January 19, 2010

• There is a definite connection between true Liturgical Renewal of the kind which the Holy Father envisions, and true Ecumenism of the kind which actually heals schisms and re-unites separated brethren into “one flock with one shepherd (Jn 10:16)“, “that they may be one as we are one (Jn 17:22)” as our Saviour has prayed. 
  
  It is no accident, as many have recognized, that the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus was being announced and promulgated at the same time as the CDF talks with the SSPX were beginning (end of October/beginning of November) – indeed, the Holy Father himself makes the connection in this speech given before the annual plenary assembly of the CDF just this past Friday!

  And for good reason: because true Liturgical Renewal and true Ecumenism of this sort are not optional for the Church, but are integral to Her mission, since Her mission is the furtherance of the very mission for which Her Saviour died - to “bring God’s scattered children together and make them one (Jn 11:52)“, and being thus lifted up “to draw all men to myself (Jn 12:32)“
  
  Any Papal initiative this central to Christ’s purposes is apt to be opposed by the evil one, however, and we should not be surprised to find that the enemies of Christ, whether they operate from without or from within the Church, are united in opposing both such true Liturgical Renewal and true Ecumenism.  And thus it is encouraging to read, as our friends at “The Anglo-Catholic” report, that good things are in motion - and not a moment too soon!
  

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