SWITZERLAND
“Only if the Council is considered a grand evolution within the tradition, instead of a break from the tradition of the Church, and if the post-Council liturgical reform is similarly considered can the goal pursued by the Pope with his Motu Proprio be properly judged”. It was said by mgr. Kurt Koch, president of the Swiss Bishops Conference, as he spoke of the “Summorum Pontificum” issued by the Pope on 7th July. For this reason, this is the Bishop’s ope, “liturgical awareness must be renewed so that it will perceive the identity and unity of the liturgical history, although in its historical multiplicity. In this respect, from Benedict XVI’s point of view, several recognised forms of the liturgical rite could live together, mutually reconciled or at least next to each other”. It is obvious, therefore, that “the Pope did not mean to spark off any dispute about the liturgy, bur rather to promote reconciliation within the Church. So this is not the time to argue about the liturgy but rather to think again, together, about the theological-liturgical principles of the Second Vatican Council, which must apply to and be binding on everyone. That’s the only way for the Motu Proprio to serve its true function”. The Swiss Bishops will speak of the “practical matters” relating to the application of the Motu Proprio at their plenary meeting next autumn due to be held at Givisiez, in the seminary of the diocese of Sion, from 3 to 5 September, while their winter session will be held in the Franciscan foyer at St. Maurice from 3 to 5 December.
