Archbishop versus Deum

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin is known to be a 'liberal' and broad-minded prelate. Yesterday came further proof of this when he celebrated a Pontifical High Mass in St Audoen's Church in Dublin, according to the rite of 1962. The ancient rite had been restored in Dublin under the indult by his far more 'conservative' predecessor, Desmond Cardinal Connell, but the Cardinal had never come to celebrate the Mass himself. Archbishop Martin's gracious act will be an enormous shot in the arm for all devotees of Catholic tradition in Ireland -- and beyond. He will give 'liberal' a good name, just as his predecessor tended to give 'conservative' a bad one! I am reliably informed that although somewhat unsure of his rubrics (which is very understandable), the Archbishop threw himself fully into the ceremony, and celebrated with gravity. Stet et pascat in fortitudine Domini!

Sorry, Sorrentino!

Benedict has struck, dispatching two birds with one stone. Archbishop Sorrentino, known foe of things traditional, has been removed as Secretary for the Congregation for Divine Worship, after only two years in the job, and has been appointed Bishop of Assisi (note, it's not an Archbishopric, and although he is allowed to keep his title of Archbishop, the demotion is clear). This move goes hand in hand with the restriction of the autonomy of the Franciscans in Assisi by Benedict's recent motu proprio. No more slaying of chickens on the altar! The Pope shows his sense of humour by subjecting one foe (the Fran.s) to the jurisdiction of another (Archbishop Sorrentino). More of this please! The stables need a thorough cleaning. With Sorrentino gone, the way is clear for a new Secretary, and a proper reform of Catholic liturgy.

Christus Rex

A king is a ruler with absolute power. If Jesus presents himself as a King, which he does, he claims total dominion. But over what? Over our lives. Or rather, over my life, and yours. We resist his sway, however. Even if we allow him to reign in most parts of our lives, there are always corners of his realm in us where he is not welcome. There we wish to rule. But he cannot really be our King unless his rule is complete. Thy Kingdom come, we say, but then we immediately add: thy will be done. His will must be done in every aspect of our lives. The Feast of Christ the King challenges us to let him reign fully in our hearts, our minds, our wills. Adveniat regnum tuum!

Austrian Ad Limina

The Austrian bishops got some very straight talking from Big Ben this morning. See the Vatican website for the full text, which is well worth reading. Here is a sample: "In the uncertainty of these times and this society, give people the certainty of the undiluted faith of the Church. It is the clarity and beauty of the Catholic faith which can brighten people's lives even today."

Indulgences

It may be helpful to set out clearly what is necessary to gain the plenary indulgences for the dead which are available in these days.
First: From noon today, Nov. 1st, until midnight tomorrow, Nov. 2nd, you may gain one plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory by visiting a church or oratory and there praying the Apostles' creed and an Our Father. In addition, you must receive Holy Communion, go to Confession, and pray for the Pope's intentions.
Second: From today, Nov 1st, until Nov 8th, you may gain a plenary indulgence for the souls in purgatory every day by visiting a cemetery and praying there for the dead. For each indulgence you must also receive Communion and pray for the Pope's intentions, but it is sufficient to make one Confession.
A reminder: an indulgence is not about the remission of sins, but the remission of punishment due to sin. When I take a thorn out of my flesh, a wound remains, which must heal. Likewise, even when my sins are forgiven, damage has been done, and must be repaired. The souls in purgatory are damaged from their sins, and in need of healing. A plenary indulgence gained by you for them will speed them on their way to heaven. Go on, get yourself a few friends in the highest place of all!