September 14, 2010 marked the third anniversary of the promulgation of the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum. In the letter to the bishops of the world
accompanying the document Pope
Benedict XVI writes, "...I invite you, dear Brothers, to send to
the Holy See an account of your experiences, three years after this Motu
Proprio has taken effect."
To acknowledge this benchmark in the celebration of the ancient
liturgy in the life of the Church, the Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard presided over our Sunday Mass on September
12, 2010. The Extraordinary Form liturgy (offered by Father Romaeus Cooney) followed the rite of Mass in the Presence
of the Local Ordinary. Bishop Hubbard delivered the Homily.
A positive event
in the life of our parish, and specifically the community gathered around the ancient liturgy, this event demonstrated
our relationship with the local Church. It also indicates the Bishop's support for our place in the diocese. This
liturgy also invites us to be "the light
of the world; a city set on a hill that cannot be hid!" At
St.
Joseph's we have a unique gift and a treasure to offer our parish, the diocese, and the larger community.
We also have reason to be thankful. We have the resources to celebrate the fullest forms of the ancient liturgy by using
the gifts, talents, and dedication of those who are indigenous to our community.
