July 16, 2020
Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Dear Latin Mass Parishioners
You are probably aware that Pope Francis has issued new norms for the celebration of mass according to the 1962 Missal. At this time the diocese is still trying to discern how it will affect our Latin Mass communities. It seems that the only noticeable change is that when the readings are done in English they will need to be read from the New American Bible, which is the current approved translation for the United States.
A few weeks ago I started praying a daily Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the prayer, I resolve to “honor [the pope] as the infallible head of Thy Holy Church, show [my] fidelity and pray for him.” I, certainly, have had many difficulties with the papacy of Pope Francis. While it is appropriate to express criticism to the pope, as St. Paul did in Galatians 2:11, we risk the loss of our eternal souls if we allow the devil to foster uncharitable and rebellious thoughts within our hearts. I disagree with Pope Francis, but I likewise honor him as the infallible head of the church, and seek to show him my fidelity and pray for him.
While this Apostolic Letter will change little in regards to the life of our community, it makes me feel as if we are being rejected by our Holy Father. St. John of the Cross, though, exhorts us not to waste suffering: unite it to the cross of Christ! This dark night is happening with the permission of Almighty God. He is permitting it to draw us ever closer to Him. It is an expression of His love for us. May we unite ourselves more closely to the cross of Jesus Christ and look forward in hope to the good things He has in store for us.
In Christ,
Fr. Power