It may be that Pope Benedict XVI’s latest Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum, on the celebration of the Roman Rite may have little or no impact on the way we do things liturgically in the Caribbean. But celebrating Masses according to the Tridentine, or extraordinary form, in particular circumstances as the Letter suggests, may serve a fundamental need.

Some have treated the Letter with cynicism, seeing it as a bit of “spin” meant to curry favour with some sections of the Church. Others have seen it as something more sinister, holding that – like the recently-issued “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” – it is a ploy to detract from the real issues of the Church. These arguments cannot be taken seriously.

The document and its accompanying letter of explanation to the bishops see its proposals as a means of reconciliation and as valuable in maintaining the rich traditions of the Church.

The Pope does not see the Tridentine form of the Mass as satisfying the needs of an “older generation” only. He notes “it has been clearly demonstrated that young persons too have discovered this liturgical form, felt its attraction and found in it a form of encounter with the Mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist, particularly suited to them.”

But why should the characteristics of the Latin form bring about, in 2007, the effects that are envisaged? In addition to the extraordinary form being a “spur to the spiritual life” – as it has in the past – is the fact that Latin gives an unmistakable identity to the Church and its members.

Pope Benedict’s proposal therefore goes beyond liturgy and the depth of feeling that the form may evoke. Liturgical form and language give a sense of belonging and so foster community.

The Pope should be given credit for a strategy that takes all this into consideration. Certainly, it is only one of many strategies that the Church needs to put in place as it faces today’s challenges.

Perspective and strategy

In 1977, Marshall McLuhan, convert to Catholicism and media theorist had this to say about the Church’s method: “Its strategies of survival are not very well-designed … What they promulgate seems to be very badly suited.

The attempt to adapt, say rock music to the liturgy is very ineffective, and probably for many reasons. And costume was never as important in the history of the Church as now. The Church is going to private dress at a time when all the kids want to get into costume.”

The world has changed somewhat since McLuhan spoke those words, but his comments point to the need for the Church to be ever cognisant of the cultural and communication environment in which it exists.  

The present world is one of great paradox where people hanker after a certain privacy with personal computers, cell phones and all that modern technology makes possible so individuals can be mobile, but these same communication tools also provide for a much needed community – sometimes referred to as a virtual community.

The Catholic Church is not based on individualism but on community. One of its most severe challenges is the one posed by today’s communication technology: how to work with the technology to restore and build real community.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about the demise of the rich landowner who deals with his bountiful harvest by building bigger barns without taking God into account. It is a story about the lack of proper perspective and strategy.

Quite apart from what the Apostolic Letter indicates – at a purely liturgical level – Pope Benedict may have got perspective and strategy right.