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Traditional Catholic Faith => Crisis in the Church => Topic started by: Hobbledehoy on May 25, 2011, 11:38:50 PM

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on May 25, 2011, 11:38:50 PM
This 1 November shall be the centenary of promulgation of the celebrated Bull of Pope St. Pius X Divino afflatu (1 November 1911; A. A. S., vol. iii., pp. 633 sqq.).

To prepare for such a momentous event, I wish to read from others (N.O.-ers, SSPXers, sedevacantists, miscellaneous, none of the above, all of the above, etc.) some reflections upon the trajectory of the reforms of the Roman Breviary and Missal in the 20th century.

Since this discussion may entail controversial subjects the discussion of which are not permitted in the other sub-fora by the rules, I feel constrained to post this topic here and not in the "The Sacred: Catholic Liturgy, Chant, Prayers" sub-forum.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on May 26, 2011, 10:57:12 AM
This was certainly a great Bull with unmeasurable importance. The revival of liturgy, chant and art in the 19th century after several hundred years of growing decline and corruption was badly necessary. While the so called "right wing" liturgical movements with its known promoters like Dom Gueranger and Pope St. Pius X. tried to bring back the true notions of sacred worships in all its forms, conservatives tried to hold to the abuses that crept in - creating the fertile ground for the liturgical "left".
If you see the baroquisation of beautiful Romanesque and Gothic churches, musical concerts during the Mass and a laity that just knows that they have to "be there" at the most solemn and important acts of Christian worship....you can see why many people saw that something was wrong. Obviously, modernism and liturgical experiments and questionable modern art were the wrong answers. But it seemed to be the only answer available for many, just as the workers in the 19th century did not get the necessary support from the Church as a social institution, pious layfolk and priest were getting ready to do something for the progress of Holy Mother the Church (through Divino afflatu and the like) but...nothing came. Apart from some tries of Pius XI., the modern Pontiffs lost the chance to incite faith and devotion amongst the faithful. The great deeds of Solemn in liturgy as well as chant, and of Beuron in sacred art, both praised by the last Pope-Saint, lost its force without the vital support of Church authorities.
What was left was a few conservatives, usually old and dull, and on the other sides the educated and forceful youth. Unfortunately, not through too much fault on their own, they joined the ranks prepared by the eternal foe.

In order not to get even more controversial, I leave the question of the "reform" of 1955 completely out of the picture.  
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on May 26, 2011, 11:25:29 PM
Thank you for your beautiful reflections.

The centrality and providential role of Divino afflatu is conceded by all traditional Catholics, and questioned only by a strange sort of hyper-critical amateur "liturgists."

It would only be the greatest of post-Tridentine Popes that would accomplish what even the most scholarly Pope Benedict XIV was unable to accomplish: the reform of the Roman Breviary and Missal in such a way as to restore the ancient dignity of the Dominical and ferial Offices, and to maintain the Sanctoral Offices in their proper station.

Quote from: Pyrrhos
In order not to get even more controversial, I leave the question of the "reform" of 1955 completely out of the picture.


But this precisely why I posted on this sub-forum  :smirk:

Here's a "dumb" question for you (and everyone else) to answer:

What's so bad about the reforms of Pope Pius XII?
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on May 27, 2011, 02:17:11 AM
I agree with you very much, Hobbledehoy. A complete reform was and is indeed still badly necessary, for example to restore the ancient Hymns to their original form - the monastic breviaries are lucky to have them.
On the other side we can see elements of a false "romanization", certainly done out of good will and mostly in the spirit of obedience to the Holy See and Ultramontanism. I would like to speak more about the connection of Ultramontanism and Liberalism as opposed to Reactionary Gallicanism, a subject nearly completely ignored, but this is not quite the right topic for that. If anybody ever has the chance to read the Histoire du catholicisme libéral et du catholicisme social en France by the French Jesuit Emmanuel Barbier one should do it, it will completely change your view on the crisis of the Church*.
Back to topic: France and Germany dropped their proper liturgies to the greatest extent due to the influence of Dom Gueranger and his followers. While I deeply admire the learned Benedictine abbot, I still see some problems with the sometimes too hasty actions done by others. Of course there was a lot of corruption in the Gallican liturgies, but they also contained a lot of great treasures which were then lost again for a long time. Luckily there are some educated and able men within the Novus Ordo structure to do some serious research and liturgical work (as seen on the "New Liturgical Movement", for example).
Many typical Roman elements, preserved in the liturgies on the other side of the Alps, were simply done away with. The same with the "reform" of the Dominican breviary by Hesper. Bonniwell, OP, in his "History of the Dominican Liturgy" remarks quite frankly that the new Dominican breviary was "published under the misleading title: Breviarium juxta ritum Ordinis Praedicatorum. It should have read: Breviarium Romanum ad usum Ordinis Preadicatorum."

It seems to me that the spirit of novelty became more important than to find the true forms and principles of the liturgy of the Roman Church. And I am not surprised to find Modernists frequently quoting Pius XII.´ Mediator Dei:

"What is more, it [the Church] has not been slow - keeping the substance of the Mass and sacraments carefully intact - to modify what it deemed not altogether fitting, and to add what appeared more likely to increase the honor paid to Jesus Christ and the august Trinity, and to instruct and stimulate the Christian people to greater advantage." - Emphasis and comment added.

Certainly, since 1955 the Church was not very slow in modifying. Actually I would start even a little bit before with the Bea translation of the psalter, luckily the greatest part of the clergy rejected it, if not because of some theological, then at least for linguistic and aesthetic reasons.
Right now I do not even want to argue any more about the changes of 1955 in themselves. If one studies liturgy just a little bit one can see how greatly the liturgical usages differed in different times and regions. Personally I think the new Holy Week violates a lot of liturgical principles and customs, but Liturgists usually leave these things to the rubricists who have much lesser influence on the rites anyway. And I am neither a liturgist nor a rubricist.

It will always remain tiresome to argue about the actual changes inside the reformed Holy Week. The supporters of the old one will always find something "modernistic" in their eyes and the other ones will defend it by historical comparison. A bit the same with the Novus Ordo contra Latin Mass.
So I go only by the exteriors. Look at the people who fabricated it, the reaction on side of the clergy, the long time influence and finally also the argument from authority, that is "what are the learned traditionalist (and there are very few of them now!) doing"? I know that I can answer the latter question: The absolute minority outside of the SSPX uses the liturgy from John XXIII. because of a strict sense of legalism, the majority the liturgy of Pius X. The only ones apart are really the CMRI and they cannot really claim to have any liturgical or theological formation at all.

So much from me - in earlier times I would have argued much differently. I think at the current state of research on the topic we cannot speak more than was already spoken, an excellent comparison between the two rites of Holy Week can be found here:
http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2010/07/reform-of-holy-week-in-years-1951-1956.html

A friend of mine is currently doing some more research on the subject, but it is extremely difficult. One has do go to the old libraries and browse through many books page by page to find only a few answers. I know that Jungmann and others provided some excellent textbooks in recent times, but if we want to do a serious and scientific argumentation we have to go to the actual sources.



*The five volume set can be downloaded here: http://www.liberius.net/theme.php?id_theme=12
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on May 27, 2011, 08:46:02 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
The same with the "reform" of the Dominican breviary by Hesper. Bonniwell, OP, in his "History of the Dominican Liturgy" remarks quite frankly that the new Dominican breviary was "published under the misleading title: Breviarium juxta ritum Ordinis Praedicatorum. It should have read: Breviarium Romanum ad usum Ordinis Preadicatorum."


It is curious that you cite this book: it is the only Catholic work predating the present controversies which speaks of the influence of Divino afflatu in a negative light [of course it was contextualized very specifically by the liturgical heritage of the Sacred Order of Preachers].

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Certainly, since 1955 the Church was not very slow in modifying. Actually I would start even a little bit before with the Bea translation of the psalter, luckily the greatest part of the clergy rejected it, if not because of some theological, then at least for linguistic and aesthetic reasons.


The New Latin Translation of the Psalms and Canticles of the Roman Breviary promulgated by Pope Pius XII in the Motu Proprio In cotidianis precibus (24 March 1945; A. A. S., vol. xlv., pp. 65-67) seems to have had a large acceptance, if one judges by the fact that it is found in nearly all the typical editions of the Roman Breviary and Missal published after the later 1940's. The only exception I can remember is a typical edition of the Roman Breviary (I think it was published by Dessain, though I am not sure) that is dated 1961.

Also, few people note that the newer Masses found in the typical editions of the Missale Romanum incorporated the texts of the New Translation in the Introits, Graduals, Alleluiaic verses, Offertory verses, Communion verses, etc., notably the new formulary for the Feast of the Assumption, for the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of St.Joseph Opifex, and (this is interesting) the Feast of St. Pius X, along with some others.

I did find one reference that alluded to the general lack of sympathy most liturgists had for the New Translation in a book the title of which I cannot remember right now.

It was promulgated to be used ad libitum, so there is nothing inherently wrong in rejecting it.

I have used it in past instance in the recitation the Office. It didn't bite...  :wink:

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The only ones apart are really the CMRI and they cannot really claim to have any liturgical or theological formation at all.


The latter clause posits quite a very serious accusation, which calls for evidentiary support if made publicly. Otherwise, it ought not to be pronounced [at least in such a categorical manner]. But ubi caritas...

The CMRI has adopted its liturgical practices because it would the be the legitimate consequence of their notion of the sedevacantist stance. This is why I regard them as the most consistent of the sedevacantists, as opposed to Fr. Cekada and Bps. Dolan and Sanborn. But that is my opinion. The first mentioned apologist went on to advocate the theory that a Priest need not say the "Leonine Prayers." This demonstrated to me a pattern of thought that is quite disturbing and that was bound [in my view] to lead to still more disturbing developments. They themselves entertain, or at least tacitly encourage, a certain disdain for the CMRI, and their adherent tend to regard them as inferior, even though it was Bishop Pivarunas who consecrated Bishop Dolan, despite their differences on the "1955" question.

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A friend of mine is currently doing some more research on the subject, but it is extremely difficult. One has do go to the old libraries and browse through many books page by page to find only a few answers. I know that Jungmann and others provided some excellent textbooks in recent times, but if we want to do a serious and scientific argumentation we have to go to the actual sources.


As am I, and it is very difficult to obtain the necessary material for adequate research. The internet is becoming a better source of information, but when it comes to such issues, the sources are most of the times biased. And it is true, if one is to adequately discourse and argue regarding this issue, the pertinent sources are to be offered in the course of the exchange. The problem is that this very rarely happens. The critics of the 1955 reforms who personally annoy me the most are the so-called "Fathers" at Traditio. They just spout categorical pronouncements without any substantial evidentiary support. Most of the time they don't cite their sources at all. Most proponents of the reforms of Pope Pius XII rarely make any public apology [in the technical sense of the word] for their praxis, and this includes the CMRI. They don't discuss it because it is obvious to them that they ought to follow what the Apostolic See has promulgated, according to their understanding. The only apologist I know that defends the reforms is Fr. Kevin who is allied to the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Ghost, which republishes old material from the Popes (though they too rarely cite their sources) and other traditional sources.

I know you wish to avoid a polemical exchange regarding the latest reforms of Pope Pius XII, but I wish to emphasize the fact that this controversial issue involves three aspects, which ought not to be confused: 1) the historical aspect (whereupon you touched in your reply) that is necessary to understand the reforms of the Roman Rite; 2) the Canonical aspect (and this is where one's position on the crisis of the Church will determine one's conclusion); and 3) the moral aspect (which involves the work of rubricists, causists, moral theologians, etc.). There is also the liturgical study of the texts themselves, and this involves proficiency in language, the comparative studies of various liturgical books, etc. People seem to forget to distinguish these aspects, and make sweeping generalizations or unsubstantiated assumptions in order to support their stance. Actually this happens with other issues too...
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on May 28, 2011, 05:28:14 AM
At first I have to thank you for your answer and all the other postings from you which was basically the only reason why I decided to join this discussion.

Quote from: Hobbledehoy

It is curious that you cite this book: it is the only Catholic work predating the present controversies which speaks of the influence of Divino afflatu in a negative light [of course it was contextualized very specifically by the liturgical heritage of the Sacred Order of Preachers].


True, I also smell a kind of false conservatism there. But I think it is important to see that the liturgical revisions where just in the very beginning at this time and that this liturgical-disciplinary decisions are not necessarily the “best” possible, only falling under the negative infallibility.

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The New Latin Translation of the Psalms and Canticles of the Roman Breviary promulgated by Pope Pius XII in the Motu Proprio In cotidianis precibus (24 March 1945; A. A. S., vol. xlv., pp. 65-67) seems to have had a large acceptance, if one judges by the fact that it is found in nearly all the typical editions of the Roman Breviary and Missal published after the later 1940's. The only exception I can remember is a typical edition of the Roman Breviary (I think it was published by Dessain, though I am not sure) that is dated 1961.


While the facts stated are certainly correct, I do know that the European clergy practically completely rejected the New Translation. The clergy was seemingly more unhappy with this New Version than with the Novus Ordo Missae a few years later. The difficulty was that the St. Jerome psalter breviaries were no longer printed, which was, as far as I know, at least a suggestion from Rome. As we know John XXIII. did pretty much away with the Bea translation and Paul VI. made a new one which received far more praise from the clergy and Latinists.  
The question for me remains why there was any need for a new translation, when the Gallican psalter had such a long and beautiful tradition in the Church, written by a Saint – and especially in the light of Christian revelation. Apart from poetical difficulties, difficulties to sing it (this was told to me by a Gregorianist, personally I am not competent to judge that) it also weakens e.g. the messianic message of the psalter. I don´t even want to speak about Cardinal Bea´s orthodoxy or his alleged Judaic background, since these things don´t really add any objective facts to the discussion.

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Also, few people note that the newer Masses found in the typical editions of the Missale Romanum incorporated the texts of the New Translation in the Introits, Graduals, Alleluiaic verses, Offertory verses, Communion verses, etc., notably the new formulary for the Feast of the Assumption, for the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of St.Joseph Opifex, and (this is interesting) the Feast of St. Pius X, along with some others.

I did find one reference that alluded to the general lack of sympathy most liturgists had for the New Translation in a book the title of which I cannot remember right now.


I am very well aware of that, which shows again that the New Translation was actually not so much ad libitum. But the translation also does not really affect liturgists too much, I would think.
By the way, I have read the complete New Translation a lot of times, so I do not only speak in a purely polemical manner without knowing much on the subject. I see it very often on both sides of the discussion that the respective people only know “their own” thing and only read some articles etc on the other side.

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The latter clause posits quite a very serious accusation, which calls for evidentiary support if made publicly. Otherwise, it ought not to be pronounced [at least in such a categorical manner]. But ubi caritas...


I am sorry if I sounded uncharitable. Still I think the fact stands that there was no philosopher, theologian, liturgist, canon lawyer etc at Mount St. Michael or Mater Dei Seminary ever. This was maybe done systematically under Schuckhardt, and afterwards it never changed.  I know the CMRI quite well and can say that basically all their clerics are pretty much self trained. I don´t think that such training is adequate at all, especially since the academical level at school already dropped down to close to zero, leaving not much of a foundation to build a serious formation on.
Whatever one thinks of Sanborn and the like (and I am certainly not favouring them at all), they certainly have a much better educational background.

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The CMRI has adopted its liturgical practices because it would the be the legitimate consequence of their notion of the sedevacantist stance. This is why I regard them as the most consistent of the sedevacantists, as opposed to Fr. Cekada and Bps. Dolan and Sanborn. But that is my opinion. The first mentioned apologist went on to advocate the theory that a Priest need not say the "Leonine Prayers." This demonstrated to me a pattern of thought that is quite disturbing and that was bound [in my view] to lead to still more disturbing developments. They themselves entertain, or at least tacitly encourage, a certain disdain for the CMRI, and their adherent tend to regard them as inferior, even though it was Bishop Pivarunas who consecrated Bishop Dolan, despite their differences on the "1955" question.


I disagree here, but I also have a completely different theological stance than the CMRI. If we already speak in terms of “soft” sedevacantist, I would count myself as a “soft liturgist” (apart from the fact that I am far from being a liturgist). I do not really care which liturgy anybody uses, if they say the Leonine prayers or not (also also would not) or which psalter they are using. From my experience everybody just does what they like.
When I asked several CMRI clergymen why they don´t recognize John XXIII. as the Pope, they could not give me an answer (I won´t count membership in Fɾҽҽmαsσɳɾყ as an answer). Isn´t that quite an important question for a Catholic? I was also told that a disciplinary decision of a Pope is necessarily the best, which is clearly a wrong statement. Well, in the end it just mattered that they like Pius XII. and his liturgy and that most of their priests did not do a deep study on the subject. The deeper reasons behind that is in my opinion an exaggerated infallibilism and a kind of neo-Ultramontanism spoken of by Pere Le Floch, Emmanuel Barbier and a few others seeing the bad effects of this movement of the 19th century. I already referred to that in my last post. While I think that the SSPX takes a position close to Gallicanism, most sedevacantist take the other extreme.
Personally, I do not like Pius XII and his liturgy and I find the rubrical changes outside of Holy Week very illogical and difficult to use in practise. John XXIII. really finished the job and made an extremely easy to use missal and breviary.

Please don´t get me wrong, I don´t want to attack the CMRI, their position or the use of the Pius XII. liturgy. I just think it always boils down for every priest and every group to the question whom and what they like or not. And since I consider Canon Law as not being in force I have no problem with it whatsoever.  

Dolan´s position in regard to his consecrator is rather sad and unedifying. They certainly have no right at all to look down upon the CMRI. On the other side, I also heard some CMRI priests frequently making polemical comments on the so called old liturgy.

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I know you wish to avoid a polemical exchange regarding the latest reforms of Pope Pius XII, but I wish to emphasize the fact that this controversial issue involves three aspects, which ought not to be confused: 1) the historical aspect (whereupon you touched in your reply) that is necessary to understand the reforms of the Roman Rite; 2) the Canonical aspect (and this is where one's position on the crisis of the Church will determine one's conclusion); and 3) the moral aspect (which involves the work of rubricists, causists, moral theologians, etc.). There is also the liturgical study of the texts themselves, and this involves proficiency in language, the comparative studies of various liturgical books, etc. People seem to forget to distinguish these aspects, and make sweeping generalizations or unsubstantiated assumptions in order to support their stance. Actually this happens with other issues too...


I completely understand what you mean. And despite my claims of not wanting to start a polemical discussion or just stay in the realm of subjectivism it maybe sounds as if I am doing exactly that. But I guess you understand what my point is. After years of fighting on this liturgical question I am pretty much giving up: Really, I think it is the last thing we have to worry about. And because of my own deficiencies I cannot really supply the answers and arguments you are looking for.

According to my position I only really care whether liturgy is done well, that is according to the rubrical principles of the Roman Rite. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case within independent traditional groups, meaning outside of the SSPX or Novus Ordo structures. I don´t think one even has the right to argue about which Pope to follow when one obviously does not care about the most important actions one can perform here on earth.
If you have a well trained Schola, diligent altar boys and masters of ceremony, a sanctuary in accordance with the norms laid down by the sacred congregations…well, then we can maybe start to speak again!

I hope not disappoint you too much and I certainly mean no offense against anybody.

In Christ,
Pyrrhos
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on May 28, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
At first I have to thank you for your answer and all the other postings from you which was basically the only reason why I decided to join this discussion.


Ah, no need to thank me, though I have to admit a sort of glee in seeing that people are reading what I post (however long-winded and arcane it may be). Thank you for engaging in this exchange with me. I'm relieved that I don't have to talk to myself in this thread (H1: "Isn't that right Hobble?" -- H2: "Sure as sure-gar!"").

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The question for me remains why there was any need for a new translation, when the Gallican psalter had such a long and beautiful tradition in the Church, written by a Saint – and especially in the light of Christian revelation. Apart from poetical difficulties, difficulties to sing it (this was told to me by a Gregorianist, personally I am not competent to judge that) it also weakens e.g. the messianic message of the psalter.


I can write a couple of observations and impressions that years of reading commentaries on the reformed Roman Breviary (that is, from 1911 to 1955) have given me, but I would need to cite those sources in order to more efficiently address your point [in a very non-polemical way].

I would just like to write at this point that many present day clerics and layfolk cannot understand what a novelty the reformed Roman Psalter of Pope St. Pius X really was to the Priests and Religious of that age. Priests and Religious were reciting or chanting Psalms that had rarely occurred in the old Office, reformed up until the end of Pope Leo XIII's reign (the exceptions were those Monastic Orders who adhered to the Psalter as arranged in the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, which is now the most ancient Psalter in the Latin Occident). There was a mass of literature that exploded out into the libraries of Priests and Religious in the first half of the 20th century following the reforms of St. Pius X that commented upon the Psalms and the Canticles, and this reflected a desire on the part of these readers to know about the Psalms and Canticles, more of which they were reciting or chanting thanks to St. Pius X.

The New Translation was a response to such a desire, and the Motu Proprio which promulgated it makes that clear. However, I do agree [and contemporaneous commentators did too] that the New Translation was not so much ad libitum as the Motu Proprio said. The new formularies employed the texts thereof, and the rubrics for the Restored Order of Holy Week implied that the New Translation ought to be used. However, the Restored Order of Holy Week as adapted to the Monastic Rite did retain the sacred Vulgate Psalter.

By the way, I don't like the use of the term "New Psalter" when applied to the New Latin Translation promulgated by Pope Pius XII because it was the term specifically used by rubricists when discussing the New Psalter of Pope St. Pius X. For example, there is a book entitled, The New Psalter with Interverse Translation, compiled by Rev. Father E. P. Graham and published in 1935. The reference is to the recently (and indeed very new) Psalter of 1911. [It is an awesome book, by the way, and I highly recommend it for anyone who yearns to learn the Psalms or to learn Latin: http://www.churchlatin.com/Books.aspx?BookID=84]

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I am sorry if I sounded uncharitable.


Thanks for explaining what you meant. I understand now why you said that. While I agree with the factual information, I ultimately disagree with your conclusion. The CMRI Priests may not be speculative theologians according to the criterion of Bp. Sanborn, but they [or at least those Priests whom I have known personally] have shown a love and zeal for souls that is just breath-taking. And this is an understatement.

I personally prefer a Priest who needs to review Matters Liturgical before every High Mass but who will leave the rectory to drive unknown hours to distant destinations the minute someone from afar calls for his assistance, than one who knows by heart the entire Ritus servandus, the liturgical treastises of Rev. Fr. Calleweart, the entire Rituale and Pontificale, but who would not move one finger for a soul who is "expendable" in his distorted estimation. The Low Mass of the former is far more edifying for me than even a Solemn High Mass coram Sanctissimo of the latter. Faith and the sacred Liturgy that expresses it, in my opinion, are not museum pieces or archeological curiosities, rubricated theatre transfigured amidst Gregorian melodies, but grace that vivifies even through the most humble of instrumentalities.

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The deeper reasons behind that is in my opinion an exaggerated infallibilism and a kind of neo-Ultramontanism spoken of by Pere Le Floch, Emmanuel Barbier and a few others seeing the bad effects of this movement of the 19th century. I already referred to that in my last post. While I think that the SSPX takes a position close to Gallicanism, most sedevacantist take the other extreme.


I am not versed at all in French, so I cannot read the book you mentioned in your previous reply, not these authors' books. However, this is another issue, though ultimately pertinent to liturgical questions.

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Please don´t get me wrong, I don´t want to attack the CMRI, their position or the use of the Pius XII. liturgy. I just think it always boils down for every priest and every group to the question whom and what they like or not.


Thanks for clarifying this. From the impression I have received from conversations with the CMRI Priests, they don't like the reforms in themselves so much as the idea that they are attempting to selflessly obey the directives of Congregation of Sacred Rites, whose authority is that of the Supreme Pontiff when it comes to such questions.

I think some of them would have liked it [that is, with a subjective emotional sympathy] if they could use the older typical editions of the liturgical books, but their scruples and sense of obedience would forbid such a thing.

All of the Priests with whom I have spoken do not seem to condemn their fellow clerics who use the older books. They recognize that it's all confusing right now, and one does as best they can.

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After years of fighting on this liturgical question I am pretty much giving up: Really, I think it is the last thing we have to worry about. And because of my own deficiencies I cannot really supply the answers and arguments you are looking for.


Oh, I am not looking for arguments or answers. I am sorry if I sound polemical or argumentative [in the negative sense of the word]. I just wanted to clarify something for future reference in case we do engage in future exchanges regarding these questions.

I too am quite tired by polemics amongst traditionalists [regarding this question and most others]. After years of academic training in a secular university and minors colleges, I have learned to hold my convictions whilst lending a kind ear to the opinions of others, being cognizant that I have no authority or competence of mine own to invoke (especially in sacred matters). I'm only human [Deo gratias], and have not been given a station superior to my fellow neighbor [iterum Deo gratias].

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I hope not disappoint you too much and I certainly mean no offense against anybody.


Nah, you haven't disappointed me.

The whole point of me joining this forum is to have fruitful discourse with those who don't agree with me, but yet share the same fundamental principles and who motivate me to question myself and seek to know and understand more and more regarding the faith and the controversial stances I have adopted. A certain lulling complacency is not an option for me. Unfortunately, I am not humble enough to have that supernally meritorious child-like faith and innocent simplicity that were the lot of such Saints as St. Paschal Baylon, the Little Flower, &c. I have a brain bigger than my heart [and it's not as big as it should be at this point], and that can be a very bad thing some of the times.

Thanks for your replies: I am enjoying this exchange.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on May 31, 2011, 05:50:11 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Ah, no need to thank me, though I have to admit a sort of glee in seeing that people are reading what I post (however long-winded and arcane it may be). Thank you for engaging in this exchange with me. I'm relieved that I don't have to talk to myself in this thread (H1: "Isn't that right Hobble?" -- H2: "Sure as sure-gar!"").


Well, talking to yourself makes it at least easier to find out that both sides were right in the end!  

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I would just like to write at this point that many present day clerics and layfolk cannot understand what a novelty the reformed Roman Psalter of Pope St. Pius X really was to the Priests and Religious of that age. Priests and Religious were reciting or chanting Psalms that had rarely occurred in the old Office, reformed up until the end of Pope Leo XIII's reign (the exceptions were those Monastic Orders who adhered to the Psalter as arranged in the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, which is now the most ancient Psalter in the Latin Occident). There was a mass of literature that exploded out into the libraries of Priests and Religious in the first half of the 20th century following the reforms of St. Pius X that commented upon the Psalms and the Canticles, and this reflected a desire on the part of these readers to know about the Psalms and Canticles, more of which they were reciting or chanting thanks to St. Pius X.


You are probably right. I also did not think too much about the changing of the breviary under St. Pius X. (even though I have a Leonine breviary somewhere around here...).
Still, I don´t know how clergy and layfolk could really profit from the departure of the Vulgate psalter. Isn´t the Vulgate considered to be the dogmatically authentic Bible? Not that I would discourage Biblical studies, but I always found it interesting how much praise St. Jerome´s Vulgate received, especially in the recent Encyclicals concerning Sacred Scripture. A reversal of this policy seems to me pretty much of a rupture.    
I also don´t see what makes Cardinal Bea´s translation so much better or easier. Of course I do not have a representative study, but it seems to me that most people have pretty much the same trouble in understanding either versions. Maybe somebody with a classical formation is more at ease with Versio Piana, I would admit. In any case I would highly recommend an in-depth study of whatever Psalter (forgive me my thoughtless use of this term), even the vernacular does not just make is "easy".

Another thing I don´t understand (it seems I lack a lot of understanding!) is the devotion to the Masoretic text. While St. Jerome had access to pre-Masoretic versions, Cardinal Bea did not. Personally I really feel uneasy with all those post-dispersion Jєωιѕн texts - even though I cannot proof scientifically any alterations of the original manuscripts right now.
And the final argument will of course always remain, the tradition and usage of the Church (yup, I do know that the Vulgate was not used for quite a while!) and the personal sanctity of St. Jerome. I do believe that he wrote under a kind of Divine inspiration.

Again, I hope you don´t get me wrong. I am the last to blindly set my foot on some corrupted manuscript because "that´s how it was done". Personally I even use the Nova Vulgata without any scruples just as I use post-1958 Solesmes editions of the Liber Usualis. Not because I think it is "more Catholic" or that I think I owe obedience to some kind of authority, but just I because I believe it is better. So, I am pretty progressive in my own ways!

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Thanks for explaining what you meant. I understand now why you said that. While I agree with the factual information, I ultimately disagree with your conclusion. The CMRI Priests may not be speculative theologians according to the criterion of Bp. Sanborn, but they [or at least those Priests whom I have known personally] have shown a love and zeal for souls that is just breath-taking. And this is an understatement.

I personally prefer a Priest who needs to review Matters Liturgical before every High Mass but who will leave the rectory to drive unknown hours to distant destinations the minute someone from afar calls for his assistance, than one who knows by heart the entire Ritus servandus, the liturgical treastises of Rev. Fr. Calleweart, the entire Rituale and Pontificale, but who would not move one finger for a soul who is "expendable" in his distorted estimation. The Low Mass of the former is far more edifying for me than even a Solemn High Mass coram Sanctissimo of the latter. Faith and the sacred Liturgy that expresses it, in my opinion, are not museum pieces or archeological curiosities, rubricated theatre transfigured amidst Gregorian melodies, but grace that vivifies even through the most humble of instrumentalities.


Oh, no doubt, I perfectly agree with you. And not that Bp. Sanborn´s priest know anything about liturgy or the rubrics. I guess I don´t have to warm up stories of forgotten consecrations, the inability to perform funerals and much more.
On the other hand, maybe owing through my European background, I cannot imagine a priest who does not perfectly know a simple Missa Cantata which I am used to have at least once a week. I really think, and you know that much better than me, that we have to remind priests and laity that the Solemn Mass is the ordinary form of the Mass. And that the attending people should take part in the ceremonies and know at least how to sing the ordinaries. I don´t think one can claim perfect obedience to the Pontiff when one does not strife do archive what they wanted to archive with the liturgical reforms.  

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Thanks for clarifying this. From the impression I have received from conversations with the CMRI Priests, they don't like the reforms in themselves so much as the idea that they are attempting to selflessly obey the directives of Congregation of Sacred Rites, whose authority is that of the Supreme Pontiff when it comes to such questions.

I think some of them would have liked it [that is, with a subjective emotional sympathy] if they could use the older typical editions of the liturgical books, but their scruples and sense of obedience would forbid such a thing.

All of the Priests with whom I have spoken do not seem to condemn their fellow clerics who use the older books. They recognize that it's all confusing right now, and one does as best they can.


I do think that they have a valid point in obedience. What I question is whether the theological background for it is valid. Maybe a systematical apology is lacking?
And I also want to refer to what I mentioned just above. The Sacred Congregations did not only prescribe a certain liturgical book to be followed. When one aspires to perfectly follow the will of the Sovereign Pontiff, one has to do much more (e.g. Church design, participation of the laity, organization of religious societies and much more).
Some of the 1955 supporters have this attitude that all others are "pick-and-choose" Catholics. I think we all, may it be the liturgy of Pius X.,XII. or John XXIII., pick and choose.

For me the question of authority does not matter at all in this disciplinary realm. If you study a bit of liturgy you notice very soon how widely the practices and customs of the Church varied in the centuries. And also how wide the Church really is.
So I pray a monastic breviary, attend the old Holy Week, sing the restored Salve Regina of Solesmes and read the Nova Vulgata. Some people might consider that to be a strange combination. And not too many years ago I maybe would have condemned it myself.
All I try to do now is to find and follow true principles. I am sure I am still wrong in many aspects and that I will change my mind again and again. But as long as there is some good will (I hope) God won´t condemn me for my mistakes of the past, present and future.


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The whole point of me joining this forum is to have fruitful discourse with those who don't agree with me, but yet share the same fundamental principles and who motivate me to question myself and seek to know and understand more and more regarding the faith and the controversial stances I have adopted. A certain lulling complacency is not an option for me. Unfortunately, I am not humble enough to have that supernally meritorious child-like faith and innocent simplicity that were the lot of such Saints as St. Paschal Baylon, the Little Flower, &c. I have a brain bigger than my heart [and it's not as big as it should be at this point], and that can be a very bad thing some of the times.


I think I know exactly what you mean. Spending some time in prayer, in particular to those Saints mentioned, might help more than the longest academical treatise on the Internet.

Thanks again for your replies.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 01, 2011, 10:03:58 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Well, talking to yourself makes it at least easier to find out that both sides were right in the end!


You'd be surprised: sometimes both sides are wrong, and often both sides fight each with impetuous fury...

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Still, I don´t know how clergy and layfolk could really profit from the departure of the Vulgate psalter. Isn´t the Vulgate considered to be the dogmatically authentic Bible? Not that I would discourage Biblical studies, but I always found it interesting how much praise St. Jerome´s Vulgate received, especially in the recent Encyclicals concerning Sacred Scripture. A reversal of this policy seems to me pretty much of a rupture.


The New Translation was offered t be used in the recitation of the Canonical Hours and the administration of the Sacraments (since the typical editions of the Rituale published in the 1950's had incorporated the new text, and I have seen at least one Pontifical that did so as well, though this particular one had both versions: it was a quite a treat seeing that!) ad libitum. It an innovation in liturgical praxis rather than a negation of the centrality of the Sacred Vulgate in general. The Liber did keep the Vulgate text of the Psalter.
   
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I also don´t see what makes Cardinal Bea´s translation so much better or easier. Of course I do not have a representative study, but it seems to me that most people have pretty much the same trouble in understanding either versions. Maybe somebody with a classical formation is more at ease with Versio Piana, I would admit. In any case I would highly recommend an in-depth study of whatever Psalter (forgive me my thoughtless use of this term), even the vernacular does not just make is "easy".

Another thing I don´t understand (it seems I lack a lot of understanding!) is the devotion to the Masoretic text. While St. Jerome had access to pre-Masoretic versions, Cardinal Bea did not. Personally I really feel uneasy with all those post-dispersion Jєωιѕн texts - even though I cannot proof scientifically any alterations of the original manuscripts right now.

 
Well, as I see it, the New Translation is rather an "official commentary" upon the Vulgate Psalter. In numerous instances, the new text coincides with citations of Hebrew MSS found in many Latin and vernacular commentaries upon the Psalter, but a systematic study would be needed to substantiate this.

St. Alphonsus wrote a celebrated commentary upon the Divine Office (as it was in his day) and he mentions that the Sacred Vulgate is eminently superior to the Masoretic texts (and I agree). However, he cites the Hebrew versions all throughout the commentary, which I found interesting. Here's a reprint of this commentary if anyone's interested: http://www.churchlatin.com/Books.aspx?BookID=38

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Again, I hope you don´t get me wrong. I am the last to blindly set my foot on some corrupted manuscript because "that´s how it was done". Personally I even use the Nova Vulgata without any scruples just as I use post-1958 Solesmes editions of the Liber Usualis. Not because I think it is "more Catholic" or that I think I owe obedience to some kind of authority, but just I because I believe it is better. So, I am pretty progressive in my own ways!


Wow, you're pretty much a rebel!  :wink:

Bet you say Prime before Lauds just to stir things up.  :jester:

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And that the attending people should take part in the ceremonies and know at least how to sing the ordinaries. I don´t think one can claim perfect obedience to the Pontiff when one does not strife do archive what they wanted to archive with the liturgical reforms.


Ah, I have to confess that I know not how to chant. I am completely ignorant of music altogether. I try to follow the prayers and rubrics as they happen before me at the Altar, and I try to join the choir (silently) when they chant.

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For me the question of authority does not matter at all in this disciplinary realm. If you study a bit of liturgy you notice very soon how widely the practices and customs of the Church varied in the centuries. And also how wide the Church really is.


Uh, here is where I have to disagree, but you did not wish to get polemical so (unless someone else brings up the point), let's move on...

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I pray a monastic breviary...


What edition of the Monastic Breviary do you use?

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Spending some time in prayer, in particular to those Saints mentioned, might help more than the longest academical treatise on the Internet.


Yes indeed!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Lighthouse on June 02, 2011, 12:20:11 AM
Bravo!   Thread of the year.

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if they say the Leonine prayers or not (also also would not) or which psalter they are using


Fireman, could you correct what I think is a typo on this to express your point clearly?

Gem of sentence:

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Faith and the sacred Liturgy that expresses it, in my opinion, are not museum pieces or archeological curiosities, rubricated theatre transfigured amidst Gregorian melodies, but grace that vivifies even through the most humble of instrumentalities.


Even a better paragraph:

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I too am quite tired by polemics amongst traditionalists [regarding this question and most others]. After years of academic training in a secular university and minors colleges, I have learned to hold my convictions whilst lending a kind ear to the opinions of others, being cognizant that I have no authority or competence of mine own to invoke (especially in sacred matters). I'm only human [Deo gratias], and have not been given a station superior to my fellow neighbor [iterum Deo gratias]



Both of you write well and to the point. Keep up the good work.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 02, 2011, 02:59:10 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
The New Translation was offered t be used in the recitation of the Canonical Hours and the administration of the Sacraments (since the typical editions of the Rituale published in the 1950's had incorporated the new text, and I have seen at least one Pontifical that did so as well, though this particular one had both versions: it was a quite a treat seeing that!) ad libitum. It an innovation in liturgical praxis rather than a negation of the centrality of the Sacred Vulgate in general. The Liber did keep the Vulgate text of the Psalter.


As a matter of fact I saw several Libers with the New Translation Psalter in the very back.
And I guess one could argue that the liturgy did not only use the Gallican Psalter even before the Piane Version. But I find this variety in the liturgical usage of the same rite...quite unusual, as you notice yourself. That´s why I sometimes call it the "extraordinary" and "ordinary" Breviary/Psalter :cowboy:
   
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Well, as I see it, the New Translation is rather an "official commentary" upon the Vulgate Psalter. In numerous instances, the new text coincides with citations of Hebrew MSS found in many Latin and vernacular commentaries upon the Psalter, but a systematic study would be needed to substantiate this.

St. Alphonsus wrote a celebrated commentary upon the Divine Office (as it was in his day) and he mentions that the Sacred Vulgate is eminently superior to the Masoretic texts (and I agree). However, he cites the Hebrew versions all throughout the commentary, which I found interesting. Here's a reprint of this commentary if anyone's interested: http://www.churchlatin.com/Books.aspx?BookID=38


Thank you for the link. While I understand the notion of a "official commentary" I don´t find it particularly useful to alienate clergy (and laity?) from the Sacred Vulgate. Since the middle of the last century already saw an increasing academical decline and more and more extensive use of the vernacular, I would have tried to archive exactly the opposite. And since modern exegetes and rationalists attacked the authority of St. Jerome´s translation more and more, something else than a simple New Translation should have been done, at least in my humble opinion. Namely a critical revision of the Sacred Vulgate.
This was of course actually done with the Nova Vulgata, the latest edition being that of 2006.

I cannot help but compare the situation in the early/middle 20th century very much with that of the Renaissance. Instead of combating false notions and ideas, and also very often false science on the whole front, they tried to make compromises wherever they could. Now we know that the Church suffered more by excessive humanism and "classicalisation"of sacred texts than it was helped by it (indeed, I am a big fan of Fr. Savonarola!). Will our opinion of the policies from Benedict XV. to Pius XII. maybe also change at some point?
Even the Novus Ordo Church realizes more and more that modernist art from the 20´s  and Divine service without beauty is not so useful at all. In the same way I strongly advocate a critical study of pre-Vatican II times and not blindly accepting everything as good just because it is "old" and that our grandparents grew up with it.
[Of course I do not accuse you of doing precisely that]

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Wow, you're pretty much a rebel!  :wink:

Bet you say Prime before Lauds just to stir things up.  :jester:


That made me laugh hard, maybe because it is so true! In reference to the very first line of you posting I also have to admit that I find it hard not to rebel sometimes against myself.

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Ah, I have to confess that I know not how to chant. I am completely ignorant of music altogether. I try to follow the prayers and rubrics as they happen before me at the Altar, and I try to join the choir (silently) when they chant.


I am very sorry to hear that. The Breviary is meant to be chanted, and a whole new spiritual dimension opens with it. Maybe it is because of me, but I could never get into the liturgical year without hearing the changing tones, antiphons and hymns. Saying the breviary privately, in all its beauty, still has something lacking (and as a matter of fact "private" already means a lack of something). Just as the Mass is supposed to be chanted and carried out with Sacred Ministers, the Divine office should be sung in choir.
An ordinary Sunday, at least in may part of the world, would not be thinkable without a sung Mass, Benediction and Vespers. And the whole congregation or at least a big part would take part in the singing - just as Pius XI. and XII. wanted to see it.

But that is actually not all that I meant. Okay, now I obey to the rubrical changes of 1955 - but I cannot stop there. How many (traditionalist or modern) Churches and chapels do you know that carry out the prescriptions of the Sacred Congregations faithfully? Is the tabernacle wholly covered by a veil, is there an antipendium, baldachin and tapestry in the colour of the day? Not even to mention the violation of liturgical principles by adding more and more gradines, statues and flowers, making the structure behind the altar more impressive then the actual mensa on which the Holy Sacrifice is celebrated. I could argue all day about liturgical abuses like those mentioned!

What I want to say is that the liturgy has to be seen as a whole. There is not only some rubrics to be followed or a certain Missal to be used. You have music, art, architecture and laity, all playing a major role.

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Uh, here is where I have to disagree, but you did not wish to get polemical so (unless someone else brings up the point), let's move on...


Again, I refer to what I just said above. Personally I first of all care about the right principles. They are usually violated by both, followers of the liturgy of Pius X. or Pius XII. And I think that is much much worse than adhering to a liturgical practice that was approved at some point by the Church.

I guess if we want to carry on the discussion, we maybe have to speak about the points leading to polemics, since e.g. my standpoint is heavily influenced by my view that Canon Law is not in force. Since you think that it is, I find it perfectly legitimate to strongly adhere to the reforms of 1955 (it would be 1962 for me since I "recognize" John XXIII. as Roman Pontiff).  

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What edition of the Monastic Breviary do you use?


Ups, that was more of a rhetorical element to underline my rebellious side than a real statement. I am actually pretty boring, using usually a 1940 Roman Breviary, I only own a Bilingual Monastic Diurnal compiled by the monks of St. John´s Abbey, 1955 I think.

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Fireman, could you correct what I think is a typo on this to express your point clearly?


I am sorry for that mistake. I meant that I agree with Fr. Cekada and also probably would not say the Leonine prayers if I were be a priest. Again, it is all about a principle, at this time the principle of the cessation of a law through the fulfillment of its purpose.

Thank you Lighthouse for your nice words. I am also enjoying this relaxed discussion very much.

Wishing you a joyful Feast of the Ascension!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 02, 2011, 09:52:58 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
I cannot help but compare the situation in the early/middle 20th century very much with that of the Renaissance. Instead of combating false notions and ideas, and also very often false science on the whole front, they tried to make compromises wherever they could. Now we know that the Church suffered more by excessive humanism and "classicalisation"of sacred texts than it was helped by it (indeed, I am a big fan of Fr. Savonarola!).


Ha, you reminded me of Marsilio Ficino, who wished he could have the Dialogues of Plato as Lessons in the Breviary.  :clown:

But this is an interesting analogy. I had never thought of it before. It would be a thread unto itself.

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Will our opinion of the policies from Benedict XV. to Pius XII. maybe also change at some point?


Opinions change like the moon, but the possible decisions that a future Roman Pontiff would make, together with the Roman Congregations availing themselves of his authority, are interesting notions, but then again they are merely conditionally future contingencies that cannot be the subject of a prolonged serious discussion without getting fantastical.


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That made me laugh hard, maybe because it is so true! In reference to the very first line of you posting I also have to admit that I find it hard not to rebel sometimes against myself.


Hey, I have said Prime before Lauds and Matins in past instances on Sunday mornings (that is, when I was able to say the entire Office), when the alarm clock couldn't awaken me early enough. I reserved the recitation of Matins and Lauds as thanksgiving after Mass and Holy Communion [it's really nice to do that, and it would ensure a good Holy Hour when so many people neglect Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament after Mass].

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I am very sorry to hear that. The Breviary is meant to be chanted, and a whole new spiritual dimension opens with it. Maybe it is because of me, but I could never get into the liturgical year without hearing the changing tones, antiphons and hymns. Saying the breviary privately, in all its beauty, still has something lacking (and as a matter of fact "private" already means a lack of something). Just as the Mass is supposed to be chanted and carried out with Sacred Ministers, the Divine office should be sung in choir.


I know, I know. It is a shame for which I will perhaps burn in Purgatory if I do not make amends quickly, but I feel age and circuмstance conspire against me.

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What I want to say is that the liturgy has to be seen as a whole. There is not only some rubrics to be followed or a certain Missal to be used. You have music, art, architecture and laity, all playing a major role.


I understand and agree. However, I am forced to say that one ought not to idealize Priests and chapels anymore. In an age when even the lowest common denominator is exceedingly rare, one gets ecstatically gleeful when there is an opportunity to attend a Missa cantata, even without the proper splendor and pomp of a High Mass.

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I guess if we want to carry on the discussion, we maybe have to speak about the points leading to polemics, since e.g. my standpoint is heavily influenced by my view that Canon Law is not in force. Since you think that it is, I find it perfectly legitimate to strongly adhere to the reforms of 1955 (it would be 1962 for me since I "recognize" John XXIII. as Roman Pontiff).


Uh, that would be another thread...

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I only own a Bilingual Monastic Diurnal compiled by the monks of St. John´s Abbey, 1955 I think.


I use that sometimes. I have the rare fourth edition published in 1960. It is the same exact edition as the 1955 and 1952 editions, except that it has the Office of St. Pius X and the Restored Order of Holy Week adapted to the Monastic Rite. The old Assumption Office is in the text itself and the new one promulgated by Pope Pius XII is in an appendix, as in the 1955 edition. The new Office was optional for the Monks, unless the Superiors said otherwise.

The one rite that intimidates me to an unnervingly high degree is in the [traditional] Norbertine Breviary. I mean, Triplex: what's that about!! It's way above me.

Thanks Lighthouse! I'm just glad that there are others who are actually reading this thread.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 03, 2011, 03:34:52 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Ha, you reminded me of Marsilio Ficino, who wished he could have the Dialogues of Plato as Lessons in the Breviary.  :clown:

But this is an interesting analogy. I had never thought of it before. It would be a thread unto itself.


:laugh1:

Who knows me a little bit also knows that I have more than just little respect for the classical studies (actually, I am strongly in favor of them). But still I am happy that people don´t ask whether I am more of a Ciceronian than a Christian - even though they might just conclude that because of my bad Latin.

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Opinions change like the moon, but the possible decisions that a future Roman Pontiff would make, together with the Roman Congregations availing themselves of his authority, are interesting notions, but then again they are merely conditionally future contingencies that cannot be the subject of a prolonged serious discussion without getting fantastical.


You are obviously right. What I ask is if I would have been wrong in arguing in 1910 that a reform of the breviary is badly necessary and that the current one is not so good at all. And then again, if I should shut my mouth now about the 1955 reforms or complain here, too.
On the other side, the Roman Congregations were frequently ignored anyway, in particular in liturgical questions. The reason might also lay in the fact that this strong central authority in these things is of a rather recent origin.
It really seems to me that after the 1st Vatican Council hardly anybody would dare to confront the Pope on controversial issues, as even the Saints of the past did - the brave Cardinal Billot being maybe one of the very few exceptions.

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Hey, I have said Prime before Lauds and Matins in past instances on Sunday mornings (that is, when I was able to say the entire Office), when the alarm clock couldn't awaken me early enough. I reserved the recitation of Matins and Lauds as thanksgiving after Mass and Holy Communion [it's really nice to do that, and it would ensure a good Holy Hour when so many people neglect Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament after Mass.


That is a very nice practice. I also use the texts of Matins and Lauds frequently for meditation (even though some might think I am rather meditating on Platon´s Politeia )

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I know, I know. It is a shame for which I will perhaps burn in Purgatory if I do not make amends quickly, but I feel age and circuмstance conspire against me.


I would not say that, but it could lead very well to a higher grade of mystical union. For sure, everybody has different kinds of devotions...but I think this one is particularly made for all Christians.
The problem here is also that there is hardly any good chanting in the "far-right" traditionalism, another result of a general lack of education. Maybe that is one of the reasons why you (and others?) don´t fancy it too much? In case you don´t have it already, I should send you a few records of Solesmes choir.  

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I understand and agree. However, I am forced to say that one ought not to idealize Priests and chapels anymore. In an age when even the lowest common denominator is exceedingly rare, one gets ecstatically gleeful when there is an opportunity to attend a Missa cantata, even without the proper splendor and pomp of a High Mass.


I also agree in part. Quite often something more could be done but isn´t. And don´t even get me started on a complete disregard for rubrics and liturgy in most sedevacantist chapels. And on the other side I know priests with extremely scarce means who have a little chapel and few attending people, but a perfectly celebrated Missa cantata in a liturgical sanctuary and trained schola.
The will plays a major role there. And also where exactly priorities are.  

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Uh, that would be another thread...


Indeed! To give you the idea of what "I" think: I merely follow the thought of Mgr Guérard des Lauriers, though not his modern interpreters in Verrua Savoia or Brooksville.

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The one rite that intimidates me to an unnervingly high degree is in the [traditional] Norbertine Breviary. I mean, Triplex: what's that about!! It's way above me.


I always wondered about that. Maybe saying the antiphon 1,5 times?  :scratchchin:
Being a Premonstratensian it would give me a huge feeling of superiority ("Is this feast a double in your order?" "No, it is a triple" "Haha, no, seriously" "Yes, I am serious!")
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 22, 2011, 11:21:10 PM
I was going to prepare a discourse regarding the absolute authority of the Apostolic See in matters liturgical, but then I wandered over to my library and found a very beautiful book on Sacred Liturgy, full of erudition and unction: Catholic Liturgy: Its Fundamental Principles, by the Very Rev. Gaspar Lefebvre, O.S.B. (of the St. Andrew Daily Missal and Vesperal fame), published at London by Sands & Co. in 1924, with a new and revised edition published in 1954.

In the book's fourth chapter, "Through the Church to God," Dom Lefebvre explains the relationship between Sacred Liturgy and the magisterium and authority of Holy Mother Church, something that has been unfortunately neglected by amateur clerical and lay liturgists (both sedevacantists and non-sedevacantists).

Attached are the scans of the entire chapter.

 
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 22, 2011, 11:31:31 PM
The fifth chapter, "The Diocesan and Parochial Spirit," of the above-cited book Catholic Liturgy: Its Fundamental Principles, by the Very Rev. Gaspar Lefebvre, continues what was discussed in the fourth chapter. It is extremely important for us to read this chapter carefully if we are to have a correct notion of what Sacred Liturgy should be, and what it could be if only we transcend beyond "movements" and "theses" and get to work at true reform (firstly and chiefly in our own interior lives, and then to edify our fellow neighbors) that will bring about the restoration of Holy Mother Church and the civilizations of the Christian world.

Attached are the scans of the entire chapter.

Lurkers: if you wish to read this material, you're just gonna have to register  :farmer:
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 23, 2011, 01:21:29 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
I was going to prepare a discourse regarding the absolute authority of the Apostolic See in matters liturgical, but then I wandered over to my library and found a very beautiful book on Sacred Liturgy, full of erudition and unction: Catholic Liturgy: Its Fundamental Principles, by the Very Rev. Gaspar Lefebvre, O.S.B. (of the St. Andrew Daily Missal and Vesperal fame), published at London by Sands & Co. in 1924, with a new and revised edition published in 1954.

In the book's fourth chapter, "Through the Church to God," Dom Lefebvre explains the relationship between Sacred Liturgy and the magisterium and authority of Holy Mother Church, something that has been unfortunately neglected by amateur clerical and lay liturgists (both sedevacantists and non-sedevacantists).


Thanks a lot for those scans, I really enjoyed reading them.
I have absolutely no doubts about the authority of the Holy See in Liturgical matters, maybe to your surprise.

The problem arises for me precisely there, namely that this authority is not exercised at the present.
With the lack of ecclesiastical structures and administration, can I even be sure to be bound to the Roman Rite? We know that this depends as to where you are born...but into which diocese are we born into nowadays? Certainly this matter can also not be solved with as to into which ecclesiastical province the clerics of these days are incardinated into.
The only historical references would be before the times of a stronger (exercised) central authority of the Apostolic See prior to the Late Middle Ages and the Council of Trent, as well as a less unified Code of Church Law, where clerici vagantes were a common phenomena and Liturgical usages widely differed - with the tacit approval of the Sovereign Pontiff, of course.  
Then we also have the very old controversies of the use of the Celtic-Irish liturgy in the Christianization of Germanic lands, which did create a mess and a lot of questions regarding authority and liturgy.

So, what you (or some other people) are demanding is that Priests, violating the Canons of Trent and the Code of Canon Law just by their mere tonsure and ordination, while not being subject to any particular Diocese or Order, violating again several Canons by just starting to say Mass, are still bound to follow the 1955 typical edition of the Roman Missal, promulgated by an authority they otherwise seem to disregard and to which they cannot even turn to?
I could certainly add many more lines into this sentence, but I think I made the idea clear

Again, I can just say that I completely recognize the authority of the Roman Pontiff in matters liturgical, but I cannot see this authority being exercised at the present - and if exercised, the exact manner is unclear to me because of the complete lack of Canonical structures.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 23, 2011, 01:45:43 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Thanks a lot for those scans, I really enjoyed reading them. I have absolutely no doubts about the authority of the Holy See in Liturgical matters, maybe to your surprise.


You're quite welcome! Although the scans were not meant to refute the points you have made in this exchange, but rather to contextualize Sacred Liturgy in its correct juridical setting, after all this thread is about a Papal Bull that promulgated liturgical reform a century ago or so.

And no, I'm not surprised (thankfully).

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The problem arises for me precisely there, namely that this authority is not exercised at the present.


For me as well.

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With the lack of ecclesiastical structures and administration, can I even be sure to be bound to the Roman Rite? We know that this depends as to where you are born...but into which diocese are we born into nowadays? Certainly this matter can also not be solved with as to into which ecclesiastical province the clerics of these days are incardinated into.

The only historical references would be before the times of a stronger (exercised) central authority of the Apostolic See prior to the Late Middle Ages and the Council of Trent, as well as a less unified Code of Church Law, where clerici vagantes were a common phenomena and Liturgical usages widely differed - with the tacit approval of the Sovereign Pontiff, of course.
 

This is a difficult question. I would venture to say that one is bound to the Roman Rite if one's ancestry is derived from Roman Catholics and who were born in what would have been the territories of Roman Rite prelates.

Obviously, the application of the principles of Canon Law is not as clear cut as some organizations and apologists make it seem. There are difficulties, and denying them is not going to solve them.

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So, what you (or some other people) are demanding is that Priests, violating the Canons of Trent and the Code of Canon Law just by their mere tonsure and ordination, while not being subject to any particular Diocese or Order, violating again several Canons by just starting to say Mass, are still bound to follow the 1955 typical edition of the Roman Missal, promulgated by an authority they otherwise seem to disregard and to which they cannot even turn to?


I am demanding nothing. I would say that for the sedevacantist (who does not recognize John XXIII as having been a Supreme Pontiff) the most consistent thing is to follow the most recent reforms of Pope Pius XII in order to conform to the spirit of obedience, but it is a question far more problematic that anyone may realize (especially me).

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Again, I can just say that I completely recognize the authority of the Roman Pontiff in matters liturgical, but I cannot see this authority being exercised at the present - and if exercised, the exact manner is unclear to me because of the complete lack of Canonical structures.


It's unclear to me as well, which is why we ought to have an open and honest exchange between all "camps" of traditional Catholics, in order to frankly and intelligibly discuss these matters.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 23, 2011, 02:41:58 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
This is a difficult question. I would venture to say that one is bound to the Roman Rite if one's ancestry is derived from Roman Catholics and who were born in what would have been the territories of Roman Rite prelates.

Obviously, the application of the principles of Canon Law is not as clear cut as some organizations and apologists make it seem. There are difficulties, and denying them is not going to solve them.


I don´t completely disagree there, but thats entirely speculative and without a real basis in Canon Law (which again doesn´t know this extra-juridical situation we have, anyway). It also depends on whether you see the dioceses of old being still intact or not.

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I am demanding nothing. I would say that for the sedevacantist (who does not recognize John XXIII as having been a Supreme Pontiff) the most consistent thing is to follow the most recent reforms of Pope Pius XII in order to conform to the spirit of obedience, but it is a question far more problematic that anyone may realize (especially me).


This is indeed problematic, also just because we don´t really know what this spirit exactly demands.
But what I do know is that the Holy See in the past retrospectively authorized liturgical usages, like in the Gallican Church, and even adapted it in the Roman Rite.

Now, were all those liturgical changes and varieties abuses, which just got official confirmation later, or did they act rightly and according to the spirit and demands of their time?
And also: Isn´t a "liturgical freezing point" of 1955 or whatever year really liturgical? The enemies of the NOM always complain that the NO did not evolve organically, as the old Roman Liturgy.
But in the present, there does not seem to be any organic development, either.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 23, 2011, 07:57:41 AM
Very interesting post and discussion Hobble and Pyrrhos! Thanks!

Before all I have to admit both that I`ve read very little about liturgy and that I`ve a sort of deep devotion towards Pius XII (yes Raoul... I can`t help it  :smile:) so I`ll try to be as objective as I can :)

Pyrrhos said
Quote
The question for me remains why there was any need for a new translation, when the Gallican psalter had such a long and beautiful tradition in the Church, written by a Saint – and especially in the light of Christian revelation


Well Pius XII addressed this point in his "In cotidianis precibus". He said that since the Vulgate was but a "translation of a translation" (LXX) there were some  unintelligible passages. Before the translation some scholars have talked about the necessity of a new one, so it was no a novelty but something asked for (at least in certain circles)
I think it is incorrect to call this translation as "Bea`s"  since it was performed by a commission "presided over" by Bea. In any case I think Bea made a good point in a conference after the publication, when he said the lay people had a better translation of the psalms than the one the priests had, since there already existed some translations from the Hebrew into French and other languages.

(We all know who Bea was, but I think we should focus on arguments and not on persons)

Pyrrhos said
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Still, I don´t know how clergy and layfolk could really profit from the departure of the Vulgate psalter. Isn´t the Vulgate considered to be the dogmatically authentic Bible? Not that I would discourage Biblical studies, but I always found it interesting how much praise St. Jerome´s Vulgate received, especially in the recent Encyclicals concerning Sacred Scripture. A reversal of this policy seems to me pretty much of a rupture.
 

Well as Pius XII said the recognition the Vulgate had was "juridical" in the sense that it was a faithful translation, which doesn`t mean it is the best one.

As far as I read San Jerome merely revised the psalm version of the Vulgate. He didn`t translate it. But I may be wrong.


Talking about the 1955 rubrics, I believe a reform was needed... now if the one Pius XII made was perfect, good, etc I think that another point, although I like it :)


Hobble said
Quote
Ha, you reminded me of Marsilio Ficino, who wished he could have the Dialogues of Plato as Lessons in the Breviary.  


LOOOOOOOOOOOOL... he really said that??? I still have to read some of Ficino`s works but I`d need a 48 hs day!!!

In any case just my little opinion on this matter!

Blessed Corpus for all of you! :)

Cristian


Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 23, 2011, 09:21:30 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Well Pius XII addressed this point in his "In cotidianis precibus". He said that since the Vulgate was but a "translation of a translation" (LXX) there were some  unintelligible passages. Before the translation some scholars have talked about the necessity of a new one, so it was no a novelty but something asked for (at least in certain circles)
(We all know who Bea was, but I think we should focus on arguments and not on persons)  


This is probably right, I mentioned before that I use the Nova Vulgata myself. But I think other texts like Providentissimus Deus speak a different language in regards to the authority of the translation/revision of St. Jerome.

And while I agree that this is not about certain persons, the "anti-Vulgate" faction was usually not on the most orthodox side. In particular also in regards to dogma, it was for example of extreme importance that the Vulgate put Genesis 3:15 "...et semen illius ipsa conteret caput tuum et tu insidiaberis calcaneo eius" for the Definition of the Immaculate Conception, while the Hebrew reads "...and between thy seed and her seed; they shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise their heel."
For comparison, in Douay-Rheims 1899 its "and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel."

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Well as Pius XII said the recognition the Vulgate had was "juridical" in the sense that it was a faithful translation, which doesn`t mean it is the best one.

As far as I read San Jerome merely revised the psalm version of the Vulgate. He didn`t translate it. But I may be wrong.


This is of course right if you refer to the Gallicana used in the Liturgy, not the juxta Hebraicuм. I find it doubtful whether Bea´s research team had a better version than Origen with his Hexapla.
I also don´t necessarily want to imply that the Saint Jerome translation is the best one (even though that is my personal opinion).

I remember your preference for the Jesuits at Bellarmine forums, which you share with Pius XII. ;-) I guess I rather stand on Raoul´s side there, even though I don´t really know what he is saying about Papa Pacelli.  
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 23, 2011, 09:36:06 AM
But despite my arrogance, I am certainly not a better biblical scholar than you, Cristian (or Cardinal Bea!).

As a matter of fact I have not too much of a clue of what I am speaking about, unlike you this didn't stop me from posting :smirk:


Have a blessed feast of the Body and Blood of Our Lord,
Pyrrhos
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: LordPhan on June 23, 2011, 11:50:43 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Very interesting post and discussion Hobble and Pyrrhos! Thanks!

Before all I have to admit both that I`ve read very little about liturgy and that I`ve a sort of deep devotion towards Pius XII (yes Raoul... I can`t help it  :smile:) so I`ll try to be as objective as I can :)

Pyrrhos said
Quote
The question for me remains why there was any need for a new translation, when the Gallican psalter had such a long and beautiful tradition in the Church, written by a Saint – and especially in the light of Christian revelation


Well Pius XII addressed this point in his "In cotidianis precibus". He said that since the Vulgate was but a "translation of a translation" (LXX) there were some  unintelligible passages. Before the translation some scholars have talked about the necessity of a new one, so it was no a novelty but something asked for (at least in certain circles)
I think it is incorrect to call this translation as "Bea`s"  since it was performed by a commission "presided over" by Bea. In any case I think Bea made a good point in a conference after the publication, when he said the lay people had a better translation of the psalms than the one the priests had, since there already existed some translations from the Hebrew into French and other languages.

(We all know who Bea was, but I think we should focus on arguments and not on persons)

Pyrrhos said
Quote
Still, I don´t know how clergy and layfolk could really profit from the departure of the Vulgate psalter. Isn´t the Vulgate considered to be the dogmatically authentic Bible? Not that I would discourage Biblical studies, but I always found it interesting how much praise St. Jerome´s Vulgate received, especially in the recent Encyclicals concerning Sacred Scripture. A reversal of this policy seems to me pretty much of a rupture.
 

Well as Pius XII said the recognition the Vulgate had was "juridical" in the sense that it was a faithful translation, which doesn`t mean it is the best one.

As far as I read San Jerome merely revised the psalm version of the Vulgate. He didn`t translate it. But I may be wrong.


Talking about the 1955 rubrics, I believe a reform was needed... now if the one Pius XII made was perfect, good, etc I think that another point, although I like it :)


Hobble said
Quote
Ha, you reminded me of Marsilio Ficino, who wished he could have the Dialogues of Plato as Lessons in the Breviary.  


LOOOOOOOOOOOOL... he really said that??? I still have to read some of Ficino`s works but I`d need a 48 hs day!!!

In any case just my little opinion on this matter!

Blessed Corpus for all of you! :)

Cristian




Heading to work so I don't have alot of time but, Saint Jerome Translated the entire Bible.

He spoke the same ancient greek that most of the New Testament was written in since birth. Was Fluent in Latin. He managed to convince a couple Rabbi's to teach him Hebrew and then translated most of the Old Testament, he hired someone to translate the book of David, then when he was finished with the rest he went back learned chalmedic(sp) so he could make sure that it was accurate.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 23, 2011, 03:21:20 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos

And while I agree that this is not about certain persons, the "anti-Vulgate" faction was usually not on the most orthodox side


I agree there were some liberals against the Vulgate, but believe it or not the idea of doing a translation from the originals goes as far as Trent!

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In particular also in regards to dogma, it was for example of extreme importance that the Vulgate put Genesis 3:15 "...et semen illius ipsa conteret caput tuum et tu insidiaberis calcaneo eius" for the Definition of the Immaculate Conception, while the Hebrew reads "...and between thy seed and her seed; they shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise their heel."
For comparison, in Douay-Rheims 1899 its "and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel."


Will you believe me if I tell you the St Jerome himself recognized that the first Latin version called the Itala says "ipse" instead of ipsa?

Quote
Quote
Well as Pius XII said the recognition the Vulgate had was "juridical" in the sense that it was a faithful translation, which doesn`t mean it is the best one.

As far as I read San Jerome merely revised the psalm version of the Vulgate. He didn`t translate it. But I may be wrong.


This is of course right if you refer to the Gallicana used in the Liturgy, not the juxta Hebraicuм. I find it doubtful whether Bea´s research team had a better version than Origen with his Hexapla.


Well... I should re-read some stuff before addressing this... I´m a little lost, lol.



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I remember your preference for the Jesuits at Bellarmine forums


Well it is not that I prefer the Jesuits... for instance I hate Suarism! But you know the treatise I´ve studied the most is De Ecclesia and Jesuits are by far the best both in quality and in quantity... you can hardly find 4 or 5 good dominicans, Turrecremata, John of St. Thomas, Cajetan, Cano, Billuart, Schultes ( :boxer:), De Groot... and hardly any other. (The first 5 are from XVIII century and before)
Cajetan is famous because of his Papa deponendus theory (followed by John of Saint Thomas) and Billuart followed Suarez on the membership in the Church issue... :(, and Schultes... well you can write a treatise on the Church and not quoting Billot! :)
In any case the Jesuits have St Robert, (Suarez), Passaglia, Palmieri, Franzelin, Billotius, Zapelena, Salaverri, D´Herbigny, De Guibert, etc.
In any case my point is that for some reason Dominicans had not good ecclesiologist theologians, I don´t know the reason.

So you were a member of Bellarmine?? Still trying to figure out who are you  :read-paper:

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which you share with Pius XII. ;-)


:)

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 23, 2011, 03:23:25 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos

As a matter of fact I have not too much of a clue of what I am speaking about, unlike you this didn't stop me from posting :smirk:


LOOOOOOOOOOOL, and I don´t know either why I´m still writing in these forum since I´m kind of retiring :)


Quote
Have a blessed feast of the Body and Blood of Our Lord,
Pyrrhos


Thanks. You too.

Cristian
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 23, 2011, 03:27:00 PM
Quote from: LordPhan


Heading to work so I don't have alot of time but, Saint Jerome Translated the entire Bible.

He spoke the same ancient greek that most of the New Testament was written in since birth. Was Fluent in Latin. He managed to convince a couple Rabbi's to teach him Hebrew and then translated most of the Old Testament, he hired someone to translate the book of David, then when he was finished with the rest he went back learned chalmedic(sp) so he could make sure that it was accurate.


Maybe you are right and I should re read some things because I don´t know very much about this... but I don´t really know when. No time either!

God bless.

Cristian
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 23, 2011, 09:09:55 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
As a matter of fact I have not too much of a clue of what I am speaking about, unlike you this didn't stop me from posting :smirk:


Neither did it stop me!  :farmer:

Pobody's nerfect.

Happy Feast Day of Corpus Christi to all!

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 01:05:26 AM
Quote from: Cristian
I agree there were some liberals against the Vulgate, but believe it or not the idea of doing a translation from the originals goes as far as Trent!


Of course, but the originals are, as yet, lost. Pius XII. rightly said that the closer we are to the inspired originals, the better it is (obviously).  

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Will you believe me if I tell you the St Jerome himself recognized that the first Latin version called the Itala says "ipse" instead of ipsa?


I completely believe you. But as far as I know the Vetus Latina is of very mixed quality.
But actually that is precisely the point I am making, that the Church obviously had a lot of trust in St. Jerome´s translation, even so much as to influence the definition of dogma.


Quote
Well... I should re-read some stuff before addressing this... I´m a little lost, lol.


As I said, the Gallicana used in the Liturgies of the Church was St. Jerome´s revision of the Hexapla. The juxta Hebraicuм is a real new translation from pre-Masoretic texts.
In the Nova Vulgata, you have both versions side by side.  


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In any case my point is that for some reason Dominicans had not good ecclesiologist theologians, I don´t know the reason.


Instead of writing all this you could have just admitted that you do indeed prefer the Jesuits   :laugh1:
 
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So you were a member of Bellarmine?? Still trying to figure out who are you  :read-paper:


Actually I was just lurking around. The whole atmosphere was a little bit to jesuitical there, hehe.

In any case, you are a quite famous person, especially after the incident with the equally famous thesis 29.

 :cheers:

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 24, 2011, 06:46:47 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Quote from: Cristian
I agree there were some liberals against the Vulgate, but believe it or not the idea of doing a translation from the originals goes as far as Trent!


Of course, but the originals are, as yet, lost. Pius XII. rightly said that the closer we are to the inspired originals, the better it is (obviously).  


C`est vrai!

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But actually that is precisely the point I am making, that the Church obviously had a lot of trust in St. Jerome´s translation, even so much as to influence the definition of dogma.


Sorry the ignorance but did Pius IX base his definition on that text? I thought it had more to do with the words of the St. Gabriel to Our Lady and other texts. In any case weather you read Ipsa or Ipsum the sense is the same, as you can read here http://www.newadvent.org/bible/gen003.htm

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Quote
In any case my point is that for some reason Dominicans had not good ecclesiologist theologians, I don´t know the reason.


Instead of writing all this you could have just admitted that you do indeed prefer the Jesuits   :laugh1:


LOOOOOOOOOOOL. Trust me I don`t like Jesuits very much (they tend to be Suarist, which means they believe in the primacy of the will above the intellect, etc.) Did you know that Suarez agrees in just 1 of the 24 Thomistic theses? If I were Pope one of the first measures would be to forbid Suarism  :roll-laugh1:

 
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Quote
So you were a member of Bellarmine?? Still trying to figure out who are you  :read-paper:


Actually I was just lurking around. The whole atmosphere was a little bit to jesuitical there, hehe.


If you say so  :dancing:

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In any case, you are a quite famous person, especially after the incident with the equally famous thesis 29.

 :cheers:


Ohhhh my beloved thesis 29... (between you and me if I were Pope the first measure would be to define it, looooooooooooooooooooooooool  :roll-laugh1:)

Vivat Billotius!!  :king: "Glory both of the Church and of France" (Card. Merry del Val)

 :cheers:


Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 07:05:41 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Sorry the ignorance but did Pius IX base his definition on that text? I thought it had more to do with the words of the St. Gabriel to Our Lady and other texts. In any case weather you read Ipsa or Ipsum the sense is the same, as you can read here http://www.newadvent.org/bible/gen003.htm


Well, I think it played its part, but I was actually not referring to the ipse/ipsa before. Even somebody as ignorant as me knew that the sense does not change(probably because Genesis is always in the beginning of each book on Sacred Scripture :) )

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Did you know that Suarez agrees in just 1 of the 24 Thomistic theses? If I were Pope one of the first measures would be to forbid Suarism  :roll-laugh1:


I did not know this fact, I rather kept away from Suarez in the past!

 
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If you say so  :dancing:


What can you expect from a forum which has a Jesuit as Patron  :wink:

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Vivat Billotius!!  :king: "Glory both of the Church and of France" (Card. Merry del Val)


Oh, I absolutely agree - a certain Pope might not, though!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 24, 2011, 08:06:32 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos

What can you expect from a forum which has a Jesuit as Patron  :wink:
Quote


LOL

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Vivat Billotius!!  :king: "Glory both of the Church and of France" (Card. Merry del Val)


Oh, I absolutely agree - a certain Pope might not, though!


I don`t understand :(
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 08:30:40 AM
Quote from: Cristian
I don`t understand :(


I was just referring to Billot´s little problem with Pius XI.
But I also agree with the Jesuit in this matter...
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 24, 2011, 08:41:07 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Quote from: Cristian
I don`t understand :(


I was just referring to Billot´s little problem with Pius XI.
But I also agree with the Jesuit in this matter...


Ohhhh L`Action Française... well I agree with Pius XI here! :) I don`t think though Pius XI would have questioned Billot as one of the best (probably the best one) theologians of XX cent. because of that issue.
In any case Pius XII highly praised both of them... :)

Cristian

PS: Du bist Deuchland? (my german is reeeeeeeeeeeeally bad, lol)
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 08:55:31 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Ohhhh L`Action Française... well I agree with Pius XI here! :) I don`t think though Pius XI would have questioned Billot as one of the best (probably the best one) theologians of XX cent. because of that issue.


Well, if that was the case then he should have rather listened to him there, hehe

Quote
PS: Du bist Deuchland? (my german is reeeeeeeeeeeeally bad, lol)


Si! Mi castellano es malo tambien.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 09:24:49 AM
But sorry, we better not hijack Hobble´s thread too much!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 24, 2011, 09:27:24 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Quote from: Cristian
Ohhhh L`Action Française... well I agree with Pius XI here! :) I don`t think though Pius XI would have questioned Billot as one of the best (probably the best one) theologians of XX cent. because of that issue.


Well, if that was the case then he should have rather listened to him there, hehe


Billot himself recognized there were several things wrong with Maurras, I think the discussion was merely upon the convenience of condemning him, weather it was prudent or not.


Quote
Quote
PS: Du bist Deuchland? (my german is reeeeeeeeeeeeally bad, lol)


Si! Mi castellano es malo tambien.


Aber es ist besser als (wie?) meine... (??????).

Anyway hava a nice day!  :alcohol:
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 24, 2011, 09:28:34 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
But sorry, we better not hijack Hobble´s thread too much!


Yes, Hobble... mil disculpas! :) I won`t post anymore here! :)
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 24, 2011, 10:27:53 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Billot himself recognized there were several things wrong with Maurras, I think the discussion was merely upon the convenience of condemning him, weather it was prudent or not.


I also don´t question that at all, just like Billot the prudence of this action against Maurras - especially in historical and (at that time present) comparison to other non-condemned public personalities.

I definitely do not want to bully you out of this thread, but I guess we should keep closer to Divino afflatu.

But thanks anyway  :cheers:
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 24, 2011, 09:04:24 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
But sorry, we better not hijack Hobble´s thread too much!


No: an exceedingly interesting tangential discussion that is carried out in an , witty and well-mannered way should not be dubbed as "hijacking." This is what makes these threads fun. I can't have an edifying conversation with myself, and the tangents in those conversations are anything but edifying...

Besides, I'm not "lord" of this thread, when not even traditional Catholic Bishops have jurisdiction in the external forum (to use a Canonical analogy). The true arbiters of this and all threads are Matthew the Moderator and his most benign co-Moderatress.

Quote from: Cristian
Yes, Hobble... mil disculpas! :) I won`t post anymore here! :)


¡No, no! No abandone, señor ilustrísimo, ésta discusión tan interesante. Favor de continuar este comercio de ideas y anécdotas sumamente agradables y docentes, aunque sea muy ignorante para participar.

Loose transliteration: Nah, cool dude, don't walk out on this awesome discussion, though I'm too much of dummy to participate.

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 24, 2011, 09:48:07 PM
Quote from: Cristian
I`ve a sort of deep devotion towards Pius XII (yes Raoul... I can`t help it  :smile:)


I do too!

Quote
We all know who Bea was, but I think we should focus on arguments and not on persons.


Yes, we have thankfully done that here thus far.

Quote
Talking about the 1955 rubrics, I believe a reform was needed... now if the one Pius XII made was perfect, good, etc I think that another point, although I like it :)


Me too! We have so much in common!  :farmer:

I have to admit that some of things that were amended saddened me somewhat (especially the suppression of Octaves of Epiphany and Ascension, and the abolition of the Pentecost Vigil ceremonies), but it happened.
 
The simplification of the rubrics was not as "unprecedented" as some suppose. As Rev. Fr. O'Connell acutely observed, the manner in which the rubrical simplification was carried out in the Roman Rite by Pope Pius XII is similar to the way the Benedictines adapted the General Rubrics of the Monastic Breviary to the reforms of St. Pius X.

For example: the Benedictines eliminated the rank of Semi-Double in the Sanctoral Cycle (with the exception the days within the Octaves), deleting many Offices that formerly had that rank, and reducing the rest to the rank of Memorials (Commemoration at First Vespers and Lauds only), which led to a Calendar that is relatively simple in comparison to the Universal Calendar of the Roman Rite (of course, Benedictine Congregations and individual Monasteries, Priories, Convents, Abbeys, etc., had their own Proper Calendar which filled up the non-privileged ferial days nicely). Also, the Ferial and Dominical Offices were accorded many privileges in occurrence and concurrence, so that all Offices below the rank of Second Class Doubles were commemorated during Lent, for example. The Feast of the Compassion of Blessed Mary the Virgin, occurring perpetually on the Friday in Passiontide, was therefore reduced to the rank of Memorial (it was a Double Major before), and all the "devotional" Offices were eliminated (such as the Feast of the Prayer of Our Lord in the Garden, The Feast of the Holy Shroud, etc.): the Quadragesimal Offices were that important to the Benedictines.

The General Decree of the Congregation of Sacred Rites De rubricis ad simpliciorem formam redigendis (23 March 1955; A. A. S., vol. xlvii., pp. 218 sqq.) did just that: it eliminated the rank of Semi-Double (in both the Sanctoral and Temporal Cycles; raising Sundays to the rank of Double), and it made the recitation of the Saints' Offices optional for the private recitation of the Divine Office during Lent (but they were to be duly commemorated).

Question: Has Fr. Ricossa ("Liturgical Revolution," http://www.traditionalmass.org/articles/article.php?id=37&catname=6) been corrected for writing the following:

Quote
March 23, 1955: the decree cuм hac nostra aetate, not published in the Acta Apostolica Sedis and not printed in the liturgical books, on the reform of the rubrics of the Missal and Breviary.


Well, it took me just ten minutes to find it  :smirk:

It was not printed in the liturgical books because the Decree itself forbade the Printing Presses to make any change in the typical editions of the Roman Breviary and Missal until further notice. Every Priest and Religious has their Ordines to help them conform with the "new" rubrics anyways, just like the generation before them used their old Breviaries and conformed to Divino afflatu until the new typical editions were promulgated, published and distributed throughout the Catholic world.

And it's "Apostolicae," but who's doing the math, right? Hopefully that was a typo.

Where art thou, Pristina?

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LOOOOOOOOOOOOL... he really said that??? I still have to read some of Ficino`s works but I`d need a 48 hs day!!!


I remember reading that when I was studying post-Classical and Renaissance Neo-Platonism. Marsilio (cool name, by the way!) was too enamored and inebriated by his interpretation of Platonic and Neo-Platonic thought.

Thank God for Aristotle!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 25, 2011, 08:22:28 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Question: Has Fr. Ricossa ("Liturgical Revolution," http://www.traditionalmass.org/articles/article.php?id=37&catname=6) been corrected for writing the following:

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March 23, 1955: the decree cuм hac nostra aetate, not published in the Acta Apostolica Sedis and not printed in the liturgical books, on the reform of the rubrics of the Missal and Breviary.


Well, it took me just ten minutes to find it  :smirk:

It was not printed in the liturgical books because the Decree itself forbade the Printing Presses to make any change in the typical editions of the Roman Breviary and Missal until further notice. Every Priest and Religious has their Ordines to help them conform with the "new" rubrics anyways, just like the generation before them used their old Breviaries and conformed to Divino afflatu until the new typical editions were promulgated, published and distributed throughout the Catholic world.

And it's "Apostolicae," but who's doing the math, right? Hopefully that was a typo.

Where art thou, Pistrina?


Putting aside my personal views on Don Ricossa, I still think that he is one of the most educated men in the present "traditionalist movement".

The big/small (?) difference is, that in Divino afflatu a new printing was not forbidden, it was regarded as the final version - at least for some time.
But since you mentioned the Ordines...well, we don´t really have proper Ordines anymore without Ordinaries. Does this mean that I can just follow the rubrics as stated in the breviary/missal? ;-)

And remembering past times without Internet and iPhone, the Church was much more lenient in giving priests some time to adapt/buy their new books.  


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Thank God for Aristotle!


Absolutely!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 25, 2011, 08:24:38 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Quote from: Cristian
I`ve a sort of deep devotion towards Pius XII (yes Raoul... I can`t help it  :smile:)


I do too!


 :cheers:

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Quote
Talking about the 1955 rubrics, I believe a reform was needed... now if the one Pius XII made was perfect, good, etc I think that another point, although I like it :)


Me too! We have so much in common!  :farmer:


 :jumping2:



Quote
Question: Has Fr. Ricossa ("Liturgical Revolution," http://www.traditionalmass.org/articles/article.php?id=37&catname=6) been corrected for writing the following:

Quote
March 23, 1955: the decree cuм hac nostra aetate, not published in the Acta Apostolica Sedis and not printed in the liturgical books, on the reform of the rubrics of the Missal and Breviary.


Well, it took me just ten minutes to find it  :smirk:


Well I did notice this mistake of Fr. Ricossa while I was at MHT but you know... in certain circles you can´t criticize certain people... :)

BTW the decree cuм Nostra is here http://www.vatican.va/archive/aas/docuмents/AAS%2047%20[1955]%20-%20ocr.pdf (page 218 ff)

Did you notice this gems also?

Fr. Ricossa said
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In his New Mass, Paul VI suppresses from the Mass all the elements of the "Gallican liturgy (dating from before Charlemagne), following the wicked doctrine of "archaeologism" condemned by Pius Xll. Thus, the offertory disappeared (to the great joy of protestants), to be replaced by a Jєωιѕн grace before meals. Following the same principle, the New Rite of Holy Week had suppressed all the prayers in the ceremony of blessing the palms (except one), the Epistle, Offertory and Preface which came first, and the Mass of the Presanctified on Good Friday.


Is he saying that Pius XII was archaeologist or am I misunderstanding him?

Bishop Dollar said http://www.traditionalmass.org/articles/article.php?id=36&catname=6

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The whole of the Church's venerable Holy Week got the axe in 1955 with the publication of Maxima Redemptionis. The lie is repeated and extended: this is merely a change of times. The drastic overhauling of most of the ceremonies of the Church's most sacred week receives no justification. How could it?


Well Pius XII wasn´t a lier!  :really-mad2: In any case if  Dollar  can accuse a Pope of lying why are we surprised of his sermon "an apology"?

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It was not printed in the liturgical books because the Decree itself forbade the Printing Presses to make any change in the typical editions of the Roman Breviary and Missal until further notice. Every Priest and Religious has their Ordines to help them conform with the "new" rubrics anyways, just like the generation before them used their old Breviaries and conformed to Divino afflatu until the new typical editions were promulgated, published and distributed throughout the Catholic world.


Good point!

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Thank God for Aristotle!


Yes :)

PS: Maurras himself accepted in his deathbed that the condemnation of L´Action was well done.

PS 2: Did you know he died as Catholic, receiving all the sacraments and that he always had, even when he was pagan, a devotion towards St. Therese of Lisieux and that he corresponded with her sister? :)
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 25, 2011, 08:31:09 AM
Quote from: Cristian
PS: Maurras himself accepted in his deathbed that the condemnation of L´Action was well done.


I already agreed with you that something was wrong with him  :laugh1:

But I really did not wanted to start a discussion about l'Action Française, since this would go very far and I am also not really qualified in this matter.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 25, 2011, 08:32:33 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Quote from: Cristian
PS: Maurras himself accepted in his deathbed that the condemnation of L´Action was well done.


I already agreed with you that something was wrong with him  :laugh1:



 :roll-laugh2:
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 25, 2011, 09:20:17 PM
Quote from: Cristian
Well I did notice this mistake of Fr. Ricossa while I was at MHT but you know... in certain circles you can´t criticize certain people... :)


Ah yes, there are certain "sacred cows" before whose waddling one is at times obliged under duress to stop and pay reverence.  

As time goes on, however, more people seem to be awakening, and now drive to happier destinations...

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Is he saying that Pius XII was archaeologist or am I misunderstanding him?


Yeah, that's pretty much what the reader cannot but infer from the way that statement was written.

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Well Pius XII wasn´t a lier!  :really-mad2: In any case if  Dollar  can accuse a Pope of lying why are we surprised of his sermon "an apology"?


Ha, stupidity and absurdity are the legitimate consequences of [or, chastisements for] solipsistic ecclesiology and a delicate liturgiological aestheticism.

Those who are so critical of the reforms of Pope Pius XII, do they avail themselves the mitigation of the ancient Eucharistic fast promulgated by the Apostolic Constitution Christus Dominus [6 January 1953] and the Motu Proprio Sacram Communionem [19 March 1957]? As Rev. Fr. Vaillancourt has observed, the mitigation of the Eucharistic Mass and the permission for evening Masses were concomitant with the Restored Order of Holy Week, and the Restored Order of the Paschal Vigil previously promulgated ad experimentum in 1951 and 1952 (if memory serves aright).
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 25, 2011, 09:30:27 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
The big/small (?) difference is, that in Divino afflatu a new printing was not forbidden, it was regarded as the final version - at least for some time.


That is true, but the liturgists observed that the Supreme Pontiff intended further liturgical reforms, but St. Pius X focused his energy in codifiying the Code of Canon Law (Deo gratias!).

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But since you mentioned the Ordines...well, we don´t really have proper Ordines anymore without Ordinaries. Does this mean that I can just follow the rubrics as stated in the breviary/missal? ;-)


Yes, that true, sadly.

To follow the Universal Calendar of the Roman Rite and the rubrics that are physically found in the typical editions of the liturgical books of the same Rite seems to be the most consistent [and perhaps desirable] option for those clerics who choose to reject the reforms of Pope Pius XII. Those who do follow the reforms of Pope Pius XII are to follow the decrees of the Congregation of Sacred Rites and the authoritative interpretations of the same decrees given in response to the various dubia presented to this same Roman Congregation. For that, an Ordo would be the easiest option, since those rubrics are not physically found in the typical editions of the liturgical books.

Of course, I shouldn't play "Who Want's to be a Canonist?" So, I'll just stop whilst I'm ahead...  :guitar:
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 26, 2011, 01:11:29 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Those who are so critical of the reforms of Pope Pius XII, do they avail themselves the mitigation of the ancient Eucharistic fast promulgated by the Apostolic Constitution Christus Dominus [6 January 1953] and the Motu Proprio Sacram Communionem [19 March 1957]? As Rev. Fr. Vaillancourt has observed, the mitigation of the Eucharistic Mass and the permission for evening Masses were concomitant with the Restored Order of Holy Week, and the Restored Order of the Paschal Vigil previously promulgated ad experimentum in 1951 and 1952 (if memory serves aright).


The majority of the European clergy also strongly disfavors the Eucharistic fasting laws as well as the permission of evening Masses.
If this is now a more consistent position, I do not know. Others again do the old Holy Saturday, but in the evening, as was permitted by Pius XII.

The American clergy following the earlier rubrics seem to be more receptive to those reforms.  
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 26, 2011, 07:45:00 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos

The majority of the European clergy also strongly disfavors the Eucharistic fasting laws as well as the permission of evening Masses.


Really? Warum? (why?)

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Others again do the old Holy Saturday, but in the evening, as was permitted by Pius XII.


As I was told, one of them is Fr. Ricossa himself and he does that for "pastoral reasons" also... :)

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 26, 2011, 09:10:27 AM
Quote from: Cristian
Quote from: Pyrrhos

The majority of the European clergy also strongly disfavors the Eucharistic fasting laws as well as the permission of evening Masses.


Really? Warum? (why?)


Oh, just the old argumentation "it´s not how it was done".
But actually Pius XII. himself says that it would still be better to follow the old law - which is actually quite ancient, I think. And I also believe that the evening Masses should not be seen as the normal time for the celebration of Mass, too.

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As I was told, one of them is Fr. Ricossa himself and he does that for "pastoral reasons" also... :)


Really? I remember seeing bright daylight in one of the pictures of his Holy Saturday in Turin. But maybe I am wrong.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 26, 2011, 10:33:12 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos

Quote
As I was told, one of them is Fr. Ricossa himself and he does that for "pastoral reasons" also... :)


Really? I remember seeing bright daylight in one of the pictures of his Holy Saturday in Turin. But maybe I am wrong.


Yes, I think it was Bp Sanborn who told us this. In any case the Restoration of the Pascual Vigil to Saturday night is probably one of the best thing, IMO, in the 1955 new rubrics. You can´t feast Our Lord´s resurrection while He is still buried.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Cristian on June 26, 2011, 10:38:26 AM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
Quote from: Cristian
Quote from: Pyrrhos

The majority of the European clergy also strongly disfavors the Eucharistic fasting laws as well as the permission of evening Masses.


Really? Warum? (why?)


Oh, just the old argumentation "it´s not how it was done".


LOL

Quote
But actually Pius XII himself says that it would still be better to follow the old law - which is actually quite ancient, I think. And I also believe that the evening Masses should not be seen as the normal time for the celebration of Mass, too.


It is true about that of Pius XII, but I think the situation in our days makes sometimes (even "many times") impossible to say Mass in the morning, as we all know.

Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 26, 2011, 09:52:58 PM
Quote from: Cristian
In any case the Restoration of the Pascual Vigil to Saturday night is probably one of the best thing, IMO, in the 1955 new rubrics. You can´t feast Our Lord´s resurrection while He is still buried.


Yes! Finally, someone who agrees with me about this!

I find it quite disturbing to suddenly prepare the Altar for Easter Sunday and cease the Quadragesimal fast at noontide, when the Blessed Virgin, the holy Women and the Apostles were still mourning for Our Lord at that time. The Restored Vigil just makes more sense in this regard.

I find it odd that people object to the reception of Holy Communion on Good Friday (or, Feria VI in Passione et Morte Domini), when it was formerly the ancient practice and the connection between the Passion and Death of Our Lord and the Holy Eucharist would make such a practice all the more edifying and spiritually enriching on the very day these Mysteries are commemorated. As the Collect for the Office and Mass of Corpus Christi says:

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Deus, qui nobis sub Sacraménto mirábili passiónis tuae memóriam reliquísti: tríbue, quaésumus, ita nos Córporis et Sánguinis tui sacra mystéria venerári; ut redemptiónis tuae fructum in nobis júgiter sentiámus. Qui vivis, etc.


Anyways, I personally find it quite edifying and sensible; or maybe I love Pope Pius XII too much...
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Hobbledehoy on June 26, 2011, 10:29:09 PM
Quote from: Pyrrhos
But actually Pius XII. himself says that it would still be better to follow the old law - which is actually quite ancient, I think.


In the Motu Proprio Sacram Communionem [19 March 1957; A.A.S., vol. xlix., pp. 177-178] Pope Pius XII wrote:

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But we earnestly exhort priests and faithful who are able to do so, to preserve the venerable and ancient form of the Eucharistic fast before Mass or Holy Communion.

Finally, all who enjoy these concessions are to endeavor seriously to compensate for the benefits received by becoming illustrious examples of the Christian life, especially by works of penance and charity (Omnes denique, qui his facultatibus perfruentur, collatum beneficium pro viribus rependere satagant fulgentioribus christianae vitae exemplis, praesertim poenitentiae et caritatis operibus).


This latter point seems to be forgotten nowadays. Perhaps it is because some Catholics neglect this grave obligation that they do not seem to derive much fruit from their Communions, and deliver themselves over to tepidity and laxity. This may be evinced by the paucity of the faithful who remain in their pews after Holy Mass for an appropriate thanksgiving for having received Holy Communion: something which was a problems long before the 1960's, as Rev. Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange noted in a chapter in his celebrated work The Three Ages of the Interior Life. Perhaps this may be the explanation for the unnervingly high tolerance [or, perhaps, preference] for mediocrity in some traditional Catholics (whether sedevacantists, non-sedevacantists, none of the above, etc.); and perhaps why the whole mess in the 1960's and beyond happened.

The English translation of the Motu Proprio was taken from The Pope Speaks: Addresses and Publications of the Holy Father (Vol. 4, no. 1, Summer 1957, pp. 7-8).
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on June 27, 2011, 12:50:50 AM
Quote from: Hobbledehoy
Yes! Finally, someone who agrees with me about this!


I also agree, but it is bad to make to many concessions in the very beginning of a discussion ;-)

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I find it odd that people object to the reception of Holy Communion on Good Friday (or, Feria VI in Passione et Morte Domini), when it was formerly the ancient practice and the connection between the Passion and Death of Our Lord and the Holy Eucharist would make such a practice all the more edifying and spiritually enriching on the very day these Mysteries are commemorated.


A historian once told me that this arouse because the Lutherans continued to observe Good Friday as one of their main Communion days, and the Catholics then wanted to make some kind of separation there.

Regarding your points on Holy Communion: I could not agree more!
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on July 04, 2011, 12:22:01 PM
A quote from Benedict´ XV. Encyclical, "Spiritus Paraclitus"

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32. His unceasing reading of the Bible and his painstaking study of each book - nay, of every phrase and word - gave him a knowledge of the text such as no other ecclesiastical writer of old possessed. It is due to this familiarity with the text and to his own acute judgment that the Vulgate version Jerome made is, in the judgment of all capable men, preferable to any other ancient version, since it appears to give us the sense of the original more accurately and with greater elegance than they. The said Vulgate, "approved by so many centuries of use in the Church" was pronounced by the Council of Trent "authentic," and the same Council insisted that it was to be used in teaching and in the liturgy. If God in His mercy grants us life, we sincerely hope to see an amended and faithfully restored edition. We have no doubt that when this arduous task - entrusted by our predecessor, Pius X, to the Benedictine Order - has been completed it will prove of great assistance in the study of the Bible.
Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on November 01, 2011, 02:25:28 AM
Happy Centenary of the Promulgation of the Bull of Pope St. Pius X Divino afflatu!
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(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d89/platonic123/Sacred%20Miscellany/breviarium4.jpg)


In order to commemorate this great occasion, here is the text of the docuмent that revitalized the Roman Rite from the tome The New Psalter and Its Use by Rev. Frs. Edwin Burton and Edward Myers (London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1912)..


(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d89/platonic123/Sacred%20Texts/Divinoafflatu1.jpg)

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Title: Centenary of Divino afflatu
Post by: Pyrrhos on November 01, 2011, 12:41:33 PM
Hopefully, the next Supreme Pontiff will also restore the ancient hymns back into the Roman Breviary, where they rightfully belong. For now, I´ll have to take up the monastic breviaries to find them.

Sadly, the increase of liturgical life and devotion was abruptly stopped with the false council. I wish that one day this task, started by St. Pius X., will be continued.