Pontifical Low Mass in the Philippines (and Some Quick Thoughts in Preface)

Our readers keep sending in photos showing us Masses being offered in cathedrals and by bishops related to the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum. At times I am concerned with inundating our readers with so many photos of these events (though when I consider how little time I have to pursue research and writing at the moment, my concern fades somewhat) but as one of our priests commented in the combox recently, he felt this provided an important service in showing the progress of the usus antiquior throughout the world. I hope that might indeed be the case in some way, for that is indeed part of our intent. (The same priestly commenter also recently commented that so little is heard around about "the reform of the reform" anymore, though I have two thoughts around that; one is that the advancement of the usus antiquior, far from being distinct from the reform of the reform, is now very much a part of Pope Benedict's new liturgical movement, and -- I would argue -- also very much a part of the reform of the reform. On the other hand, it is also true that we tend to receive more photos around the usus antiquior than we do around liturgical pursuits of the new liturgical movement which are being taken within the context of the modern Roman liturgy. As I like to comment however, this is easily enough remedied by our readers sending in these photos and news of these events. I know for a fact these things are occurring; so please, do send them in.)

At any rate, this rather long-winded prologue intends to introduce a Pontifical Low Mass which was offered by the bishop of the Diocese of Novaliches in the Philippines, Antonio R. Tobias. The Mass was celebrated at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University.