New Men Welcomed at the Vatican
On Thursday, 7 October 2010, Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Cardinal Claudio Hummes from the post of Prefect of the Congregation for Clergy; and appointed Italian Archbishop Mauro Piacenza to succeed Cardinal Hummes to the position.
Archbishop Piacenza is a “siriano,” i.e., one of the “Siri Boys” educated and formed in the highly conservative tradition (read Latin liturgy and Council of Trent-style liturgy) of the late and far to the Right conservative Cardinal Giuseppe Siri (1906-1989). Another “Siri Boy” now serving Pope Benedict is Monsignor Guido Marini, the Papal Master of Ceremonies.
Piacenza at Tridentine Mass
Ultra-traditionalists, the “Siri Boys” are key players in the reform of the reform. They are actively collaborating in the implementation of:
(1) Latin in the liturgy
(2) Liturgy ad orientem – that is with the presider’s derriere facing the People of God
(3) Communion on the tongue ONLY
(4) Nineteenth century clerical dress.
Benedict’s decision to tap Piacenza to take over the Congregation for Clergy is widely seen as a reward for his efforts in organizing the recently-concluded “Year of Priests.”
Piacenza could be in line to be named cardinal in a consistory Benedict XVI is expected to call for late November. Announcement of the names of new cardinals is expected one month before, probably after the conclusion of the October 10-24 Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.
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Speaking of the Synod of Bishops, one of the “experts” appointed by Pope Benedict to Synod of Bishops’ Special Assembly for the Middle East is Don Nicola Bux.
Bux is a professor of sacramental theology at the Theological Faculty in Bari (Italy). During a recent pilgrimage for priests, he celebrated Eucharist in the “usus antiquior” (i.e. the pre-Vatican II old-style liturgy) and gave a lecture in which he encouraged young priests to be faithful to the thought and liturgical teaching of Pope Benedict XVI and “be able to appreciate the treasure of the usus antiquior and reflect on the reform of the liturgical reform undertaken after the Second Vatican Council.”
Since pictures often speak louder than words, a couple photos of Don Nicola Bux:
Looks like a paraphrase of a line from Byron:
A Siri-an came down like a wolf on the fold,
and his cohorts were gleaming with silver and gold.
I love it!
Thanks Ray
John
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