Bishop Trautman to Establish "Literacy" Test for Motu Proprio

As we have come to understand from the Doctor, "an error in the beginning is an error, indeed." While we may not be dealing with an error at the level of principle, some would hold that this is an error in principle - and it can be witnessed by the deeds and examples of one's life as set before men. A fundamental error in the beginning has so many negative repercussions throughout ones life.

So what do we read in the very first paragraph of Bishop Trautman's screed?

The recent apostolic letter of Pope Benedict XVI on widening the use of the liturgical books of 1962 is prompted by his desire to reach out to those Catholics in schism because of their non-acceptance of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

The good bishop begins his statement by implying what the Holy Father's motu proprio is based on - as if no one else had read Summorum Pontificum...Classic spin...This beginning statement seems to be intended to place the Motu Proprio in a negative light - after all, only "schismatics" are upset with liturgical reforms. Let us recall that the 'schismatics' at the CDWDS recently issued the directive Redemptionis Sacramentum in an effort to quash and reprobate certain "liturgical reforms" which are, in many cases, grave liturgical abuses...

The bishop continues:

Since the Diocese of Erie already permits the celebration of the Tridentine Mass in two locations, St. Ann Parish in Erie and St. Bernadette Parish in Saegertown, I do not foresee a pressing pastoral need on the part of our people.

Since I'm not from Erie, it might be interesting to see how "generous" the bishop has been (are these churches hard to get to or is mass at some strange hour?)

But here we see Bishop Trautman's attempt to exercise control over who does and does get to celebrate the "extraordinary" form of the Mass. The bishop is probably recalling efforts from his younger days when bigots imposed literacy tests to determine if one was smart enough to vote...But let's see what he says:

In the future, I will be issuing diocesan norms to help apply and order the specifics of the pope’s letter. Priests who might want to celebrate the Tridentine Mass will be given a rubrical and Latin exam to comply with the pope’s own statement, “The use of the old missal presupposes a certain degree of liturgical formation and some knowledge of the Latin language.”

How long will it take to 'develop' his 'norms'? Will they be ready by September 14, 2007? Or will the norms need review by some obscure committee to ensure the elimination of what some presume to be 'gender exclusive' words. Or perhaps, with enough 'trick' or subjective questions, few will be able to satisfy the bishop.

We must wonder how many priests could pass a rubrical test (on paper AND in practice) of the Novus Ordo, especially when one considers what goes on in some parishes...I am reminded of this quiz and wonder how many priests and self-appointed 'liturgists' would pass?

Not only this, but, due to the bureaucracy and legalisms, the bishop appears confused and needs clarifications - and the sooner the better:

Further, there will be need to ascertain that the common good of the parish prevails and to ascertain what constitutes a stable community of those requesting the 1962 missal.

Amazing - Many pray for the early retirement of this man. What faithful priests must have to endure with this man as a spiritual father? They must have the patience of Job. And we should pray for them.

The Bishop's Statement on the Holy Father's Motu Proprio is here (PDF).