Back To The Future

Mark down this date.

July 7, 2007 (and you don't think the numerologists don't get the significance of it?).

This day will be known as when the "reform of the reform" officially began.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, has finally issued the long awaited moto proprio allowing parish priests to use of the Mass of Pius V, more commonly known as the Tridentine Latin Mass (TLM), alongside the current Missa Novus Ordo.

In allowing the TLM to be used, it is not replacing the present form of the Mass. It allows a priest to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with this rite if there is a suitable number of the faithful who request it. The papal document removes the requirement of having the local bishop approve such a request.

Amy Wellborn at Open Book provides a good start on what this means.

Jeff Miller, the Curt Jester has a good round-up of reactions from "the ususal suspects" and a post with more implications about this.

For an excellent source of articles and posts, go no further than Gerald Augustinus at The Cafeteria Is Closed. Choose from this menu.

Jimmy Akin writes about it and also adds his own insights.

(UPDATE) Karen Hall at Some Have Hats throws in her thoughts.

There is certainly much to digest, if you visit the myriad of 'blogs that will have something to say about this, whether celebrating or critizing.

But think about this bit of irony:

Many Protestant churches have a "traditional" and "contemporary" service on the same Sunday (however you wish to define those words).

Perhaps the same idea will be coming soon to a Catholic church near you.