Folia Theologica 20. (2009)
Caban Peter: Features and new impulses of the Pope Benedict XVI in the area of liturgy
FEATURES AND NEW IMPULSES... 53 priests may use the 1962 Missal of blessed John XXIII without any special permit in Masses without people and the faithful who request it may participate in such liturgies. In parishes where there is a constant group of the faithful interested in such liturgy priests should fulfill their request. In Holy Masses celebrated with the participation of the people readings should be read in local language and it is recommended for the people to recite some parts of the Holy Mass alongside with the priest such as Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and a priest should not recite the whole Mass silently. It is possible to administer the sacraments of matrimony, baptism, repentance, anointing of the sick and confirmation according to the Tridentine rite. Clergy may pray the breviary issued by John XXIII in 1962. Bishops may establish so called personal parishes or they may anoint chaplains for the faithful who are interested in the old liturgy. A group of lay persons interested in the liturgy according to the Missal of the Pope John XXIII should ask the local priest first. If he refuses, they should ask the bishop and if he does not provide such celebration, they should ask the papal commission Ecclesia Dei. This commission established by John Paul II in 1988 will control the fulfilment of the precepts of this motu proprio. Bishops are asked by the Holy Father to write about their experiences with new precept to the Holy See after 3 years so it would be possible to find solutions of some difficulties.29 Conclusion There is nothing to reproach the current Pope in the field of innovation of liturgy but we must state that the Pope is consistent and conscientious in observing of liturgical precepts. It should be so and the Pope is the example for the world. Let us not expect that the liturgy is going through some revolutions. It is a living organism just like the Church. It is the living mystical body of Christ which is living in flow of history and encounters many cultures where it lives. We may be thankful for such progressive attitudes of the current Pope Benedict XVI because they unify the liturgy and emphasize accuracy and fidelity to the precepts of the Church which is much needed today. 29 http://vaticanradio.org/slo/Articolo.asp7cM44010 March 12th, 2008.
