Madam, - The arguments for and against the principles outlined in the Holy Father's document to the World's Bishops (Moto Proprio, July 7th, 2007), have been quite balanced, with one or two exceptions. However, a few significant aspects of the subject have been neglected.
Since the universal introduction of the vernacular Mass during the second Vatican Council (1962-65), the laity, in general, have had very little choice in this matter.
Now that Pope Benedict XV1 has very wisely, generously and caringly provided a choice in the matter, through the use of the Missale Romanum as a Forma Extraordinaria of the liturgical celebration, individual members or groups of the laity in each parish or dioscse may legitimately request access to the Tridentine Mass.Effectively, there will now be considerably less ambiguity and much more clarity for the laity.
The Holy Father makes it patently clear in his Moto Proprio letter that "it is not appropriate to speak of these two versions of the Roman Missal as if they were two rites. Rather, it is a matter of a twofold use of one and the same rite".
A fundamental problem likely to be encountered in the event of a substantial demand for the Latin Mass is the shortage of priests adequately qualified to celebrate the Eucharist in this mode. Leaving Certificate Latin is no longer required for aspiring clerical students and is treated as an optional subject for study in the Seminary.
This glaring deficit, I would suggest, is most regrettable and must be corrected quickly in the light of current developments emanating from the Holy See. One hopes, of course, that there will be adequate classical scholarship within the seminaries to teach Latin!
Those who argue that having easier access to the traditional Mass, dating from 1570, with all its majestic beauty and liturgical richness, is likely to "alienate" the faithful should produce the evidence to substantiate their fragile and spurious arguments.
A scientific representative survey of the faithful in each diocese would settle the matter unequivocally and put fruitless speculation and groundless anxiety beyond doubt. - Yours, etc,
PATRICK J.O'BRIEN, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Madam, - The ongoing debate in your letters page regarding Pope Benedict's recent instruction on the traditional Latin Mass clearly shows a willingness on behalf of the laity to discuss this most important Papal decision. This sadly contrasts with the silence of the Irish Bishops on the matter. - Yours, etc,
GARETH JAMES O'FLAHERTY, Newbridge, Co Kildare.