I CANNOT allow Marjorie Bullock’s letter (CL 18/7/04) decrying the lack of change in the Church since Vatican II to pass without reminding her of some of the dramatic reforms which have occurred as a result of that historic event.
Being 76 years old, I am a pre-Vatican II Catholic who, I must confess, was not entirely enthusiastic about the radical changes over the past 40 years, especially the switch from my beloved Latin Mass to English, as well as all the other sweeping reforms which Marjorie has apparently forgotten.
However, in my twilight years, I am now convinced that many more changes need to be made to drag the Church into the 21st century.
I wish Marjorie had been with me when I spoke to a young Polish lass (a university graduate) who attended our parish Sunday Mass recently.
She was amazed that we received Communion in the hand as well as drinking the Precious Blood. She could not believe that we not only had women special ministers and readers but also devout altar girls.
On that particular Sunday, our parish priest’s homily stressed the infinite love of God for us and made no mention of a fundamental God threatening hell, fire and brimstone to sinners.
It was very much different from her church service in Poland, she said. In fact, she added that other European countries she had visited still adhered to the old pre-Vatican II traditions and practices.
I am saddened to read in the Catholic press that there appears to be a growing Curia disapproval of Vatican II initiatives, including the wording of our current English Mass liturgy.
If only we could resurrect our beloved and far sighted late Pope John XXIII to return to instigate Vatican III to solve the problems which now beset the Church, namely the lack of vocations and the disaffection of our youth in the practice of their faith.
In the present climate of creating a plethora of new saints, there is no suggestion that the late Pope John is worthy of such an honour!
BRIAN WYCH
Bilinga, Qld
