Bishop Olson avoiding explanations... questions he should answer...

Mystery is the centre of the mass, and the epicentre of the Catholic religion. Few words utter sounds of more mystery, than those uttered in Latin. Latin is a beautiful and popular language, especially among Catholics. Unfortunately, much as some governments frown upon the elitism of a university education or advance program mathematics, a deep hatred of the use of hundreds of years of tradition, of Latin, has hit many parts of the Catholic Church. Those who despise additional education, and frown upon higher education.

The present scenario, mimics those recently seen and heard of. Those putting down the Latin mass, give no explanation, and then their supporters go about spouting rumours and saying no one can really know. The Latin Mass is a valid and allowed form of the Mass, Benedict XVI has insured such. Nonetheless, it is one subject, where any snuffing out, seems to happen in a shroud of unholy mystery. One is almost reminded of the unspoken accusations a religious group once made of Michelangelo. They never stated the alleged crime.

Once again, the public are starved of information, as yet another Traditional Latin Mass is penalised for God may know what. I struggle to attend English mass, I like the Latin mass although it is not often offered in Johannesburg. Over in another country, the Church is again the scene of a crackdown, and yet again we are not afforded the reasons. Patrick Archbold has written a letter to Bishop Olson, asking questions a good lawyer might. He has permitted my reproduction of his email to the bishop in full. I might note Patrick is a faithful Catholic, and a voice often quoted upon the internet.

Patrick said:

'Dear Bishop Olson,

'My name is..[Introduction Redacted]

'Pursuant to your actions vis-à-vis the prohibition of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite from taking place at the chapel of Fisher More College, I have the following questions:

'What problem is this prohibition intended to remedy?

'Is this prohibition the least restrictive measure possible to effect that remedy?

'What consultations, if any, were held with the school to avoid such actions?

'Are there clear criteria or actions set out which, if followed, would allow for the restoration of permission for the public celebration of the EF at Fisher More College?

'Since the offering of the Extraordinary Form is key to the mission of Fisher More College and is a particular attraction for many of its students and their families, is it of concern to you prohibiting the EF may undermine such attraction to the school and thereby precipitate its demise?

'Since no public communication regarding this matter has been issued by your office, is it your position that the prohibition of the ongoing public celebration of the mass in the Extraordinary form does not require a reasonably adequate public explanation?

'Pursuant to the rights and restrictions spelled out in the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, could you please cite the canonical authority you relied on to implement the prohibition of one form of the Roman rite?

'As this matter is of significant and legitimate concern beyond the campus of Fisher More College, any further information you could provide relevant to the questions above would be greatly appreciated.

'Sincerely,
'Patrick Archbold'