The International Federation Una Voce (FIUV) is the worldwide organization of lay faithful attached to the celebration of the Mass according to the Editio Typica 1962 of the Roman Missal, known until now as the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, Usus Antiquior, or simply the Traditional Latin Mass.
Since its foundation in 1965, the FIUV has developed its activities in obedience to and in harmony with the Holy See, where we have always been received with cordiality and openness.
On 16th July 2021, Pope Francis published an Apostolic Letter given motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, which establishes tight restrictions and limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass.
The International Federation cannot fail to note that the motivation for the new Apostolic Letter, as stated in the accompanying letter of the Reigning Pontiff derives from the alleged attitudes and words of those of us who choose the Traditional Mass, as reported by some Bishops to the Holy See, which involve a «rejection of the Church and her institutions in the name of what they consider the "true Church."» In addition to an «instrumental use of the Missale Romanum of 1962, which is increasingly characterized by a growing rejection not only of the liturgical reform but of the Second Vatican Council, with the unfounded and unsustainable claim that it has betrayed Tradition and the "true Church."»
Both the characterization of Catholics attached to the Traditional Mass, and the harsh new restrictions on it, sadden us greatly. It is our experience, as representatives of groups of the faithful, that what primarily attract people to the spirituality of the Traditional Mass are not the theological or pastoral discussions of the past, but respect for the Sacred, and the sense of the continuity of Tradition, which does not remain as a mere aspiration, but is lived daily in the venerable rite that has developed slowly through centuries and has never been abrogated.
Certainly, as with other groups of the Faithful, there is no absolute homogeneity in the opinions and attitudes of those attached to the former Missal. But precisely in their desire to assist at this Mass within the framework of their Dioceses and parishes, these Catholics implicitly express their recognition of the true Church, cum Petro et sub Petro.
Finally, as sons and daughters of the Church we wish to express our sadness over the restrictions on our ability to continue to nourish our spiritual lives using parish churches, as any Catholic would like to do. If there is one thing we fervently desire, it is to be able to live a normal life without being forced to use hidden or inaccessible spaces.
We believe that the beautiful spiritual fruits of this Missal should be shared, and we pray that we can be instruments of God inside and outside the Church.
The International Federation is deeply grateful to each of the Bishops who are generously providing for the faithful attached to the ancient Mass in their dioceses and to the Priests entrusted with the care of their souls.
Una Voce groups all over the world are united in prayer, as always, with their bishops and with the Pope.
Many of the faithful look to us to make their desires known, particularly in Rome, in a way which combines a sincere respect for the Universal Church and the Holy Father, with a love of the Traditions which are ultimately inseparable from them. We are committed to this task, which we and our predecessors have undertaken for more than half a century.
Felipe Alanis Suarez
President
18 of July 2021
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