The word came out last week that Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, president of the Ecclesia Dei commission, had decided to celebrate the old form of Mass in the basilica of St Mary Major on May 24. It's a milestone in itself: the first such celebration in a major basilica since 1970, and undertaken at the cardinal's own initiative, not at the request of the laity. Members of a chant choir in Paris were invited to sing for the Mass, leading to the suggestion that there weren't enough cantors in Italy familiar with the old rite to do the occasion justice.
Today's report (subscription required) that three of the four bishops of the Lefebvre movement will return to ecclesial communion and mark the event at that Mass (see also Ad Orientem) is a very hopeful sign.
Even the bad news -- the one bishop not including himself in the reconciliation -- is sort of good news. Given his reputation for bizarre opinions, Bp. Williamson does not really seem to be suitable for the episcopal dignity.
