Bishop Trautman reminded his fellow bishops that the use of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist is intended "exclusively for those instances where there are not enough ordinary ministers to distribute Holy Communion."That’s as far as I’ll go at present. I’m aware of the general indult (for use of the “Tridentine” rite) rumors, but what’s the point of speaking before we have a document? (Although some French clergy have made their objections known.) If it happens, we’ll see how many self-styled “Traditionalists” really are concerned with liturgy and how many have more political interests –such as rejection of Dignitatis Humanae. What is forthcoming is the post-synodal statement summarizing the synod on the Eucharist, to which we can look forward with joyful hope.
Just about a month to go before the big trip to Turkey –and extra security is planned –as much as for George Bush.
There have been several commemorations worldwide of the Hungarian uprising of 1956. Pope Benedict sent a message to President Sólyom doing same.
I am pleased to observe, Mr President, that despite all the oppression they have endured down the centuries, most recently from Soviet Communism, your people have always maintained the correct evaluation of the relationship between the State and citizens, beyond all ideology. According to the Christian vision that inspired the various peoples who were to form the Hungarian Nation, the human person, with his legitimate moral, ethical and social aspirations, takes precedence over the State. The legal structure and the secular nature of the State have always been conceived with respect for natural law expressed in authentic national values which, for believers, are enriched by Revelation. The heartfelt wish that I now renew is that Hungary may build a future free from all forms of oppression and ideological conditioning.
His letter to Card. Sodano appointing him papal legate for the celebrations is interesting, too, though not in English. (Spanish, though.) A rough translation of the opening graf:
It is noble and just to defend and preserve the liberty and religious freedom. In fact, “true liberty is an eminent sign of the image of God in Man” (GS 17). The Church has therefore always considered it her duty to preach true dignity and liberty: “Man was created intelligent and free by God the Creator.” Thus those who have been persecuted or lost their lives in defense of freedom are worthy of praise and pious remembrance.
In both letters, the Pope indicates his conviction that meditating on the Hungarian uprising is essential for Europe right now. Perhaps we ought to meditate on what he means by that.
Plus other stuff of interest:
- Both parts of Zenit’s transcript of a debate between Richard Dawkins and David Quinn about belief in God. The highlight of which is Dawkins’ comment:
I am not interested in free will.
Decide for yourself whether he’s worth paying any attention to after that. - Bishop Chaput’s voter guide.
- Fr. Neuhaus on the “Regensburg Moment” (Curtsy: Insight Scoop).
- SOS for Iraqi Christians.
