Una Voce Dicentes
“Crying out with one voice…” ( from the Preface of the Mass)
News from Una Voce of Northeast Florida
Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter
Volume No. 2 Issue No. 7 August 2005
Letter of Cardinal Ratzinger
To a Renowned German Theologian – 2004
Translated from the German by George Mueller, Ph. D.
Commentary by George Mueller, Ph. D. and Barbara A. Schoeneberger, M.A.
(taken from Una Voce Springfield July 2005 newsletter, with permission)
On June 23, 2004, Cardinal Ratzinger wrote a letter in German to Herr Doctor Heinz-Lothar Barth, a reputed theological author and professor at the University of Bonn. This letter was in response to a letter Dr. Barth wrote to the Cardinal regarding the Traditional Latin Mass. Dr. Mueller has translated it faithfully from the original German. We have here a most important and recent record of our Holy Father’s thinking on the Sacred Liturgy and his desire concerning how we are to promote the celebration of the Traditional Mass.
Very honored Doctor Barth!
Heartfelt thanks for your letter of April 6th, the response to which I only now find the time to make. You
ask that I involve myself in the wider authorization of the old Roman Rite. You yourself already know that for my part, such a request does not fall on deaf ears; indeed, my involvement in this wish has, as it happens, become generally known.
Commentary: Dr. Barth’s letter requesting wider authorization for the Traditional Latin Mass:
a.. is a personal request of Dr. Barth
b. is well-received by Ratzinger
c. has been an active concern of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger.
Note that Cardinal Ratzinger is very grateful for and welcomes the request sent by Dr. Barth. In masterly understatement, the Cardinal states ”such a request does not fall on deaf ears”, meaning that he is glad to be
asked for help in this matter which is of great importance to him. For a number of years, now, Cardinal Ratzinger has wanted to retire to Germany where he desired to continue to study and write on the Sacred Liturgy. We know from his many books on the subject that it is very dear to his heart and we may expect that it will continue to be so during his papacy.
However, whether the Holy See “will once again worldwide and without limit authorize” the old rite as you wish it and have heard through rumor may happen, cannot be simply said or entirely confirmed. One must
always reckon with the fact that too many Catholics have been inoculated for years with an aversion to the traditional liturgy, which they disdainfully call “pre-conciliar” and likewise with considerable opposition on the part of many bishops against a general reauthorization [of the old rite].
Commentary: Here Cardinal Ratzinger states a problem or hindrance with granting a widespread and unlimited authorization of the use of the Traditional Latin Mass: too many laity have an aversion to this Mass and many bishops are opposed. Ratzinger deliberately uses the word “inoculated”, implying that the action of sowing hatred for the TLM is both deliberate and systemic. He does not say by whom this has been done, but simple
research indicates it starts with the Roman Curia itself and spreads by means of national bishops’ conferences
right down to the parish level. Likewise, “inoculated” indicates that the Catholic laity and bishops willingly
stood up and accepted the poisonous disinformation worldwide. This is the penalty we have imposed on ourselves for not taking responsibility to learn our Faith and our holy Tradition, and for not taking the time to learn and understand the history of our Sacred Liturgy.
The situation is different if one considers a limited re-authorization: indeed the demand for the old liturgy
is also limited. I know that its value does not depend on demand, but the question about the number of interested priests and laity plays, nevertheless, a sure role in this [re-authorization]. Moreover, such a measure can be translated into action only step by step today, now a good thirty years after the introduction of the liturgy reform of Pope Paul VI: to act hastily would not be for the good.
Commentary: Limited re-authorization to meet the demand can be translated into action.
a. The number of interested priests and laity play a sure role. Implied in this statement is the need to expose and educate people to the TLM, thus building interest. The daughter-house of the Benedictine monastery of Fontgombault, Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek near Hulbert, Oklahoma in the diocese of Tulsa, has been a magnet for young priests, not only from
USA dioceses, but from other countries as well. They come to Clear Creek to make retreats and learn to say the
TLM. When the Clear Creek monastery began in the fall of 1999 they started with 13 monks: 8 Americans, 2 Canadians, and 3 Frenchmen. Today they number in the mid-twenties, a respectable increase for only 6 years of existence. Nourished on the Traditional liturgy, these holy, contemplative Benedictines have enriched the diocese
of Tulsa and have provided a refuge for many lay people from other dioceses who have become enamored of the TLM because of attending it there. Their role in exposing and educating Catholics regarding our Traditional
Liturgy cannot be underestimated. The work of Clear Creek is only one example of the increasing demand for the TLM by both priests and laity. Wherever one attends the TLM, one finds the majority of the congregation made up of young families with many children. The average age of those attending the TLM is in the mid-30s. These congregations are also often
50% converts to the Catholic Faith. Throughout the world we see growth in the number and locations where the TLM is offered. Una Voce chapters are springing up all over the world, offering education and support for these TLM communities and parishes.
Perhaps one of the most startling signs of the growth in interest is the establishment of Juventutem, a German-based organization started up to supply the needs of Traditional Catholic Youth assembling for World Youth Day this year in Cologne. As of now, the numbers of youth attached to the TLM and attending World Youth Day are over 2000. Visible support from high levels of the Vatican has been committed too. Since this is the first time any group has ever been given a special invitation to show themselves at World Youth Day, we must be encouraged that people attached to our traditional liturgies are the first. We cannot underestimate the significance of this invitation. The Pope is sure to see the devotion of Traditional young people and great hope for the future spiritual life of the Church in this assembly. It only remains to be seen what will happen next.
b. The Cardinal speaks of a step-by-step progression, implying that he has a plan in mind and wishes to move deliberately and carefully to combat the ignorance and hostility to our sacred Tradition in the liturgy. This
implies a daily conversion, both of ourselves and of others; charity and joy of the fullness of the Faith we find in our TLM and which we spread to others in word and deed. It should be noted here that Pope St. Pius X asked all
priests to educate their people in the meaning of the liturgy. Not only was this not done universally prior to
Vatican II, it still is not being done. Hence the focus of our Una Voce Chapter on education on the meaning of the TLM.
I believe, however, that in the long run the Roman Church must again have a single Roman rite: the existence of two official rites in practice is for the bishops and priests quite hard to “manage.” The Roman rite of the future ought to be a single rite, celebrated in Latin or in the language of the country, but completely based on the tradition of the [old] handed-down rite; it could take in some new elements that have proven themselves, such as new feasts, some new prefaces in the Mass, a wider order of readings – more choices than before, but not too many – an “Oratio fidelium,” i.e., a fixed litany of prayers after the Oremus before the Offertory, where it earlier had its place.
Commentary: Cardinal Ratzinger foresees that the Latin Church ought to have a single rite entirely based on the centuries old liturgy. A limited number of new elements that have proven themselves since Vatican Council II could be acceptable. In this paragraph Ratzinger is admitting without saying it that we currently have at least two Roman rites: the venerable Traditional Latin Mass and the “normative rite,” or the Mass of Paul VI. Further, applying logic to the Cardinal’s statement, we note a significant tacit admission: the Mass of the future will be based on the Traditional Latin Mass, not on the current Mass of Paul VI. The underlying assumption in this paragraph is an admission that the Vatican II document, “Sacrosanctum Concilium” has not been implemented! One can disagree with Cardinal Ratzinger’s statements concerning how the Roman rite of the future should look, but one cannot escape the fact that he believes the rite ought to be based n the TLM, not the Novus Ordo. Moreover, one cannot conclude from this paragraph that any changes in the TLM are imminent, but rather that, based on the Cardinal’s third paragraph where he speaks of a “step-by-step” restoration of the TLM of 1962, such changes will be far, far in the future, if for no other reason than that they cannot be implemented until a much wider use of the Traditional Mass and sacraments is established worldwide. By his own admission, this cannot happen with haste.
If you, honored Doctor Barth, involve yourself in this manner in your request for the Liturgy, you will assuredly not stand alone, and you will prepare “public opinion in the Church” for eventual measures in favor of
an expanded use of the earlier liturgical books. However, one ought to be cautious in awakening all too high, maximum expectations in the tradition-bound faithful.
Commentary: In this paragraph we see that Cardinal Ratzinger supports the education of the faithful as to the value of the TLM in the Church. This public education, which Una Voce – Springfield Area has undertaken since our founding in 1999, has the blessing of the current Pope Benedict. Implied here is the task of presenting the true number of the interested faithful to the best of our ability. We should also note that Ratzinger intends to apply “measures in favor of an expanded use of the earlier liturgical books.” From this paragraph we see that our current Pope is desirous of a positive partnership with those of us who desire a wider restoration of the TLM. On our part, we must engage in a positive promotion of this Mass through evangelizing and converting ourselves first, and then spreading the charity and joy in our hearts for this Mass to others. Ratzinger also cautions against awakening too high expectations for the speed and manner of this restoration. We do well to heed this, as discouragement in restoring the Mass and the culture accompanying it continues to be a cause for people to separate themselves from the legal structure of the Church. United we stand, divided we fall. The patience and vision required to help our current Pope restore the TLM is a gift from God we must continually pray for.
I take the opportunity to thank you for your treasured involvement with regard to the liturgy of the Roman Church in your books and lectures, even though here and there I should wish for more love and understanding for the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops.
Commentary: Here Cardinal Ratzinger praises Barth’s education of others regarding our traditional Sacred Liturgy, but cautions that the tone of the communications needs to express “love and understanding for the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops.” Today we see a great deal of disdain for this teaching authority on the part of theologians, bishops, priests, and laity. We of the “Ecclesia Dei” movement must never add to or participate in that disdain no matter how frustrated we get nor how persecuted we may be by Church authorities. The manner of expressing ourselves must always be like St. Francis de Sales, St. Louis de Montfort, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Padre Pio, and other great saints who were persecuted by authority in the Church and remained holy. To accomplish this we must spend hours in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, praying the Rosary and the Divine Office, and doing spiritual reading to arm ourselves against the spirit of division and error. Above all, we must pray for discernment and patience in this great battle against the devil.
May the seed that you sow, grow up, and bear fruit for the renewed life of the Church, whose “source and
summit,” indeed whose true heart is and must remain the liturgy.
Commentary: What Cardinal Ratzinger wishes here upon Dr. Barth is exactly what we in Una Voce –Springfield Area have striven for since our founding in 1999. Both individually and as families we are trying to effect renewal in ourselves which spills over into a renewal of the life of the Church. We are constantly sowing the seed for a love of the Transcendent Sacrament, the Holy Eucharist. With Ratzinger’s words above, we know we are going about doing what he desires in the right way. We must understand that this way is the Way of the Cross. Sowing
seeds is hot, sweaty, dirty, tiring work, and when the seed hits the ground and is covered, we have no idea whether it will take root or not. We do not know what the crop will look like until sometime in the future. Why do we continue to cast seeds after six years? Because we have Faith and Hope that God will look upon our efforts kindly and bless us with the TLM. Our crop will be a Traditional Latin Mass parish full of adults and many children who worship God with joy and give of themselves to others who need the gift of Truth.
Gladly do I bestow on you the blessing you ask and I remain with heartfelt greetings,
Yours,
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Commentary: Cardinal Ratzinger, as a servant, grants Dr. Barth his blessing. His words are kind and pastoral, and carry the elegance of a gentleman. When we communicate with our bishops and with authorities in Rome, we must remember to ask their blessing, too, and communicate with gentility.
Whether or not we agree with Pope Benedict’s vision of the future for the TLM, we must acknowledge his good will towards restoring the 1962 Liturgical Books, which is what we desire. He clearly sees that there is no hope for accomplishing even the most remote vision of the Vatican II fathers unless a widespread restoration of the TLM according to the 1962 edition is accomplished. By the time that happens we may all be dead and the stated reasons for the vision may be gone. However, we must realize that we are doing God’s will by helping Pope Benedict achieve his present desires for the Sacred Liturgy when we are asking for the TLM and sacraments according to the 1962 books for our diocese, and that we are also helping the Church by educating others about this liturgy. The shape of the liturgy Pope Benedict envisions will be a long time coming, and may not be realized at all. We should not trouble ourselves about this. Pope Benedict is a holy man, a kind man, a brilliant theologian, and a good listener according to those who have dealt with him in theological debates. We can be sure he has the best interest of the Church at heart and that he will listen to ideas we may wish to advance. It will take years of a stabilized TLM before any “tinkering” such as that mentioned in Vatican II documents can occur. In the meantime we are helping the Holy Father to create stability for the TLM as it exists now, and peace in worship of God.
A reminder regarding our approach: our goal is not to take people out of existing parishes. If they come to us, they come, but it is not our intent to disturb existing groups. We have a ready source of fallen-away Catholics and non-Catholics who will be attracted to this liturgy and whom we can encounter by public venues without building ill-will towards our cause in current parishes. Our goal is the salvation of souls who might otherwise perish. Our attraction must be our knowledge of our Holy Faith, our charity, and our joy.
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News of Note
June 28, 2005 -- Pope Urges Faithful to Learn Common Catholic Prayers in Latin
In a report from Vatican City, Catholic News Service tells us that while presenting the new “Compendium
of the Catechism of the Catholic Church,” Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholics around the world to memorize the
most common Catholic prayers in Latin. Learning the prayers in Latin as well as in one’s own language “will help
Christian faithful of different languages pray together, especially when they gather for special circumstances,” the
pope said June 28 as he distributed the Italian version of the compendium, which included an appendix with the
Latin texts of many traditional prayers, including the Sign of the Cross, the Gloria, the Hail Mary and Come, Holy
Spirit. The pope said he hoped the compendium, a 200-page synthesis of the voluminous 1992 catechism, would
give Catholics and non-Catholics easy access to the basic and essential tenets of the Catholic faith.
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In Closing
The next meeting of Una Voce Northeast Florida will be on Sunday, August 21, after the 8 a.m. Mass. The “Know Your Mass” Class will also be on August 21, immediately following the meeting. The monthly meeting and class are held the 3rd Sunday of every month.
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Contact Information
For more information about Una Voce of Northeast Florida, please contact Mollie Garcia at 287-6470, uvnfl@bellsouth.net, or visit UVNFL’s website at www.latinmassjax.org
The Latin Mass is said at 8:00AM every Sunday at
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
121 E. Duval Street
Jacksonville, Fl 32202
359-0331
Confessions before all Masses
