31 JANUARY 1976, Page 4

See of troubles

Sir: Most Catholics among your readers are likely to be distressed by the flamboyant self-righteousness of your anonymous contributor on the Westminster Succession. The kind of "traditionalist" he represents is inclined also to legalism, and it is a pity that he cannot accept that all that has happened is that the Missal of Paul VI has replaced the Missal of Paul V. which in its turn replaced many diverse forms. A great deal of the argument over the 'Tridentine' form would disappear if more parish priests regularly offered the Mass in Latin; as they are directed to do. References to high-wire acts and levitation make little contribution to serious debate; and the 'Mass settings of German Lutheran composers have rarely been used by Catholics in the course of worship. Philip L. Daniel The article 'The Westminster Succession' was not anonymous. It was signed by Stuart Reid, a former editor of the Catholic Herald.—Editor, Spectator.