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What is the criterion to be a certain Rite? Patricius Friday, March 4, 2005

Question:

In a previous post someone asked about Eastern-Catholics. I had two questions: In the reply to that post it was stated that in the West we have one Rite, the "Latin Rite." Don't we have many Rites (eg. Tridentine, Ambrosian, Carthusian etc..)? And secondly, what is the criterion for someone to legitamately be of a certain Rite? Is it at confirmation? I attend Tridentine Mass, does that make me a Tridentine Catholic? And lastly the Black Pope (aka Father General of the Society of Jesus) is of an Eastern Rite and says his daily Liturgy in that Rite and offers Latin Rite Mass in the presence of others. Does the Pope ever celebrate in the Eastern Rite?

Thanks for your help!
In Christ,
Patricius

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Patricius

Yes there are some smaller Rites in the West.  Besides Roman there are Mozarabic, Ambrosian, and Bragan which are attached to a particular place.  Some religious orders also have thier own Rite, the Dominicans, Carmelites and Carthusians.

I would hesitate to say "Tridentine Rite Catholic" since those who attend these Masses are still Roman Catholics.  It's the same Rite, Roman, but according to another Missal.  Rome has never encouraged a "separation" between traditionally minded Catholics and the others, rather the Church has allowed the use of the Missal to those who desire it.

Someone "belongs" to a rite if the parents do.  There really isn't much room for choice as far as I know, if you live in the West you are Roman and if in the East then one of the Eastern churches.

Lastly, I honestly don't know if the Holy Father has celebrated Mass in another rite.  If he licitly can though I wouldn't doubt that he has.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

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