Una Voce America Eager for Increased Access to Traditional Latin Mass

November 17, 2006 - 12:00 PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

ST. CHARLES, MO. -- Responding to recent news stories reporting a possible easing of restrictions on the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass, Una Voce America today reaffirmed its support for Pope Benedict XVI and announced that it is prepared to assist the pastors of the Church in facilitating the more frequent celebration of the traditional Mass.

Una Voce America is one of 26 national associations comprising the International Federation Una Voce, a lay apostolate founded in Rome in 1966. Una Voce (a Latin phrase meaning "with one voice") is dedicated to the preservation of the Roman rite of Mass as codified by Pope Pius V in the sixteenth century. Most Catholics today attend Mass according to the rite established by Pope Paul VI in 1969, which generally is celebrated in the everyday language of the people. The position of Una Voce is that those Catholics who wish to attend Mass in Latin according to the ancient rite should be permitted to do so, and the organization works within Church structures to increase the availability of this Mass.

For many years, Pope Benedict XVI has demonstrated solidarity with the faithful devoted to the older rite. His closest collaborator on questions connected with the traditional Mass has been Darío Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos. Castrillón recently retired as Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, but remains President of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei." Pope John Paul II founded the "Ecclesia Dei" Commission in 1988, both to assist the Catholic faithful who are attached to the Latin liturgical tradition and also to facilitate the full ecclesial communion of the followers of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Lefebvre had broken with the Holy See earlier in 1988 over liturgical and theological questions arising from the Second Vatican Council.

From the outset of Benedict's papacy, there has been speculation about whether the Pontiff would make more generous provision for the celebration of the traditional Mass. This speculation has intensified in recent weeks with reports from the Italian press and other media outlets suggesting that the Pope's decision may appear as early as this month.

"We don't yet know what form the Holy Father's decision will take," said Una Voce America Chairman Michael Dunnigan, "but it seems almost certain that it will improve the situation of the faithful who are devoted to the ancient rite."

Many have speculated as to the Pope's reasons for issuing a new document. Dunnigan believes that such a measure is necessary because to date the intentions of Benedict's predecessor concerning the traditional Mass have not yet been realized. Following Lefebvre's 1988 break with the Holy See, Pope John Paul II issued an apostolic letter requiring that respect be guaranteed for the "rightful aspirations" of Catholics who desire access to the traditional Latin Mass.

"Many bishops have indeed responded with the generosity called for by John Paul," said Dunnigan, a canon lawyer and civil attorney who has assisted groups of the Catholic faithful seeking permission for the celebration of the traditional Mass. "Unfortunately, however, many other bishops refuse to grant permission for this Mass under any circumstances. This is a matter of basic fairness, and I believe that the Holy Father is acutely aware that the just aspirations of many of the faithful have been ignored for much too long."

Some Church leaders are vehemently opposed to the freeing of the traditional Roman rite. Several French bishops recently issued a communiqué warning that the easing of restrictions on the traditional Mass would cause disunity. Archbishop André Vingt-Trois of Toulouse argued that devotion to the ancient rite is largely a pretext for a radical criticism of the Second Vatican Council and a rejection of some of the Council's pronouncements.

Dunnigan disagrees. "Speaking for Una Voce America," he said, "I take exception to every caricature of the traditionalist community. The members of our apostolate are wholly genuine in their devotion to the ancient Roman rite. In fact, many have suffered a great deal as a result of the disdain that often has been shown for their devotion. As for the teachings of the Church, we do not limit our acceptance to one Council or seven Councils or twenty, but rather we accept the teachings of all of the Church's Councils, including Vatican II."

Light Your Virtual Prayer Candle For a Loved One

It is not surprising that the members of the clergy would have strong opinions about the traditional Mass, but the Chairman and Directors of Una Voce America hope that the concerns of the laity also will be taken into account. They view their role not as substituting their judgment for that of the pastors of the Church, but rather as assisting the pastors in facilitating the more frequent celebration of the traditional Mass.

Towards this end, Una Voce America currently is working with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter to develop a program to assist diocesan priests and other clergy who wish to learn the rubrics, theology, and spirituality of the traditional Latin Mass. The Priestly Fraternity is a growing order of religious priests that was founded in 1988 with the approval of Pope John Paul II. It is in full communion with the Church, and its priests cooperate with bishops and dioceses throughout the world in offering the Mass and the other sacraments according to the traditional Roman rite.

Dunnigan acknowledges that the opposition of some Churchmen continues to present difficulties for the easing of restrictions on the traditional Mass, but he remains hopeful that the condition of the faithful devoted to this Mass will indeed improve during this papacy. "The freeing of the ancient rite would be eloquent testimony to Pope Benedict's courage and his profound sense of justice."

Contact

Una Voce America
http://www.unavoce.org
MO, US
Michael Dunnigan - Chairman, 210 697.0717

Keywords

Traditional Latin Mass, Tridentine, Liturgy, Una Voce, Benedict XVI, Catholic Church, Liturgy

Category

Liturgy

We ask you, humbly, to help.

Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you. Help Now >

More Catholic PRWire

Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »

When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT

GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT

The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT

OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT

Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT

The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT

17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT

19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT

The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT

OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT

Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT

Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT

How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT

Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT

OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT

Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT

CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT

Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT

Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT

Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT

We Will Pray with You: Light Your Virtual Prayer Candle

World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT

Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT

Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT

Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT

AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT

Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT

Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT

Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT

NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT

Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT

Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT

Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT

Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT

Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT

Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT

OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT

Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT

Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT

Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT

Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT

New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT

Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »