Canonical Reflections on Requests by the Faithful for the Usus Antiquior in Light of the Rights of the Faithful

Abstract

This contribution examines the canonical status of the usus antiquior within the Roman rite following Traditionis custodes. It argues that the 1962 Missale Romanum is not a distinct rite but an older historical form of the same Roman rite, whose juridical status has evolved from an indult, through the broader framework of Summorum Pontificum, to a regulated exception under Traditionis custodes. The analysis situates this development within the ecclesiology of the Second Vatican Council, emphasizing that liturgical diversity is legitimate only insofar as it serves ecclesial communion, respects hierarchical authority, and affirms the normative character of the postconciliar liturgical reform. It further examines whether canons 213 and 214 of the Code of Canon Law provide the faithful with a subjective right to receive the sacraments according to the usus antiquior. It concludes that these
canons guarantee access to the Church’s spiritual goods and worship according to one’s own rite, but not a right to choose a former historical liturgical form. Finally, it argues that the pastoral aspirations often associated with the usus antiquior should be addressed primarily through a more faithful and enriched celebration of the postconciliar Roman liturgy.