What is this Motu proprio thing?
First off, what does “Motu proprio” mean? Well, Wikipedia describes it pretty well.
A motu proprio is a papal rescript in which the clause motu proprio (Latin, “of his own motion”) is used, signifying that the provisions of the rescript were decided by the Pope personally and not by a cardinal or other advisors. It is normally in the form of a decree, resembling a papal brief except that it is not sealed and countersigned. The first motu proprio was issued by Pope Innocent VIII in 1484. It continues to be a common form of rescript, especially when establishing institutions, making minor changes to law or procedure and when granting favours to persons or institutions.
This one that Pope Benedict issued yesterday (7/7/7), is called “Summorum Ponificum“. Click on the the title for the full text. You can also click here for an explanatory letter from the Pope himself.
But does all this mean? I’ve seen an article that implied that Papa Ben was doing this just to upset so-called “liberals”, whatever a “Catholic liberal” is. I’m not so sure about that. Another headline I read said that he was “rolling back the clock”. I laughed. So what does it mean? Well, to be honest much smarter folks than me have already said a lot about it. I’ll just defer to these scholars. 
- First off, Fr. Z of the blog and podcast “WHat Does The Prayer Really Say?” has some excellent commentary on the document itself.
- Fr. Z also has some commentary on comments made by Fr. Fredrico Lombardi, a papal spokesman which is a good read.
- Fr. Z (yes, I love the guy) also has some comments on Cardinal Ricard’s (who was responsible for communication with the group SSPX that has been at odds with the Vatican over the Latin Mass) reaction to the Motu proprio.
- Fr. Z (yes, him again) reacts to an AP article on the Motu proprio.
- Jimmy Akin (only one link???) has some comments on the document itself on his self titled blog.
- Jeff Miller on his blog The Curt Jester comments on the document. Expect some humor.
- Finally Fr. Martin Fox takes a little more guarded view.
So basically this does loosen the use of the older Latin Mass. I am concerned as is Fr. Fox about the possible resource strain this could cause for individual parishes. But the Holy Father was smart enough to give us some lead time. This document doesn’t take effect until September 14.
All in all I am excited though. I used to go to the Latin Mass back in Memphis, when Fr. Mike was still at Blessed Sacrament. It was awesome! I hope to be able to go somewhere here in Nashville really soon.
