Greetings from the Cloister

From Dom Aelred Tillotson, O.S.B.
Benedictine Monk of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament


Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Among the many joys of Paschaltide, the opportunity to write a letter to those back home – including family, friends and parishioners of Holy Family Parish, Vancouver – is certainly to be cherished. And although the life of a monk is necessarily set apart and enveloped by the seclusion of the cloister, his heart never remains far from those who he loves by the bonds of nature and of grace. In particular, the occasion of my upcoming solemn profession in the Fall (Deo volente) has prompted me to stop and reflect upon the truly wonderful ways by which Our Lord has led me to my vocation as a Benedictine monk of Silverstream Priory; ways that include, knowingly or not, the encouragement and example of many of you. Very simply, I would like to say ‘thank you’.

In order to do so, a brief account of the years leading up to my entry into the monastery are called for. In the summer of 2017, while I was on summer break from my studies at the Seminary of Christ the King, I took a position working night shifts at the Vancouver Men’s Hostel serving the city’s homeless. While the night shift schedule was difficult to adjust to, it did have the advantage that, being not far from the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter’s apostolate at Holy Family Parish, I was able to assist at the morning Low Mass at 7 am. One morning I was approached by Karl Wolkenstein who asked me if I wanted to start serving Low Masses. For some time my love for the ancient liturgy of the Roman rite had been growing, so the prospect of serving at Mass needed no further encouragement. After having patiently taught me the manner of serving Low Mass, Karl included me on the rota and I served the morning Low Masses for the rest of my summer placement. I appreciate now more than ever how significant this time was and how this daily closeness to the altar had fostered an ideal that would later be realized in my life as a Benedictine of Perpetual Adoration: to live from and for the altar. Equally significant was a book that fell into my hands. After expressing to Fr Geddes, FSSP, my growing desire for monastic life, he lent me a copy of the Commentary on the Rule of Saint Benedict by Dom Paul Delatte, O.S.B., the third abbot of Solesmes. This contact with the rich tradition of monasticism, a tradition rooted deeply in the Church’s antiquity and informed by Her sacred liturgy, helped my understanding of monastic life as a living out of one’s baptism in a manner that has produced a great multitude of saints for over 1500 years. When I got to the end of the book, I knew I wanted to become a monk and to follow in the footsteps of St Benedict.

However, to understand what eventually led me (or any monk, really) to enter upon the monastic way of life, it is necessary to recall a pivotal moment in the life of St Benedict as related by St Gregory the Great in his second book of the Dialogues:

He [St Benedict] was born in the province of Nursia, of honourable parentage, and brought up at Rome in the study of humanity. But forasmuch as he saw many by reason of such learning to fall to dissolute and lewd life, he drew back his foot, which he had as it were now set forth into the world, lest, entering too far in acquaintance therewith, he likewise might have fallen into that dangerous and godless gulf: wherefore, giving over his books, and forsaking his father’s house and wealth, with a resolute mind only to serve God, he sought for some place, where he might attain to the desire of his holy purpose: and in this sort he departed, instructed with learned ignorance, and furnished with unlearned wisdom.

I often reflect upon this moment in St Benedict’s life. Having all that can be desired in the world placed before him, perhaps even hearing the voice of the ancient serpent whisper in his ear, ‘if thou therefore wilt adore before me, all shall be thine’ (Luke 4:7), he draws back his foot and directs it in the path of God’s service alone. How much mankind is indebted to this foot! It is no exaggeration to say that the history of Europe, and indeed that of the world, turned with it, indebted as both are to the sons of St Benedict; sons who have each, in turn, received the grace of drawing back his foot by the merits of the Cassinese Patriarch. In my own circumstances, I knew that I wanted to enter a monastery, the only question that remained was, ‘where’?

In 2018, after having heard about a new Benedictine monastery in Ireland that lived a traditional liturgical and monastic life, I visited for 3 months during the summer. During this time I came to experience the community’s unique charism of Eucharistic adoration, reparation and intercession for priests. This charism is the spiritual and monastic heritage of Venerable Mother Mectilde de Barr of the Blessed Sacrament (1614-1698), foundress of the Benedictine nuns of Perpetual Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Urged by divine grace, Mother Mectilde founded a community of Benedictine nuns that would devote themselves to ceaseless adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in a spirit of reparation for the many abuses and sacrileges committed against the Holy Eucharist. In the midst of the French “enlightenment” that sought to liberate man’s reason from the bondage of religious superstition, many, particularly among the aristocracy, fell prey to various forms of occult practices that involved the desecration of Sacred Hosts in rites that are better left undescribed. If this were not reason enough for the need for reparation, Mother Mectilde also witnessed the horrors of the 30 years war (1618-1648) that plagued much of Central Europe. In addition to the manifold immoralities that result from war, the concerted effort among the Protestant armies to ransack churches, overthrow altars and scatter the Hosts on the ground or in horse troughs grieved Mother Mectilde deeply. If men would not love, adore and honour God, then she would for them and in their place. The establishment of her new community was thus a response to the impieties of men towards God; to Infinite Love mocked, scorned and rejected.

Fast forward to our present day and we must admit with sorrow that not much has changed. Today, as in Mother Mectilde’s time, Our Lord in the Sacrament of His Love receives offenses in place of the love and reverence that are His due, and the need for reparation is urgent. Our monastery, in union with the ideals of Mother Mectilde, seeks in some measure to console the Sacred Heart of Jesus shrouded in the Mysteries of His Body and Blood. For us, the invitation of Jesus is unmistakable. Does He not continually call us to draw near to Him, to sit with Him and to offer Him our love? Is it not His voice speaking through the Prophet when He pleads, “My heart hath expected reproach and misery: and I looked for one that would grieve together with me, but there was none: and for one that would comfort me, and I found none”(Ps. 68:21)?

I love my vocation. After my Baptism and the other Sacraments I have received, I consider it the best and perfect gift, “coming down from the Father of lights” (Jas 1:17). In the midst of a world that seemingly is growing darker, in the confusion that plagues the Church, such gifts, bestowed as they are upon the clay vessels of human fragility, are a reminder that God has not abandoned His Church and that all things work according to His purposes: “My Father worketh until now; and I work” (John 5:17). Admittedly, our monastery is quite small and the fruits of our life of adoration and reparation are hidden from mortal view. We serve, to use the Apostle’s image, but one role in the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12); a hidden role much like the one St Thérèse of the Child Jesus realized for herself:

I knew that the Church has a heart, that this heart burns with love, and that it is love alone which gives life to its members. I knew that if this love were extinguished, the Apostles would no longer preach the Gospel, and the Martyrs would refuse to shed their blood. I understood that love embraces all vocations, that it is all things, and that it reaches out through all the ages, and to the uttermost limits of the earth, because it is eternal . . . Then, beside myself with joy, I cried out: “O Jesus, my Love, at last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love! Yes, I have found my place in the bosom of the Church, and this place, O my God, Thou hast Thyself given to me: in the heart of the Church, my Mother, I will be LOVE! . . . Thus I shall be all things: thus will my dream be realised. . . .

The work of Silverstream Priory is, like that of the Carmel of Lisieux, a work of love. It is a work hidden in the bosom of the Church where, seven times a day and once during the night, we take up Her prayer for the glory of God and for the salvation of men. St Thérèse, on entering Carmel, said that she had come “to save souls, and especially to pray for priests”. In like manner, our monastery is dedicated in a particular way to making intercession for priests. At our Solemn Profession, we commit ourselves publicly to representing all priests before the Eucharistic Face of Christ, particularly priests who are most wounded in their souls and exposed to the attacks of the powers of darkness, and thus most in need of the grace that flows from Our Lord’s Eucharistic Heart.

This work, though hidden, does nonetheless continue to bear the visible marks of God’s blessings: young men continue to knock at our door asking for admittance; visitors, especially priests labouring in the Lord’s vineyard, stay for a time of prayerful retreat; and our observance continues to develop, making the splendour of the Church’s ancient liturgy available for those yearning for a taste of the eternal. Monasteries are not erected overnight, and after 12 years here in Ireland we are thankful for the healthy growth that we see in the life of our community.

That being said, with growth comes many challenges to be overcome and to this end I would humbly make an appeal for your support. First, by your prayers for our young community, that we may be faithful to the vocation to which we have been called and that the good Lord would continue to bless His work. Additionally, for those who would like to contribute to the monastery’s increasing material need, please consider making a gift of alms. The coming months and years will see us embark on significant building projects to accommodate the vocations that the Lord of the Vineyard sends us; these projects include general building maintenance and upgrades, landscaping, a new cloister and guesthouse, and a proper church fit for the solemn rites of the Church. The generosity of our benefactors, for whom we pray daily, is greatly appreciated and serves as an expression our mutual friendship in Christ. To read more about our monastery and to support its work of Eucharistic adoration and reparation you can visit our website (www.cenacleosb.org). You may also wish to subscribe to our newsletter to follow the life of the monastery throughout the year.

Finally, to end where I began, I would like once again to thank all of you who have in anyway, big or small, supported my vocation and the monastery to which I belong. In particular, I’m appreciative for the all the work that Una Voce does in the promotion of the traditional liturgy and the support that its members provide for priests and seminarians. Please continue to pray for me as I approach my solemn profession, that I may make a pleasing offering of myself to God, and be assured of my prayers for you before the Eucharistic Face of Jesus.

May God bless you and keep you,

In Cordibus Jesu, Mariae et Joseph,

Dom Aelred Tillotson, O.S.B.


For more information about the Benedictine Monks of Silvestream Priory, you can visit their website and subscribe to the community’s newsletter at: www.cenacleosb.org. Those wishing to support the monastery’s material needs can donate on the “Give” page or purchase books, rosaries and more through their online shop: www.cenaclepress.com.

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Letter from Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez to Pope Francis, advocating for the Mass of Saint Pius V, and International Endorsement by Personalities

On July 6, Cardinal Juan Sandoval Iñiguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara, penned a letter to Pope Francis, which he dispatched on Monday, July 8. In the letter, he urged that, amidst persistent rumors of an impending global restriction on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, the Tridentine Mass which has been celebrated for four centuries according to the rite of Saint Pius V, not be suppressed or suspended.

Diverse Catholic associations and news/internet platforms, among them Una Voce México, have called on personalities from around the world to endorse this petition launched by Cardinal Sandoval.

Below is a free translation of the letter sent by Cardinal Sandoval.

To His Holiness Pope Francis,
Bishop of Rome and Shepherd of the Universal Church.

Pope Francis, there are rumors that there is a definitive intention to prohibit the Latin Mass of Saint Pius V.

The Lord’s Supper, which He commanded us to celebrate in His memory, has been celebrated throughout history in various rites and languages, always preserving the essentials: commemorating the death of Christ and partaking in the Table of the Bread of Eternal Life.

Even today, the Lord’s Supper is celebrated in various rites and languages, both within and outside the Catholic Church.

It cannot be wrong what the Church has celebrated for four centuries, the Mass of Saint Pius V in Latin, with a rich and devout liturgy that naturally invites one to penetrate into the Mystery of God.

Several individuals and groups, both Catholic and non-Catholic, have expressed the desire for it not to be suppressed but preserved, because of the richness of its liturgy and in Latin, which alongside Greek, forms the foundation of not only Western culture but also other parts.

Pope Francis, do not allow this to happen. You are also the guardian of the historical, cultural, and liturgical richness of the Church of Christ.

Seeking your blessing, who esteems and always commends you. Guadalajara, Jalisco, July 6, 2024,

+JUAN CARD. SANDOVAL IÑIGUEZ
Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara.

The call through which adherence to Cardinal Sandoval’s letter has been requested is as follows:

Letter of Adherence to the request of His Eminence Don Juan Cardinal Sandoval Íñiguez to the Holy Father, regarding the celebration of the Holy Mass according to the missal known as that of Saint Pius V; dated July 6, 2024

We, the undersigned, inspired by the present letter of Cardinal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Guadalajara, also wish to make our plea that the treasure known as the Mass of Saint Pius V, due to its spiritual and historical richness, be preserved and not restricted in the Church.

We attest that among the signatories there are those of us who attend the Mass celebrated with the Missal of Saint Pius V and those who attend the Mass of Saint Paul VI; we are united by the recognition of the value of this liturgical and cultural heritage and the desire for concord and unity in the Church.

  • Modesto Aceves Ascencio. Architect, former National Director of Restoration Works, Mexico.
  • Jesús Emmanuel Acha Martínez. Singer, composer, and entrepreneur, Mexico.
  • Humberto Jorge Aguilera Hernández. General Director of Noche Lírica Música Vocal, Mexico.
  • Felipe Alanís Suarez. Vice President of the International Federation Una Voce, Mexico.
  • Jaime Alcalde Silva. Professor at the Catholic University of Chile, President of the Liturgical Association Magnificat, Chile.
  • Andris Amolins. President of Una Voce Latvia.
  • Miguel Angel Yañez. Director of Adelante La Fe, Spain.
  • Esteban Arce. Communicator and national radio and TV news anchor, Mexico.
  • Julio Ariza Irigoyen. President and founder of Grupo Intereconomía, La Gaceta, and Toro TV, Spain.
  • Roberto Badillo Martínez. Major General, State Major Diploma, Mexico.
  • Teresa Banderas Aceves. Choir of the State of Jalisco, Mexico.
  • Patrick Banken. President of Una Voce France.
  • Guadalupe Blanco Aceves. Seise of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara, Mexico.
  • Alberto Buela. Philosopher and professor at the Sorbonne University of Paris, France.
  • Edgardo Juan Cruz Ramos. President of Una Voce Puerto Rico.
  • Juan M Dabdoub Giacoman. President and founder of the Mexican Family Council, Mexico.
  • Lord Daniel Moylan. Catholic politician, UK.
  • Simon DeLacre. Director and film producer, Argentina.
  • Luis Fernando Escobar Duque. President of Cruzada Cultural Center, Colombia.
  • Edgar Fernandez Cerda. President of Una Voce Mexico.
  • Rodrigo Fernández Diez. Jurist and writer, Mexico.
  • Mamela Fiallo Flor. Journalist and international keynote speaker, Ecuador.
  • James Gillick. Catholic painter, UK.
  • Horacio Giusto. Philosopher and international keynote speaker, Argentina.
  • Michael Hichborn. President of the Lepanto Institute, USA.
  • Jorge Issac Lozano. Principal organist at the Church of the Visitation in Guadalajara, Mexico.
  • Sir James MacMillan. Composer, United Kingdom.
  • Álvaro Leaño Espinoza. Entrepreneur, Mexico.
  • Martha Leaño Espinoza. Businesswoman, Mexico.
  • Elizabeth Lemme. Calligrapher and artist, USA.
  • José María López Valencia. Director of the Choir of the State of Jalisco, Mexico.
  • Anuar López Marmolejo. Founder of the Mexican Association of Catholic Jurists.
  • Alfredo López García. Director of Bendita Eucaristía Radio, USA.
  • Fabio Marino. President of Una Voce Italy.
  • Nicolas Márquez. Writer and international lecturer, Argentina.
  • Austreberto Martínez Villegas. Historian and writer, Mexico.
  • Debra Matthew. Musical director of San Mark’s Parish Episcopal Church of Guadalajara, Mexico.
  • Luis Medina. Communicator and journalist, USA.
  • María Eugenia Méndez Dávalos. Former local deputy of Michoacán, Mexico.
  • César Moreno Aguirre. Chief industrial engineer, Mexico.
  • Arturo Navarro Leaño. Entrepreneur, Mexico.
  • Javier Navascués Pérez. Editor of InfoCatólica, Spain.
  • Manuel Ocampo. Director and founder of the Faculty of Philosophy at the Universidad Panamericana, Mexico.
  • Uchenna Okezie. President of Ecclesia Dei Society, Nigeria.
  • Jack Oostveen. President of Ecclesia Dei Delft, Netherlands.
  • Omar Alejandro Padilla López. Musical director at St Philip Catholic Church, USA.
  • Rubén Peretó Rivas. Philosohper and Researcher, Argentina..
  • Ricardo Ramírez Carreño. Dean of the Faculty of Arts at St Michael Archangel International University, USA; Director of the Royal Art Academy, Santiago, Chile.
  • David Reid. President of Una Voce Canada.
  • Monika Rheinschmitt. President of Pro Missa Tridentina, Germany.
  • Cristián Rodrigo Iturralde. Author, researcher, and international keynote speaker, Argentina.
  • Juan Manuel Rodríguez González-Cordero. President of Una Voce Spain.
  • Luis Román. Catholic communicator and founder of the channel Conoce Ama y Vive tu Fe, USA.
  • Walter Romero. Director and founder of Metapedia, Brazil.
  • Ernesto Rubio. Entrepreneur, Mexico.
  • Rodrigo Ruiz Velasco Barba. Historian and researcher, SNI, Mexico.
  • Miguel Salinas Chávez. Director and founder of the international analysis platform BIIE, Mexico.
  • Mouris Salloum George. President of the Club of Journalists of Mexico.
  • Jorge Luis Santa Cruz. Director of Periodismo sin Compromisos, Mexico.
  • Matthew Schellhorn. Concert pianist, UK.
  • Joseph Shaw. President of the International Federation Una Voce, President of the Latin Mass Society of England and Wales.
  • Agustín Silva Lozina. President of Una Voce Argentina.
  • Juan Manuel Soaje Pinto. Director and founder of the TLV1 Channel, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • Jarosław Syrkiewicz. President of Una Voce Poland.
  • Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs. Artist, USA.
  • Ricardo Valdés Ayón. Graduate in Gregorian Chant, Mexico.
  • Luis Zapater Espi. Doctor of law and former judge, Spain.

P.S.: The letter of His Eminence, Cardinal Sandoval, refers to “various groups, Catholic and non- Catholic” who have sought the preservation of the ancient Mass. Among these is the petition of mainly British cultural figures published on 3rd July 2024.

We are pleased to note that Sir James MacMillan, Britain’s premier Catholic composer and the organizer of the 3rd July petition, associates himself with His Eminence’s letter in the following Letter of Adherence, together with many figures of culture and academia, and leaders of the Una Voce movement from all over the world.

In México, as of July 15, 2024

Edgar Fernandez Cerda – President of Una Voce Mexico
Felipe Alanís Suárez – Vice President International Federation Una Voce.

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Os Justi Studies in Catholic Tradition

Arouca Press, founded in Waterloo, Ontario, in 2018 to “revitalize the intellectual and spiritual life of Catholics in the modern world,” is pleased to make available to its Canadaian customers several titles in Os Justi Press’s Studies in Catholic Tradition. Reviews of three of these books can be found in the Summer 2023 edition of the FIUV newsletter, Gregorius Magnus:

  • The Liturgy, the Family, and the Crisis of Modernity, by Joseph Shaw
  • Does Traditionis Custodes Pass the Juridical Rationality Test? by Fr Réginald-Marie Rivoire, FSVF
  • Disputed Questions on Papal Infallibility, by John P. Joy

A fourth title, Illusions of Reform, edited by Peter Kwasniewski, will soon be available.

For more information, visit the Arouca Press website or email info@aroucapress.com.

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Summer 2023 edition of FIUV newsletter

Gregorius Magnus is the newsletter of the International Una Voce Federation (FIUV). The Summer 2023 edition can downloaded as a PDF file or viewed on the ISSUU platform, optimized for mobile devices.

If you would like to print your own copy, you can download a high-quality PDF file.

Links to earlier editions of Gregorius Magnus can be found at the FIUV website.

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The Rescript: Press release from International Una Voce Federation

On Tuesday 21st February the Holy See Press Office published a Rescript confirming, for the Dicastery for Divine Worship, certain legal points in relation to the interpretation of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Traditionis Custodes.

The key point is that from now on permission for the use of a parish church for celebrations of the 1962 Missal may only be granted by the Dicastery. The Rescript makes reference to Canon 87.1 which states that bishops may lift the obligations of universal law for the good of souls in their diocese: this no longer applies, as the matter is ‘reserved to the Holy See’.

The effect of this ruling will depend on the degree to which current provision for the celebration of the 1962 Missal depends on the use of parish churches in a particular locality; the willingness of bishops to seek permission from the Dicastery for celebrations in such churches to continue; and the response of the Dicastery to these requests.

If bishops all over the world seek permission for all the celebrations of the 1962 Mass taking place in parish churches in their dioceses, the Dicastery will be faced with many hundreds of cases to consider, raising the question of the practicability of them discharging their role.

The Latin Mass Society and the FIUV would like to express its dismay that authority over a matter of such pastoral sensitivity has been centralised in this way.

Serious pastoral harm will follow if permission is not granted where alternative places of worship are not readily available for the use of communities attached to the older form of the Mass.

Instead of integrating them into parish life, the restriction on the use of parish churches will marginalise and push to the peripheries faithful Catholics who wish only to worship, in communion with their bishops, with a form of the liturgy permitted by the Church. This desire was described as a ‘rightful aspiration’ by Pope John Paul II, and this liturgy was described as representing ‘riches’ by Pope Benedict XVI.

We call upon all Catholics of good will to offer prayer and penances this Lent for the resolution of this issue and the liberty of the ancient Latin Mass.


Practical points

The Rescript has no automatic effect: previously arranged celebrations will take place unless priests and faithful are otherwise notified by the bishop of the diocese. The Rescript clarifies or modifies the meaning of Traditionis Custodes, which is addressed to bishops, and it is bishops who have the task of implementing it.

It will be licit for celebrations to continue while requests are prepared and processed.

The Rescript will not affect celebrations in places of worship not formally categorised as ‘parish churches’. See below for a full explanation.


Further explanation

The Rescript contains two other points: the reservation to the Holy See of permission for the erection of new personal parishes, and permission for priests ordained after the publication of Traditionis Custodes (17th July 2021) to celebrate the 1962 Missal. These simply confirm the acknowledged meaning of the original legislation.

By contrast, it has been widely pointed out that bishops have the right under Canon 87.1 to lift the obligations of universal law, including on the celebration of the older Mass in parish churches, unless the matter is explicitly reserved to the Holy See, and this has clearly caused some dissatisfaction at the Dicastery.

Parish churches are the principal church of a geographical parish: many parishes contain more than one place of worship, and many do not. Other places of worship include ‘chapels of ease’ (known by various names in different countries), which are secondary churches in a parish served by the clergy of the parish. They also include churches and chapels attached to religious communities and private houses; churches designated as shrines; and churches dedicated to serving a particular group not identified by reference to the geographical boundaries of a parish, i.e. personal parishes and chaplaincies (including ethnic chaplaincies).

The status of a church as a parish church is a matter for the bishop to determine (in accordance with set procedures) in establishing, abolishing, or merging parishes.

Some dioceses have many non-parish churches; others, very few. In some countries there are no parish churches, because the parish structure has not been established. In some cases Cathedrals are parish churches, and in some cases they are not.

The fact that the existence of non-parish churches is so varied for reasons of history and local circumstances makes the focus on the celebration of the 1962 Missal in parish churches puzzling, and restrictions on these celebrations potentially very arbitrary and unjust. Restrictions on the use of parish churches will be felt much more keenly in the United States of America, for example, than in Italy.

Personal parishes are one possible legal structure through which provision can be made formally for the 1962 Missal. In some countries where there is currently widespread provision for the 1962 Mass, such as England and Wales, this structure has been used very little. Alternatives include establishing a shrine for the celebration of this Missal, or its celebration alongside the reformed Mass in a parish or non-parish church. The legal structure of a personal parish gives the priest in charge many of the duties and privileges of a parish priest, but it does not make the church where it is based a ‘parish church’. A personal parish may be based in a shrine church, a church shared with a geographical parish, or any other place of worship.

22nd February 2023, Ash Wednesday

Source

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Appeal for prayers and penances for the liberty of the Traditional Mass

Una Voce International and other organisations, groups and individuals concerned with the Traditional Latin Mass would like to appeal to all Catholics of good will to offer prayers and penances during the season of Lent, particularly for the intention: the liberty of the Traditional Mass.

We do not know how credible rumours of further documents from the Holy See on this subject may be, but the rumours themselves point to a situation of doubt, conflict, and apprehension, which is severely harmful to the mission of the Church. We appeal to our Lord, through His Blessed Mother, to restore to all Catholics the right and opportunity to worship according to the Church’s own venerable liturgical traditions, in perfect unity with the Holy Father and the bishops of the whole Church.

Una Voce International (Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce, FIUV)

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Winter 2023 edition of FIUV newsletter now available

The Winter 2023 edition of Gregorius Magnus is now available. Gregorius Magnus is the newsletter of the International Una Voce Federation (FIUV). It can downloaded as a PDF file or viewed on the ISSUU platform, optimized for mobile devices.

If you would like to print your own copy, you can download a high-quality PDF file.

This edition of Gregorius Magnus includes:

  • An overview of what bishops’ conferences around the world say about the Traditional Latin Mass in their “Synod on Synodality” reports
  • Articles about the Mass of Ages films and how the laity can help preserve the Traditional Latin Mass
  • Photographic reports on Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) ordinations in Germany and on the Chartres Pilgrimage
  • Features from the United States, Ireland, Romania, India, and Uganda
  • A reprint of the FIUV position paper on the participation of children in the Traditional Latin Mass

… and more!

Links to earlier editions of Gregorius Magnus can be found at the FIUV website.

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Special feast day Masses at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver, BC

On Thursday, September 30, 2022, there will be a Sung Mass in honour of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.

On Monday, October 3, there will be a Solemn High Mass in honour of the Dedication of Holy Rosary Cathedral.

On Friday, October 7, there will be a Sung Mass in honour of the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Patroness of Holy Rosary Cathedral and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

All Masses will start at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral, 646 Richards Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

A complete schedule of special Latin Masses at Holy Rosary Cathedral can be found here.

To receive updates and other information about Latin Masses at Holy Rosary Cathedral, please sign up here.

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Feast day High Masses at Holy Rosary Cathedral, Vancouver, BC

On Monday, August 15, 2022, there will be a High Mass for the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

On Monday, August 29, there will be a Solemn High Mass for the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

Both Masses will start at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral.

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Preserve the Latin Mass (Petition)

Please read and sign the Open Letter to Pope Francis
(from https://preservethelatinmass.org)

About Preserve the Latin Mass

We wish to share our experience of the traditional liturgy, which has nourished many saints throughout the centuries and continues to edify a growing number of souls throughout the Catholic Church today. We will share why Catholics of all backgrounds value and treasure this Mass and why so many non-Catholics are inspired by its beauty and majesty. This Mass is an integral part of our collective heritage and must be preserved.

We are surprised and saddened by the issuance of the document Traditionis Custodes by Pope Francis and even more so by the recent response of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship. It is difficult to reconcile these actions with the commitments and promises made by Pope Francis’ predecessors, St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

We wish to continue in harmony with the Holy Father, Pope Francis, while spiritually benefiting from the graciousness of Pope Benedict XVI who encouraged all priests of the Roman Rite who desired to celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass and sacraments through his motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum.

The wide and generous acceptance of the usus antiquior, or traditional rites, has produced a healing within the Church that allows many Catholics to draw closer to Christ and to the heart of their Mother, the Church.  It has been especially helpful in reconciling those who have felt abandoned by their shepherds in the past. Far from driving Catholics away, the Latin Mass has helped many to think with the mind of the Church, recognizing Vatican II as a true ecumenical council and the Liturgy of Pope Paul VI as a real re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

We are saddened too, at the thought of the possible loss of the beauty of the Traditional Liturgy which hearkens back more than fifteen hundred years and has inspired great works of art, literature, music, poetry, and architecture for centuries.  We see the eventual prohibition or severe restriction of the Traditional Latin Mass and sacraments as a loss, not only to the many Catholics who regularly lift up their hearts to God in this form of worship, but to all Catholics, and to humanity in general.

First and foremost, we ask that you read our open letter to His Holiness Pope Francis and lend your name to the growing list of its signees.

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