More From the Floor

Of the amendments to the ICEL text of the Missale Romanum presented by the membership of the USCCB, I'm told the Committee on the Liturgy has recommended that 62 of the amendments be approved by the body and 175 proposed amendments "politely declined."

The amendments are grouped into two sections -- the approved and the declined. The bishops will then vote, by a simple majority, to approve the approved amendments and decline the declined amendments in separate ballots.

Any bishop who wishes to differ with the fate of any single amendment in either group may do so, and the point of order will be carried through.

Only once these discussions and votes are completed may the body of bishops progress to the final vote on the text, which requires the supermajority of 2/3 of all active Latin-rite bishops for passage.

The Magic Number is 170.

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