18 March 1964
Msgr. Elchinger (whom I brought up to date on Discours au Concile: this morning I received the first copy of the German edition: Konzilsreden . . . ) told me: the Nuncio recently said to Msgr. Weber: your coadjutor gets too worked up, he rushes ahead. Too much. What drives him or inspires him? What is his connection with Msgr. Huyghe, who also rushes ahead (too much)?
It is certain that the Council has released a breath of freedom and a wave of hope. From different sides I hear echoes of disappointment among the laity AND AMONG PRIESTS. The reform of the liturgy is insufficient (‘Is that all?’). The story of the Motu proprio has caused disturbance and disquiet. Some are driven to despondency and to lose interest: ‘There is nothing to be done’ . . . ! Others are inclined to take things into their own hands: ‘Since that is how it is! . . . ’
I can understand that Rome is a bit worried. The sense of a great putting into question, where there is no longer a totally assured discipline, must play a part in the Pope’s desire to close the Council without delay. The conciliar situation allows too many uncertainties. In Rome, the Belgian bishops are finding this too . . .
Yves Congar, My Journal of the Council, pp. 511-512. For previous posts in this series, simply enter “Congar” in the search box in the upper right. The 1100-page book can be purchased from Liturgical Press.
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