Pope Francis on Feb. 14: "Old Mass? Just a
kind of fashion!"
Yesterday (Friday, Feb. 14), Pope
Francis held an audience with the Bishops of
the Czech Republic who came to Rome for their ad limina visit.
[Abp. Jan Graubner speaks:]
When we were discussing those who are fond of the ancient liturgy and wish to
return to it, it was evident that the Pope speaks with great affection,
attention, and sensitivity for all in order not to hurt anyone. However, he
made a quite strong statement when he said that he understands when the old
generation returns to what it experienced, but that he cannot understand the
younger generation wishing to return to it. "When I search more
thoroughly - the Pope said - I find that it is rather a kind of fashion
[in Czech: 'móda', Italian 'moda'].
And if it is a fashion, therefore it is a matter that does not need that much
attention. It is just necessary to show some patience and kindness to people
who are addicted to a certain fashion. But I consider greatly important to go
deep into things, because if we do not go deep, no liturgical form, this or
that one, can save us."
[Tip
and translation: reader MC, from the Czech Republic.]