Archbishop Marini on the Latin Mass

Cathcon translation: Piero Marini, Liturgie ist die Zukunft der Kirche- Liturgy is the future of the Church

For twenty years, Piero Marini was the Papal Master of Ceremonies, and has in this way himself written a small piece of liturgical history. At the end of his tenure - before he learned of his replacement by his namesake Guido Marini - came the publication of the Motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" that gave freedom to the use of the Mass of Pius V, as an "extraordinary form". Now, the Archbishop talks about the Motu proprio to Vatican Radio:

"We need to avoid every kind of polemic and not talk over artificial opposites. The Motu proprio means neither a change in the current Mass nor a negative judgement on the liturgy reform, as it was requested by the Council. The Motu proprio has up to now brought no changes in the practice of the celebrations in our parishes. It is better to understand it as a wonderful demonstration of unity. "

We still need to keep alive the initial "enthusiasm" for the implementation of the conciliar Liturgy Constitution "Sacrosanctum Concilium", said Marini.

"I think the liturgy cannot be reduced to the amendment of some texts or reduced to Rites. The Council wanted the reform as an inspiration and also as a foundation. If the liturgy really is a high point and source of the action of the Church, then the Church and liturgy are so closely linked, that the future of the liturgy is the future of the Church, and vice versa. "

Piero Marini, since October 2007 has been President of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses. The next Congress will take place from 15 to 22 June 2008 in Quebec (Canada) (Cathcon note: the Pope will not be attending!)