Quo Vadis, Pope Benedict?

Pope Benedict XVI has authorized the wider use of the old Latin mass, otherwise known as the Tridentine Mass, which is favored by the more fundamentalist Catholic. Such a rite was restricted after Vatican II, wherein it standardized the celebrating of the Mass in the language of the parishioners attending it. Put plainly, in the language understood by the majority of those attending the mass. The Tridentine Mass may now be celebrated when there is a request for it by a considerable number of people. A bishop’s approval is no longer needed. Apparently there is a lot more to this issue than a simple language change. Some feel that a rift may occur between those who prefer it and those who would like to uphold the changes that occurred in the Second Vatican Council. Others argue that such a move is a “step backwards”, referring to the Tridentine as a 1500-year-old form of worship. An obvious clash between the old and the new.

What strikes me is not the whole issue of celebrating the mass in Latin or not, but the way the current Pontiff has somewhat changed two facets of the Catholic faith. Recently, he issued a statement that limbo did not exist. A teaching that has dated back to the early Roman church, where it was believed to be the destination of babies who die before being baptized. And now this. It only shows that the current leader of the largest religious group in the world is very much into the meaty part of the faith, doctrines. A far cry from the former Pope, John Paul II, who spent more time tending to his flock by going all over the world and visiting the faithful.

But is the Latin Mass a better one? Are those who hear a mass in Latin more blessed than those hearing it in Cebuano? If the Pope has allowed its revival, then there must be something to it. Nostalgia perhaps? For some, especially the fundamentalists, it is a more solemn and higher form of mass, even though it is said in a language long considered to be dead. We might as well speak in tongues and not understand each other. Also, the celebrant priest faces away from the people, and often whispers. Seems impersonal. I know of a church in New Manila that often celebrates mass this way.

It is interesting to see what Pope Benedict will change next. The Roman church may be in a state of flux, where old and new practices are either revived, modified or thrown out. As the times change, apparently so does the church, vis-à-vis its leader, whose infallibility is still intact. A doctrine that may last till the end of time.

CBCP: Abalos Out

Here in the local scene, the church also plays a different role, that of government critic. The CBCP has asked for the resignation of Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos and other officials as a way to start electoral reforms. The bishops are also calling for the appointment of a new chair and commissioners with unquestioned integrity and competence. I wonder where they are going to find those people? For the bishops, the conduct of the last two elections have been less than acceptable, and it is time for these incumbent officials to step down for the citizenry to regain its faith on the electoral process.

Naturally, the beleaguered chairman defended himself and the institution, placing the blame on the voters’ moral degeneration. The fact that voters sell their votes and politicians buy them is not the fault of the Comelec, according to Abalos. Then I guess it’s like saying that a coach can’t be blamed or held accountable when a team plays badly. But isn’t the coach the first to get sacked when a team falls short of its expectations? The Comelec handles the elections. It runs the elections. So when the proverbial waste hits the fan, we blame the Comelec. Command responsibility, plain and simple. As they say, it’s lonely at the top. Might as well step down.