Down Turn and Up Turn

The Down Turn .........

Some have noted with sadness the new guidelines issued by the Archdiocese of Manila governing the celebration of the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal. This material can be read from the Archdiocese web site. The Title of the Guidelines goes this way Archdiocesan Guidelines on the Celebration of the Mass According to the Rite of the Roman Missal Published in 1962. The document sounds to be restrictive and sounds as if the Summorum Pontificum does not exist. Let us make the sacrifice of offering a rosary for this intention. (Picture courtesy of wikipedia: Interior of Basilica Minore of San Sebastian, Manila, Philippines)

The Up Turn ........

If there are silver linings in the clouds that gives a sense of hope and faith in the midst of the storm, I would say that the statement of support offered by the Episcopal Conference of Poland is the silver lining that paves for the way to light. Amidst the controversy stirred by the secular media and secular politicians over the lifting of the censures of the Four SSPX Bishops, the Bishops of Poland on the contrary offered their encouragement, praise and prayers for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope's desire to foster unity in the heart of the Church must merit the support and encouragement from all Catholics. A portion of the letter goes this way: "On behalf of the bishops of the Polish Episcopal Conference, I wish to express to Your Holiness words of gratitude for the latest gestures and steps, which have shown the concern of the Successor of St. Peter for the unity of the Church of Christ." The full translation of this can be read from the Blog Rorate Coeli. The letter was signed by Józef Michalik, Metropolitan Archbishop of Przemyśl, President of the Polish Episcopal Conference, Stanisław Gądecki Vice President, Polish, Episcopal Conference, Stanisław Budzik Secretary-General, Polish Episcopal Conference.