When I asked him about this after Mass, he acknowledged that priests in “theory” have the right to celebrate the older form of Mass – but in practice, where the bishop does not wish for the older rite to be celebrated, that he and his fellow priests cannot and will not celebrate it. He said he must be obedient to the bishop; otherwise he will be “punished”.
My fear is that this is true. The priest has no real rights in these matters – they cannot appeal to the “union” if you will. If they appeal to Rome, the bishop is informed and the priest is further punished. This particular priest has written to Rome and the Archbishop had a copy of his letter when he confronted him about it. He told me the bishops have too much power. He said even the laymen have more power than they do. I live in a very liberal area in the United States – If it wasn’t for the indult Mass I would have been suffering in a major way. I certainly empathize with those of you who are not blessed to have had Indult Mass in your area.(this man was speaking to his parish priest)
Next(from the Q&A):
13. Who regulates the implementation of this Apostolic Letter?
The Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei is charged with assuring proper observance and application of the norms of the Apostolic Letter.
Now, the Ecclesia Dei Commission and USCCB are NOT the same. Is this who we go to? Should we have them on speed dial?(kidding....lol)
This power issue is huge as it will effect a diocese as well as our seminaries. I will pray for our bishop and our priests. There are faithful Catholics here that feel abandoned. There are many of us in this diocese willing to help with money, time and talent if just given the chance. St. John Vianney, pray for us.


