The Latin Mass. Bishops should provide it even if there is no demand

                                    Leading the flock - a new concept for Bishops?

If the news about Oscott Seminary banning Mass in the Extraordinary Form is correct then that is yet another scandal to be laid at the door of the "Bishops".

Fr Simon Henry has an excellent post on the matter in which he reproduces several extracts from quotes made on the subject of the availability of the Latin Mass.

The one from Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos particularly drew my attention as it states that the old Mass should be provided by the Bishops, even if there is no demand.

In other words, there is an imperative to educate, inform and lead the flock - words that may rarely enter a Bishop's thinking process.

Nonetheless, the Bishops should be listening to the Holy Father and not acting as if they are themselves mini popes doing as they please.

Here is an extract from Fr Simon Henry's post:

On the video DVD produced by the FSSP/EWTN to instruct about the older form of Mass the Cardinal  Castrillon Hoyos said that parishes and priests should make available the Extraordinary Form so that “everyone may have access to this treasure of the ancient liturgy of the Church.” He also stressed that,“even if it is not specifically asked for, or requested” it should be provided. Interestingly, he added that the Pope wants this Mass to become normal in parishes, so that “young communities can also become familiar with this rite.”