I've recently received a letter from Fr. Clement o...

2008-07-18T15:01:00.000-04:00

I've recently received a letter from Fr. Clement of the T.A.R. Out of courtesy, I will not copy the entire letter to this site, but I think that he would want everyone to know that some rumours which have been circulationg are not accurate.

I would simply say that the T.A.R. is now working with the Holy See to iron out the details of a canonical structure. It may take a little time to get everything right. Better to take that time and not have to make corrections later.

So I would simply ask that everyone here pray for the Transalpine Redemptorists and thank God for their endeavour.

As for the nature of the canonical structure, I did not ask about this and have no idea what they have in mind. I imagine that it might be an institute of consecrated life. I would like to see them either granted ordinary jurisdiction or, better yet, that they be incorporated into an ordinary structure for tradition. But I note that the latter outcome, which I deem to be the better, is completely compatible with their being an institute of consecrated life. They could be made such an institute at first and then, at some later time, they could elect to be incorporated into an international diocese or apostolic administration.

Another route would be that they be erected as a 'discontinuous' abbacy nullius, embracing the territory of their two monasteries. One problem with this, though, would be the need for special permission to work outside or expand into other sees. Another would be that, as a 'particular church', they could then never be incorporated into another 'particular church': you can't have a diocese within a diocese!

I am hopeul that the T.A.R. will at least discuss the matter of an international apostolic administration or diocese with the curia. Rome might want to consider it right now.

P.K.T.P.

Comments on Summorum Pontificum: Interview with Transalpine Redemptorists

I've recently received a letter from Fr. Clement o...