All things to be done in unity

Rubrics in an illustrated Gradual - Wikipedia

In yesterday’s blog (Rightsand Rites), I distinguished between:

• the language used in the Mass
• the specific Rite (new, old, etc.)
• detailed rubrics

Rubrics derive from the Latin rubrica, meaning “red earth”, and refer to the red text in liturgical books that gives instructions about what is to be done during the Mass. They indicate, literally, the red writing on the page of the missal, describing what is to be done and how. These rubrics, and the detailed liturgical guidance they contain, are very important, but they belong to a different category of importance from the Rite itself.

Whatever Rite, practice, or language is used, it is essential that everything is done:

• with the utmost respect and dignity fitting to the celebration of this most holy Sacrament;
• in unity with the directions of the local bishop and, ultimately, the Pope;
• in a pastorally sensitive way that meets the needs of the faithful, as judged by local pastors.

Many battles have been fought over liturgy. We need to be mindful that there are many branches of what might be called ‘Catholic traditionalism’: from those who have broken entirely with Rome, to those who remain in communion but dissent from official oversight, to those who are fully compliant with local and Vatican authority and have permission to celebrate the liturgy according to the pre-conciliar form of the Roman Rite (the 1962 Missal). The Catholic Church does not regard the Novus Ordo (the newer form of the Mass) as a separate Rite from the pre‑conciliar form though some on the traditionalist fringes dispute this.

I believe there should be some room for accommodation of local needs, as seemed to be the case under Pope Benedict XVI. However, measures were taken during the papacy of Pope Francis to restrict the celebration of the older form of the Mass (often colloquially referred to as the ‘Tridentine Rite’ though the term ‘Rite’ here is debated). Perhaps these measures went too far and did not sit easily with the spirit of ‘synodality’ which emphasises listening and accompanying people?

At the same time, there is some evidence that, in certain cases, proponents of the older forms of the liturgy have adopted arguments or attitudes that risk disrupting the unity of the Church - for example, questioning the validity of the newer form of the Mass, or aligning themselves with political expressions that portray the Pope in an excessively negative light, even when he speaks on peace, justice, and global solidarity.

In other words, what may appear to be a dispute over liturgical Rites and rubrics is about more than these. It touches on authority, obedience, submission to the magisterium, full acceptance of the teaching of Vatican II and ultimately the spirit of the Gospel itself. It is also true that some groups on the fringes of radical Catholic traditionalism - those not in full communion with Rome - can attract individuals with extreme political views. This is not typical, but neither is it insignificant. I say this from personal experience.

If only we could learn to live as sensible Christians: making space for one another, remaining faithful to tradition, staying in communion with the whole Church, and living out the Gospel where we are planted. Christ came that we might be one in Him and in the Father. Unity is not synonymous with uniformity. A legitimate diversity of liturgical expression enriches the Church. Indeed, the Roman Rite is only one of several Rites recognised by the Catholic Church, many of which are in full communion with Rome -for example, the Byzantine Rite as practised by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. There is also a fully recognised Ordinariate for former Anglicans who have ‘crossed the Tiber’ and wish to retain elements of the beauty of the Book of Common Prayer within Catholic worship.

Perhaps something might be learned from the practice of some Anglican congregations (as distinct from the Catholic Ordinariate), which typically provide an early Sunday service in “Rite 1” using language and forms drawn from the 17^th century - a somewhat updated Elizabethan English. Alongside this, ‘Rite 2’ worship, in more contemporary language, is usually the main service later in the morning.

In the meantime, I plan to attend Mass in Croatian this Holy Trinity Sunday. Although I will understand very little, I can still enter into the spirit of the liturgy and quietly pray the words of the Ár nAthair (the Our Father).

Oremus pro invicem — let us pray for one another.