Cardinal Goh: "There is no reason to stop those who prefer the Tridentine Mass"

 

“The least pleasant aspect of Francis’ pontificate has been that, in his attempt to reach everyone, in terms of doctrine and morality the teachings have not been properly articulated, or rather have appeared ambiguous”, Cardinal William Goh of Singapore told LaNuovaBq.it on May 22.

“If we are not clear about what the Church's teaching is, then it is very difficult to work together in unity.” Cardinal Goh’s refers to marriage and homosexuality.

For him, being inclusive means saying: “We understand that you are struggling. You are not able to live the gospel. We will walk with you. […] One day, perhaps, you will be able to come to understand.”

Leo XIV will “bring greater clarity on doctrine”, Goh believes: “He won't be ambiguous and he won't leave the interpretation of what he says up to each person.”

Cardinal Goh believes that there is no reason to stop Catholics who attend the Roman Rite: “They are not doing anything wrong or sinful.”

And, “Of course the unity of the Church should be preserved, but on the other hand we even have different rites like the Syro-Malabar rites. We can very well accept different ways of celebrating the Eucharist, and so I think we should not stifle those who prefer the Tridentine rite.”

Cardinal Goh doesn’t celebrate the Roman Rite himself, but is not against those who do. In Singapore, there are 300 “mostly young” Catholics in the Roman Rite: “They feel it is more reflective, contemplative, and they find it brings them closer to God. Why should I stop them?”

He doesn’t want to discriminate against Catholics: “After all, it has been the Mass celebrated for hundreds and hundreds of years.”

Picture: William Goh © wikipedia CC BY-SA, #newsHcumfsnvmv