Letter to my bishop Re: Indult Mass, please look over and make suggestions

[Mandi]

JElane:

I didn’t ditch the TM. I still go to TM Sunday High Mass–and still attend N.O. daily Mass.

JELane

Glad to hear you were not completely put off!

God Bless!

 

[DrCat]

As an English teacher, I feel the need to chime in with my :twocents: .

Although I am sure you will proofread and make any necessary revisions before sending the letter, may I draw your attention to the following two paragraphs?
In the following paragraph, I would use either “since” or “therefore”, not both.

deogratias:

Since The Holy Father wished for a liberal application of the Indult, we therefore respectfully request approval for the Tridentine Mass to be offered in Latin in San Luis Obispo area in accordance with the Apostolic letter, Ecclesia Dei.
And in this paragraph, I would seriously consider rephrasing the sentence that includes “which came forthwith”. The way it is phrased is very awkward, and makes no sense. Also consider amking this two separate sentences. Maybe saying “We also affirm . . .” instead of “and also affirm . . .”

deogratias:
We affirm the validity of Vatican II and the liturgy which came forthwith, and also affirm that we have no ties to groups which deny the lawfulness and doctrinal soundness of that liturgy.

Remember, whenever you are asking for something from someone in a position of authority, you want the letter to be both grammatically correct and easy to understand. Bishops receive a lot of letters during the week, and have a lot of work to do. Most busy people (and I’m sure this includes bishops) tend to disregard letters that look like they haven’t been proofread.

John

 

[DominvsVobiscvm]

I would like to hear what you guys have to say about my own adaptation of the letter, for my own bishop. A group of us plan on sending this out on August 21, the Feast of Saint Pius X!

Here goes:

August 21, 2004
Feast of Saint Pius X

The Most Reverend John Clement Favalora
9401 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami Shores, FL 33138

Your Grace,

I am writing on behalf of myself and a number of others from the South Broward area of the diocese.

Our feelings on this subject are not isolated; there are growing numbers of Catholics in the area who wish for an Indult Mass because we feel the Tridentine Mass enriches our spirituality with its solemnity and celebration of the Mystery of Christ. We greatly desire the opportunity to assist at this Mass.

The nearest Indult Masses are in Lighthouse Point and Miami, a 30-40 minute drive in either direction. The one is a Low Mass offered twice a month, the latter offered very early in the morning, at a quite inconvenient hour, in a not-so-good neighborhood.

Since The Holy Father wished for a liberal application of the Indult, we respectfully request approval for the Tridentine Mass to be offered in Latin in the South Broward area in accordance with the Apostolic letter, Ecclesia Dei.

We affirm the validity of Vatican II and the liturgy which came forthwith. We also affirm that we have no ties to groups which deny the lawfulness and doctrinal soundness of that liturgy. I myself am a former postulant of the Society of Saint John Cantius, a new Order of canons regular (approved by Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago), devoted to the sanctification of the faithful through the solemn celebration of the Church’s rites, both Tridentine and Pauline.

Thank you for your time in considering this subject and await your advisement on what other steps may be necessary in this regard.

We remain humbly yours, begging your blessing,

Kissing the Sacred Ring,

Eric Giunta et al.

cc: His Eminence Dario Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, President of the Commission Ecclesia Dei

What y’all think?

 

[deogratias]

Sounds good to me.

 

[DrCat]

Sounds good. Go for it.

John