Pope Francis recently issued new orders, on his own authority, to limit the use of the Tridentine Mass – a move which reverses a decision made in 2007 by Pope Benedict. Many Catholics have no idea about this controversy which has simmered for quite some time. We, in the U.S., often forget that the Catholic Church is active around the globe. What is the controversy?

Catholics “of a certain age” recall the upheaval that took place in the Church in the 1960s as significant changes were made in our liturgy. For centuries, all around the world, the Mass had been said in Latin. In the Tridentine Mass, often called the Traditional Latin Mass, the priest would face the tabernacle at the high altar; the people would receive communion on their tongues, kneeling at the communion rail. Only the readings and the homily could be understood by the congregation.

 The Second Vatican Council decided that Mass would be translated and offered in the languages of the world, referred to as the vernacular. The priest now faces the people, and certain rituals, such as the distribution of communion, have changed. Throughout our Archdiocese, we use the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.

 A concentrated portion of Catholics never were able to accept this significant change,  and the Church allowed the Latin Mass to be celebrated in limited circumstances. It is still an approved liturgical rite of the Church, governed by the 1962 edition of the Roman Missal.  Pope Benedict had given priests the choice to say the Latin Mass whenever they wished.

Pope Francis has directed that priests now require approval from the bishop or archbishop of the diocese. There will be restrictions on where the Latin Mass can be said.  Newly ordained priests will only be able to offer the Latin Mass with their bishop’s permission and the approval of the Apostolic See.

Pope Francis made this decision after reflecting that offering the two forms was not bringing the Church together but causing it to be more separated.  The norm will be for Catholics to experience the Mass as we experience it, and the exception will be made in small circumstances with the approval of the bishop.  While these new rules will not affect the great majority of practicing Catholics, it is a significant distress for those who love the Latin Mass for its reverence and mystery.  We should pray for them to find peace and acceptance as they continue their spiritual journey.         Fr. Gary