OPINION:
I take issue with one point in Michael McKenna’s otherwise fine appreciation of Pope Francis (“A valedictory for Pope Francis,” Web, April 23). He writes that the Novus Ordo Mass and the Tridentine Latin Mass cannot coexist indefinitely and that “[a] century from now, the Roman Church will tolerate only one of these Masses.”
In fact, the Roman Church has tolerated multiple rites, in some cases for centuries. Let us remember that until the time of Saint Jerome (AD 382), there was not even an official Latin translation of the Bible. The language of the early Church was Greek. Today, there are many recognized rites, including Ukrainian, Greek, Maronite, Melkite, Syro-Malabar, Ge’ez and Anglican.
I don’t see why the beautiful Traditional Latin Mass cannot continue to be celebrated. It, along with the Novus Ordo Mass, is very popular with many young Catholics.
CLARKE ELLIS
Bethesda, Maryland
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