Catholics Have Right To Ancient Rites

Our friend Brian Kopp writes over at the Summorum blog about the preface written to Dr. Alcuin Reid’s new book. In the preface, Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, makes some very forceful comments about the rights of the faithful when it comes to the Gregorian Rite (TLM) and the obligations of priests and bishops:

It is a pleasure for me to present this fifteenth edition of Ceremonies of the Roman Rite Described, the first edition to appear since the Motu Proprio of our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, Summorum Pontificum, dated 7th July 2007, definitively clarified that the rites according to the liturgical books in use in 1962 were never abrogated and that they truly constitute a treasure that belongs to the entire Catholic Church and should be widely available to all of Christ’s faithful. It is now clear that Catholics have a juridical right to the more ancient liturgical rites, and that parish priests and bishops must accept the petitions and the requests of the faithful who ask for it. This is the express will of the Supreme Pontiff, legally established in Summorum Pontificum in a manner that must be respected by ecclesiastical superiors and local ordinaries alike.

Let’s say it again, the faithful have a right to these rites that must be respected. For the life of me, I cannot understand what is so difficult to understand. Let’s get the clarification on all the pseudo objections out as soon as possible if only to allow the natural course of events to take place unimpeded. If nobody wants it, why worry.

Anyway, it is late and the presidential debate has me worn out. Be sure to read the entire piece over at Summorum Pontificum, it is well worth it.