Benedict’s Big Day(s)

This week marks not only the 80th birthday of the Holy Father, but also the two-year anniversary of his reign. For those interested in what the Sunday Angelus looks like from the Pontiff’s eyes, here is a video (auf Deutsch) following Benedict Sunday. (Notice that he celebrates Mass ad orientem.) You may also send Benedict an e-card, courtesy of the Vatican.
In a number of instances, Benedict’s reign has proved surprising. His first encyclical, Deus Caritas Est did not address doctrine or liturgy, but was poignant theological reflection on the depth of God’s love for man and what such a love means for men created in His image. Carrying on the example set by his predecessor, Benedict is cordial and conversational in public audiences, as his recent foray at Rome’s Casal del Marmo witnessed. He has also continued John Paul’s reform of the reform, addressing liturgical aberrations, sacramental devotion, and the universal call to holiness in his Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis. Finally, for those of us who feel an attachment to the Mass as codified at Trent and most recently promulgated in the Missal of 1962 by Pope John XXIII, Benedict is poised to release a motu proprio granting universal permission to every priest to celebrate the Tridentine liturgy if he so desires.
(Note: For those vexed by the planned increase in postage ($.41 effective 16 May), notice the rate in Germany – .55 Euro or $.75 – and that is the domestic rate!)