"As it was posted, we arrived exactly/precicely at 9:28, but we found a barrier 20 meters from the chapel guarded by no less than 12 "Sanpietrini" and gendarmes(security men) and they all repeated that the ceremony was for a private group and inaccessible (to anyone else). Only after an altercation(argument) with them, accompanied by the threat of being expelled from the temple, was it finally permitted to apporach. Two ladies with veils on their heads attempted to approach, but were told that the "Ordinary form" was going to be celebrated at the Altar of the Chair.
The chapel was overflowing, and we formed a group outside the chapel in "no man's land" between the cordon of security which was blocking us, and the chapel.
It was guarded by 2 policemen, 3 "Sanpietrini" and 1 policeman in street clothes. Little or no access for the ordinary faithful walking in St. Peter's Basilica. They also put up curtains, so that anyone else in Saint Peter's could not see the ritual and be drawn to the sublime beauty of the liturgy.
Throughout the Mass, those outside the group who approached to attend were turned away. Music from the Ordinary form tried to drown out the Mass, and those from far away tried to watch the Mass, as if it were a distant mirage."
Monday, October 19, 2009
Vatican Police Block Entrance to Trid Mass at St. Peter's
Yep. Not making it up.
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7 comments:
It's too bad the pope is powerless to fix problems like these.
Is he?
If he his, I'm sure Pope [Raymond]Leo XIV won't be.
What is the point of being pope if one is powerless? No, although there are slight arguments for the pope not celebrating a Papal Solemn Mass (where would the ubiquitous female lectors fit in?), there is nothing preventing Pope Benedict XVI from attending a Pontifical Solemn Mass celebrated by a mere bishop. Former popes did it all the time. All he has to do is walk over to the Basilica (actually he could be carried). He has decided not to attend a Trid Mass much less celebrate one. He has some 'xplainin to do.
Oh, Hilary, *sigh*, I know that you, at least, understand me.
No fighting boys.
Incidentally, putting up the curtains to prevent 'normal' Catholics from being infected by the traditional liturgy is standard practice at St. Peter's. Traditional Baptisms, for instance, are usually, if not always, permitted not in the Baptistery but in the Canon's Chapel - behind heavy grey curtains...
Anonomous! Trivial point perhaps but the correct term is Solemn Pontifical Mass NOT Pontifical Solemn Mass and yes, It certainly is an option open to the Holy Father.
However, it is said that there remains a fair bit of hostility to the older Use in the basilica. It might be tempting to play the papal monarch and walk all over these guys but you're going to be dependant on them the next morning. Bl. JOhn XXIII said of being in the Vatican, "I feel like I'm in a bag."
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