Una Voce survey results: Much done, much more to do

The latest (Spring 2011) issue of Una Voce America Nota carries the results of a survey conducted on the implementation of Summorum Pontificum, the papal document calling for an increased availability of the traditional (EF) Latin Mass. Responses to the survey, concluded late last summer, were received from 34 dioceses. Here are some excerpts from the results compiled by Allen Maynard.

General key results include the following: There was a 41% increase in every-Sunday Masses in the dioceses surveyed. 19 dioceses saw an increase in the number of every-Sunday Masses, 14 remained status quo (three remained at zero), and one saw a decrease. Sacraments in the traditional form appear to be generally available:

• Baptisms - 79%
• Nuptial Masses - 71%
• Requiem Masses - 68%
• Confirmations - 53%

Only two dioceses offer training in the Extraordinary Form to their seminarians, and only seven dioceses have had any organized training available locally.

20% of dioceses had personal parishes for the EF Mass.

Attitude of the local ordinary toward the EF was rated:

• Bad and no hope - 35%
• Bad but improving - 3%
• Stagnant - 18%
• Generally improving - 15%
• Good - 9%
• About as good as can be imagined - 6%
• No response - 15%

Change in EF situation since Summorum Pontificum:

• Worsened - 9%
• Unchanged - 18%
• Slightly improved - 32%
• Substantially improved - 21%
• Dramatically improved - 6%

The UVA Board drew the following conclusions:

1. There is indeed a demand for the EF and Summorum Pontificum has helped make the EF more accessible to the faithful.
2. There is still an unfulfilled demand for the EF. Some increased oversight or better "enforcement" of SP may be necessary to insure the demand is met.
3. Training for seminarians must become mandatory.
4. There is a significant need for training in the EF of already-ordained priests. Una Voce America must continue to support the F.S.S.P. initiative on priestly training. Bishops should make more training available on a local basis and encourage priests to attend the F.S.S.P. training week. (UVA is financially able to assist clergy with the costs of training, if necessary -- thanks to the generosity of its members and supporters.)

In summary, local results parallel local responses to the bold and clear directive of the Holy Father's Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum. On the one hand, where there has been an enthusiastic response to the Holy Father's requests, dioceses have seen growth and spiritual fulfillment. On the other hand, where, for a variety of reasons, the papal document has not been implemented, there remains dissatisfaction and much more work to be done.

[Acknowledgement, Allen Maynard and Nota editor, "Much done ... much more to do," Una Voce America Nota, No. 45, Spring 2011]