The Promises of Vatican II, Unfulfilled – My Opinion (continued)
By Edward J. Thompson
The vernacular Mass with the priest facing the people was probably the most visible change to the laity just after the last session of the Council. It was also promulgated that the Church would continue to provide versions of the Bible in the "mother tongues" of the faithful, and both the clergy and laity were to make Bible study a central part of their lives. Today, unfortunately, there are rumblings in Rome about the celebrant during Eucharist facing away from the people. The new translations for the Mass put out by Rome recently appear to be less than understandable to the people and further separate us from the priest celebrating Mass.
We in VOTF are lay Catholics who are among the most educated and responsible in the history of the Church. Yet, when we have advocated for more lay control over the administration of the Church, by and large we have been met with clerical cynicism and silence. Why? I think it has to do with the hierarchy's fear of loss of control. The all -male celibate culture refuses to give up some of its power to the laity because they will lose absolute control over the functioning of the Church. The eminent writer, Eugene Kennedy has said the Church is the last surviving, medieval institution in the world, and while it is slowly dying, it will not relinquish its power to anyone who is not clerical. How sad for them, I think.
But there is still hope in the local churches. In Seattle, Father Michael Ryan has objected to the new English translation of the Mass. His courageous stance is a wonder to behold. He has even asked all thinking Catholics to join him at www.whatifwejustsaidwait.org
Would you consider adding your name to the other 8,400 Catholics who have joined Father Ryan in his request to put a halt on this disastrous translation? All you have to do is click on Father Ryan's website above and follow the prompts. By adding your name to the many others who think this translation does not enhance the message of Jesus in the Gospels, you will be saying to Rome that we will not tolerate a return to a pre-conciliar Church.
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