Having read “Bishop to celebrate Latin High Mass with confirmations” in the June 27 Hawaii Catholic Herald, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Bishop Larry Silva for his observance of Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Letter, “Summorum Pontificum,” given Motu Proprio on July 7, 2007. This letter promulgates the celebration of Holy Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal of Blessed John XXIII, known as the Latin or Tridentine Mass. Initially, I had heard of Bishop Silva’s endeavor from a visiting Institute of Christ the King priest. As a 22-year-old, I was at once impressed, inspired and overjoyed. Celebrating a Latin Mass for the very first time himself, His Excellency has responded with obedience, willingness, and courage to our Holy Father’s declaration to bishops and the entire church.

Following the guidance of the Vicar of Christ, his predecessors, and our own bishop, it is imperative that the clergy and we, the Faithful, not draw back from or simply dismiss such an exhortation as irrelevant in today’s society, something seemingly contrary to the church’s necessary development and present-day needs. It is folly to believe that preserving and promoting the Traditional Latin Mass puts the church in shackles, as it were, tying her down; or as one has unfortunately said it: makes of the church a “medieval relic.” Surely, we must know and accept that the Traditions and treasures of Holy Mother Church — Including the Latin liturgy — are not hindrances, but rather, are indispensable riches comprising the solid foundation on which the church is built and continues to grow. His Holiness acknowledges in “Summorum Pontificum” that “the Latin liturgy ... has been a spur to the spiritual life of many saints, has reinforced many peoples in the virtue of religion, and fecundated their piety.” It “has enriched not only the faith and piety but also the culture of many peoples.”

It is always right and good to be solicitous in regards to the church, but we must always do so in a sincere and ardent pursuit of Truth, with a humble readiness to accept that untainted Truth. In fact, it is the unremitting duty of every member of Christ’s Mystical Body to accept as Truth and obediently follow the teachings of our Holy Father and the Magisterium. In the hopeful and selfless spirit of a true Christian, however, it ensues that we ought to do this unreservedly, wholeheartedly embracing and, yes, cherishing this authority as the precious gift from God that it really is. Therefore, instead of shying away from the Latin Mass, ignorantly, perhaps arrogantly, denying its sacred effulgence and significance, or revolting at the mere mention of it, let us all seek instead a true understanding of the great mystery that is the Mass by diligent study, steadfast patience, a most profound humility, and fervent prayer.

I thank and commend Bishop Silva’s beginning efforts and entreat His Excellency to lead the Diocese of Honolulu with the same conviction and fervor that has characterized the most admirable saints, including Gregory the Great and Pius V. May we in turn zealously support, encourage, and pray for our beloved Holy Father, bishops and priests to whom we are each eternally indebted!

In His Eucharistic Heart,

Karina Johnasen, Keaau

Faith

Faith is a precious gift from Almighty God, the master of the universe. O Great God of love and compassion! I bow my head to you in deep gratitude. You certainly had a plan for my life on earth when you created me. You are always there and you hear me when I pray for needed help. Heavenly Father, I resolve to be what I ought to be so that you can keep me under your grace in life eternal.

K.V. Lethi, Honolulu