External (TLM) Observance of Corpus Christi on Sunday… yes? no?
Today I had qualms… qualms I say… about the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost for the traditional celebration of the Roman Rite. Why? ”External celebration”?
One of the long-time readers here posted in a comment (tossing some of my words back into my very teeth… pesky things, words…):
“In the Novus Ordo many people are celebrating Corpus Christi today”
As are many in TLM communities, in accordance with he 2013 FSSP Ordo provision as follows: [The FSSP doesn't get to make provisions... but let that pass...]
Regarding the Feast of Corpus Christi when it falls on a weekday, it is still celebrated on that week day. In addition, “the external solemnity of the feast must be transferred in the United States and celebrated on the following Sunday, when this feast falls on a week day (Indult of Nov. 25, 1885). Hence, where on Sundays the principal Mass is usually a sung Mass, on the Sunday following this feast this sung Mass in churches and public oratories must, and in semi-public oratories may, be of the transferred external solemnity (S.R.C. 2974, IV; 4269, IX).” A procession of the Blessed Sacrament must follow the Mass.
Reading at face value, it might even appear a violation of this provision to celebrate the Mass of the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost instead of the external solemnity of Corpus Christi in a community with only a single Sung Mass on Sunday. Or is it?
OR. IS. IT?
I decided to consult with trusted sources.
The best answer I got back says something that contradicts what I had thought (though I will defend myself with the reminder that I wasn’t heavily invested in the issue).
I’ll edit the “subjunctive of CYA” (“it would seem”, etc.) from post a reply I received:
The principal Mass today, in the EF, in the United States, should be the external solemnity of Corpus Christi. [Here is the salient point... and I refer readers to Universae Ecclesiae.] The indult of 1885 was still in effect in 1962, and, mutatis mutandis with the Novus Ordo, remains in effect today. Therefore, it is a violation to omit the external solemnity and celebrate the Mass of the second Sunday after Pentecost.
Okay!
I think we need a discussion of this.
But I am ready to shift my position.
