Sunday, December 11, 2011

Fr. Z's rant on where seminarians learn the TLM

Fr. Zuhlsdorff writes, in "QUAERITUR: Resources for seminarians to learn TLM on their own. Wherein Fr. Z rants" (WDTPRS, December 11, 2011):
During an ordination, someone must stand up in front of the ordaining bishop and attest that seminarians are properly formed and educated and suitable for ordination.

However, seminarians of the Latin Church are not being trained in the whole of the Roman Rite. According to the Church’s law, the Roman Rite has two forms. How many seminaries are training men also in the Extraordinary Form with adequate training, real training… not just an occasional Mass they get to watch. Furthermore, the Code of Canon Law requires that all seminarians be very well-trained in Latin (can. 249). Is that happening? Universae Ecclesiae reiterated this point. I also know of a document from the Congregation for Catholic Education which requires that there be a Patristic Theology component in the curriculum, not just the occasional reference in history or theology courses.

I think it is great, therefore, when – just as some of us did back in the day – seminarians are learning to row the boat all on their own.

From a seminarian:
I am wondering if you could recommend some sources for anyone interested in learning how to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass. I am a year and a half away from ordination to the priesthood and would like to be able to offer both forms down the road. Thanks and God Bless.
I would contact the Fraternity of St. Peter. They have a very good instructional DVD.

Also, the Canons of St. John Cantius in Chicago have a great page, online tutorials.

I know that both groups host workshops. Also, in England there are occasional workshops for seminarians and priests.
Related:
  • Fr. Z, "QUAERITUR: How to get Gregorian chant and a TLM in the parish" (WDTPRS,

  • Extraordinary! (Rorate Caeli, December 11, 2011):
    This is not exactly a review, just a short note. After some time, it was at last possible for us to view the "Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite: An Instructional Video for Priests and Seminarians" DVD, produced by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), in all its details, angles, and taking a look at the different language settings, and it can be honestly said that there is nothing like it in instructional videos. The four different angles are extremely (extraordinarily?) useful for servers as well.

    Note: the video was acquired by us, it was not sent as a gift. The DVD is available in the FSSP North America bookstore website, and it includes English, Spanish, Italian, French, and German audio options.

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