www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West We have the right of Petition to the Holy Father. Let him know h

We have every right as Catholics from the East or the West to petition our Holy Father when we see an injustice occurring in the Church. Since so many members of the forum have concerns about the fairness of Rome to the East, may I suggest folks write to the Pope and tell him of their love of Holy Mother Church and their worries about how the Eastern Church are being treated. Give specific instances and write as the Holy Fathers and Mothers did with respect and conviction. I believe that Pope Benedict XVI cares about the Eastern Churches so let him know how you feel. It is great to write on the forum but actions through words may be more helpful.

There are guide lines as to how a letter should be written, the letter should be black ink on white paper.

*The Sovereign Pontiff is addressed at the commencement of a letter as "Most Holy Father" (Beatissimo Padre); in the body of the letter as "His Holiness" (Sua or Vostra Santità). It is customary to speak to him always in the third person, and the letter ends with: "Prostrate at the feet of Your Holiness, I have the honour to profess myself, with the most profound respect, Your Holiness's most humble servant."

If, instead of a letter, a petition is sent to the Sovereign Pontiff, to be examined by him or by one of the Roman Congregations, it should begin: "Most Holy Father, Prostrate at the feet of Your Holiness, the undersigned N., of the diocese of N., has the honour to set forth as follows:" — and the statement of the request ends with the words: "And may God . . ." (meaning, "May God enrich Your Holiness with His gifts"). If written in Italian the petition ends with the formula, Che della grazia . . ., the beginning of a phrase implying that the favour asked is looked for from the great kindness of the Sovereign Pontiff. After folding the petition lengthways to the paper, the petitioner should write at the top, "To His Holiness, Pope N. . . . ."; in the middle, "for the petitioner" (per l'infrascritto oratore), and at the bottom, to the right, the name of the agent, or the person charged with the transaction of that particular business at the Roman court.
*http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01137a.htm

Well, it could be written in either Italian OR Latin, either way would most likely work, since the Vatican uses both languages. But I agree, we do need to feel more connected now than ever before. Although after the Pope's dealings with his butler, I think he'd much rather get over that, and heal himself after that before he addresses us and our problems.

I'm quite sure the Holy Father is aware of what's going on without letters or petitions from us. Anything we do send, however, will be routed through the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, where, I am quite sure, it will be filed and forgotten.

As someone who worked in government, I know that many letters of complaint often make their way into the "circular file" (or waste-paper bin).

It would be much better for Eastern Catholics and their hierarchies to act in unison to affirm their Eastern Church traditions (and without approaching in advance for permission that will never be granted).

It is always easier to ask for forgiveness, if need be, than to ask for permission!

Alex

But, as a very senior Reader once said to me, "They don't pick our bishops for their big ones".