For Everybody? Quebec Cardinal: Et Alors?

When asked about the recent statement by Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos about the Pope's desire to see the Gregorian Rite widely used even in places where it may not be specifically asked for, Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet essentially responded, Et Alors? So what?

[NCRcafe] Though a Vatican official said Pope Benedict XVI wants all parishes to have a Tridentine Mass, Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet expressed satisfaction with one parish in his archdiocese offering the rite.

"I think the intention of the Holy Father is to allow the practice of the extraordinary rite where there is a need and a request," the cardinal said at a June 18 press conference at the 49th International Eucharistic Congress.

"In our diocese we have one parish. At the moment there is no need for other places. I think this is responding to the need of the population," he said.

Ouellet said it is up to each bishop to determine how to handle the demand for Masses according to the extraordinary form of the Mass.

By the way, The Diocese of Quebec has 1,076,180 Catholics over 13,588 square miles.

We still have a long way to go. I hope to see the clarifying letter with some specific instruction soon so that we can overcome this Episcopal minimalism.