Five years into the era of Summorum Pontificum, no less than 30 European countries offer the Extraordinary Form of the Mass on a regular basis together with around 50 other countries around the globe. And Malta and Gozo? As usual we are the know-it-all, more Catholics than the Pope and notwithstanding various petitions and personal requests made to the local Church authorities, the situation remains stuck as it was in the pre-Summorum Pontificum days. So much for obedience to the hierarchy, in this case to Pope Benedict XVI...
Tridentine Masses have been cancelled and those that were given 'permission' (because in Malta you have to obtain a permit from the local Curia to have a Tridentine Mass celebrated) are usually given at strange hours in non-central locations.The few that were celebrated according to the provisions of Summorum Pontificum were reminiscent of the catacombs' days...
There can be no denying that there are more Tridentine Masses being offered in more places with each passing year around the world. To that end, I recommend that people check the site Wikkimissa endorsed by Rorate Coeli every now and then. And perhaps, next time round the Maltese Islands will feature too.
I encourage the Committee of Pro Tridentina (Malta) to continue piling pressure, locally with the Church authorities and abroad with the PCED and the FIUV. The Tridentine Mass is a reality and delaying tactics (cunctando regitur mundus) from those who should know better will serve nothing.
Obtaining a permit from the local Curia means de facto that you have to write a letter specifying date, time, venue and (possibly) name of the priest who will celebrate Holy Mass. This goes against Summorum Pontificum.
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