernism been engaged and refuted rather than simply repressed.

We say we want a voice in the public square.  That isn’t going to be easy.  Our responses aren’t going to look like clean white packages with plastic wrap.

Is this a technique of the “new evangelization”?

Posted in Biased Media Coverage, New Evangelization, The Drill |
24 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a deacon preach at a TLM?

Posted on 21 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

A priest who speaks very little English has volunteered to say the TLM
on Sundays. Is it OK for a deacon to deliver the homily in his place?

Yes.

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About the Last Sunday of the Church’s Year

Posted on 21 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

In the older, traditional calendar there is no special liturgy for this Sunday.   This is a poignant way to point toward the seamless cycle of the Church’s representation of the mysteries of salvation.  In the newer calendar we are focused also on the end times in the Feast of Christ the king.

We simultaneously long for the Second Coming of the Lord – that is what Advent is about, by the way, the Second Coming in glory and judgment – and we dread it.  Early Christians prayed with longing “Come! Lord, Come!”  In later centuries the sense of longing was replaced with sober realization of what we will endure on the day of His Coming.

Both of these attitudes can help us in our own day to be concerned with joyful sobriety, sober joy, about the meeting we will have with the Lord when He comes.  Do not forget that the last day of your life is going to be an anticipation of the Second Coming.   As Augustine wrote: Qualis in die isto quisque moritur, talis in die illo iudicabitur (ep. 199.2).

In death your life will be laid bare.  In the Second Coming itself, the Lord will lay bare all things.   That which we have endured in life with patient perseverance and sometime suffering shall be given explanations.

St. Augustine explained that the Lord’s judgments are obscure to us now, but later they will be made clear.  Justice in this life is imperfect.  In the life to come it will be perfected.

All that which He has permitted to happen now, will be given reasons and explanations and we will finally see the perfect justice even behind what now is hidden and challenging.

The Church’s year presents us anew with the unchanging mysteries of our salvation.  But year year we are a little different and closer to the moment when the Lord’s hidden justice and judgments will be revealed.   Do not be content to leave yourself straying on your life’s path toward your judgment with the knowledge of your saving Faith as it was when you were fresh from catechism as a child.  Some people do.  Do not leave yourself cold on the this path without the warming effect of works of mercy.

Live in sober joy, or joyful sobriety about the state of your soul even as you follow your mapway toward the Coming Lord through our Holy Church’s mysterious years of waiting.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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The Pope did not endorse the use of condoms

Posted on 20 November 2010 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
Peter Seewald

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You will be hearing a LOT about this.

Keep in mind that the Holy Father did not endorse or “open the way” to greater use of condoms.

From CNA:

Pope Benedict advocates right sexuality, not condom use, in fight against HIV

Vatican City, Nov 20, 2010 / 07:39 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Excerpts of Pope Benedict XVI’s new book are already causing a stir. Though some media reports claim he offers a change in papal teaching about condom use, Pope Benedict in fact says that a humanized sexuality, not condoms, is the right response to HIV.

The Nov. 21 edition of the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano (LOR) will release excerpts of the pontiff’s book “Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times.”

The book contains the Pope’s responses to questions from Peter Seewald, a German reporter who spoke with him over a week last summer about the most sensitive and important questions in Church life today.

The 21 themes treated in the book are edgy and the reception of the Pope’s words is likely to be varied, but his answers offer a unique look into his teachings and his perspective on the Church and the world.

In the excerpts, just two brief paragraphs provide the Pope’s response to a question on sexuality in the world today. He says that concentrating on the use of the condom only serves to trivialize sexuality.

This trivialization leads many people to no longer see sex as an expression of love, but as a self-administered drug. The fight against the banalization of sexuality is part of a great effort to change this view to a more positive one.

According to one much-commented excerpt printed in L’Osservatore Romano, the Pope concedes that there can be single cases in which the use of a condom may be justified.

He uses the example of prostitutes [actually, I believe the Germans of the interview speaks about male prostitutes, which changes the dynamic] who might use prophylactics as a first step toward moralization, that is, becoming moral. In such a case, condom use might be their first act of responsibility to redevelop their consciousness of the fact that not everything is permitted and that one cannot do everything one wants.  [The press will say a) that the Pope has endorsed condoms, b) has opened the way to endorsing condoms c) still has gone far enough to endorse condoms.  What the press will not do is report accurately what the Pope said.]

While secular outlets such as Time Magazine characterized this remark as “a stunning turnaround” for the Church, Pope Benedict goes on to explain that this is not the true and proper way to defeat HIV. Instead what is necessary is the humanization of sexuality. [The Church’s moral theologians have said for a long time that there are those rare cases in which the use of a condom, which is still looked at as an evil, can incur less guilt of sin depending on the circumstances.]

[…]

There is going to be a lot of buzz about this Condom Conundrum.

I wish I didn’t have jet lag.

Posted in Emanations from Penumbras, The Drill |
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