CAN WE ATTEND THE MASSES OFFERED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM?
The motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, has changed the juridical situation of the Mass. Until recently, the traditional Mass was presented as being prohibited and allowed only under an indult, that is, a special, exceptional permission joined with special conditions. The conditions attached to the celebration of the traditional Mass under the Indult were two-fold: the recognition of the orthodoxy and legitimacy of the New Mass and the acceptance of the Second Vatican Council’s decisions and reforms. Pope Benedict XVI has changed the juridical situation of the Mass stating that the traditional Mass has never been abrogated. Thanks to this statement, the Mass has been reestablished as a universal law of the Church and can no longer be considered as prohibited or even as an exception. Unfortunately, the expression extraordinary form used in the motu propio is misleading. Nevertheless, the practical situation of the Mass, due to the attitude of the majority of the bishops has hardly change
