The Road to Hell is Paved with the Skulls of Bishops

“The road to hell is paved with the skulls of bishops.”
(attributed to Saint John Chrysostom (349-407), Bishop and Doctor of the Church)

Mr. John Allen of the NCReporter writes that his excellency, Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Pennsylvania has “challenged a recent ruling from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments that the Latin phrase pro multis in the formula for the consecration of the Precious Blood should be rendered as ‘for many’ rather than the current English phrase ‘for all.'”

Cardinal Arinze, who gave the instruction, indicated that the translation was specifically required by Pope Benedict XVI. Obviously Bishop Trautman is aware of this. His response?

“[Bishop] Trautman encouraged members of the academy to speak out in opposition to such changes. … [and] challenged Catholic liturgical scholars of North America to assist the bishops in promoting a liturgy that is accessible and pastorally aware…. He urged them, in a spirit of respect and love for the Church, to be courageous in questioning those developments that would render the liturgy incomprehensible and betray the intention of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).”

His excellency may use whatever flowery language he wishes. His intention, however, is clear. He is “encouraging” and “challenging” Catholics to disobey the Pope on something clearly within the Pope’s jurisdiction.

I am not a member of the academy, nor am I a liturgical scholar in any sense of the word. Regardless, I would hope that those who read his excellency’s words clearly understand what he is calling them to.

As for me, I stand with Peter.