Pope Benedict is said to be set to ease restrictions on the ancient Tridentine Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI is expected to loosen the restrictions for saying the Tridentine Mass handed down during the Second Vatican Council.
The Tridentine Mass, often referred to as the Latin Mass, has been officially conducted since the 16th century, when it was approved by the Council of Trent – hence the name.
According to LatinMass.org, however, it has been said since the sixth century.
Older Roman Catholics may remember attending these Masses pre-Vatican II. Besides the fact that the Mass was said in Latin, other notable differences exist. For instance, the priest does not face the parishioners during Mass. Rather, he faces the alter to lead prayer and worship. Secondly, there is much less participation by the Mass attendees. Lastly, the movements of the priest during Mass are highly choreographed. The priest is given much less freedom to personalize the Mass. This is to ensure that anywhere the faithful attend Mass, it will be familiar and comfortable.
While this worked well in the early church, Pope Paul VI recognized during the Second Vatican Council that people desired a more intimate experience during Mass. While not abolishing the Latin Mass, the Pope gave permission for Mass to be said in the vernacular, or local language.
Pope Benedict XVI is expected to release a motu proprio in which he will encourage priests to use the Latin Mass more often.
This is not a move toward abolishing the Mass enjoyed now, but rather to preserve the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church and allow all to enjoy its many offerings.
Reaction is bound to be mixed. Younger Roman Catholics, who have never experienced the Latin Mass, may be intrigued and curious. Older Roman Catholics may welcome the move out of nostalgia or may not, having grown accustomed to a more participatory Mass.
Others have expressed concern that this may be a move toward a stricter Church. But spokesmen for Pope Benedict assure us that this is, instead, a move to broaden interest in the Roman Catholic Church by showing all the diverse forms of worship it has to offer.
Pope Benedict XVI is expected to release the papal document soon, offering new generations of Roman Catholics the opportunity to attend the Latin Mass. Until then, tight restrictions govern when and where the Latin Mass is allowed.
In the blogosphere reaction has been, surprisingly, almost non-existent. Bloggers have been reporting the news but for the most part have been reserving comment for after the Papal document is released.
