Hers is not an easy job, not the least because in these countries the Latin Mass faces an unimaginable uphill battle. In Germany and its neighboring lands, secular attitudes range from indifferent to hostile about the idea of religion itself.
Within the Church, both traditional teachings and the traditional rite are often suppressed, ignored or ridiculed in ways that might astonish outsiders. Even though the numbers of Mass-goers and Catholics continues to drop precipitously in these countries, there seems to be little awareness on the part of Church leadership of the significant power of the Extraordinary Form to attract converts and indeed to bring Catholics home again.
Against this background, the gains that the Latin Mass has made are a testimony to the true grit of Catholics, laity and clergy alike. In this interview with Regina Magazine, Monika gives us a view into her world.
REGINA: Tell us about the Pro Missa Tridentina. When was it founded, and by whom?
Monika: Pro Missa Tridentina was founded in Stuttgart in September 1990 as a publication of a group of laity dedicated to the care of the Tridentine Rite of the Catholic Mass. We work to support the Mass by training priests and advocating for Catholic laity who wish to be able to assist at this beautiful rite.
REGINA: What progress do you see being made, say, since the Motu Proprio of 2007 in Germany?
Monika: Immediately after the 2007 Motu Proprio, there was a significant jump in the number of Latin Masses available around Germany. Whereas I see from Regina Magazine's reports on England and America, there has been a gradual increase since 2007, what is remarkable about Germany is that there was an immediate Increase -- almost threefold the number of Masses in 2008, followed by a very quick leveling-off.
REGINA: What do you attribute this to?
Monika: I believe the slang phrase is 'clamp-down' in American English. The German bishops moved quickly to suppress the Mass, though officially of course this was forbidden by the Motu Proprio.
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