on Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum,
permitting the wider use of the 1962 Missal
The Holy Father in his Apostolic Letter recognizes the richness of the Church’s liturgical traditions and is sensitive to the pastoral needs of persons who are attached to the older form of the Mass. He also affirms the normative place of the new Mass and, in his accompanying letter to the world’s bishops, the importance of the reforms called for by the Second Vatican Council.
While in strictly practical terms the Motu Proprio will not result in a change in the way most Catholics experience the Mass, the grant of a wider permission by the Holy Father for the celebration of the Mass published by Blessed John XXIII should be a source of healing for the Church, as it will promote respect, reconciliation and unity among those who are drawn to the two liturgical forms. It also is hoped that the Holy Father’s emphasis on the importance of reverent, well-celebrated liturgies will inspire everywhere liturgies of beauty and integrity, will promote the active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass, and will enkindle a lively faith in the People of God. ### The Diocese of Camden, established in 1937, serves 500,000 Catholics in 124 parishes in Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. The Diocese in October, 2000 established Mater Ecclesiae Mission in Berlin, NJ, which celebrates the Mass according to the form of the 1962 Rite. To celebrate the promulgation of the Motu Proprio the following events will take place this weekend at Mater Ecclesiae Mission: The 5:00 PM Saturday Mass and the 8:30 AM Sunday Mass will end with the ringing of the bells and the singing of all verses of Holy God we Praise Thy Name. After the 11:00AM High Mass and Benediction, the “Oremus pro Pontifice” will be sung and then, with bells ringing, the congregation will joyously sing the Solemn “Te Deum.” After the High Mass, there will be a gathering in the Hall.