Solemn High Mass in Prince George, BC

Text by Vince Pfanmuller, Una Voce Prince George, a chapter of Una Voce Canada; photos courtesy of Claire Phillips

Sunday, September 15, 2019, was a historic day for the Diocese of Prince George, British Columbia.

For the first time since the implementation of the Missal of Pope Paul VI in 1970, a Solemn High Mass according to the 1962 Missal of Pope John XXIII was offered in the mother church of the diocese, Sacred Heart Cathedral, in the presence of Most Reverend Stephen Jensen, Bishop of Prince George. We were blessed to be immersed once again in the ancient tones, movements, and forms of our beautiful liturgical inheritance, thanks to the support of Bishop Jensen; the generous efforts of Prince George vicar general Very Reverend Rectorino Tolentino Jr., who was the subdeacon at the Mass; and the expertise of a contingent from Holy Family Parish in Vancouver: parish priest Fr. Daniel Geddes, FSSP (celebrant), parochial vicar Fr. Ralph Oballo, FSSP (deacon), and Mr. Matthew Palmer, who provided training to the altar servers.

We are most grateful to the people of Holy Family Parish for such a gift. Fr. Geddes brought with him everything needed to transform our sanctuary for the once-familiar ad orientem form of worship – candles, crucifix, altar cards, missal, as well as the traditional vestments. We offer our thanks also to the servers and schola members for their hard work in preparing for this beautiful day. The Mass was recorded and video will be posted online for others to view.

Prior to the Mass, Fr. Geddes offered an excellent catechesis on the Mass, with special emphasis on how our liturgy and our faith must be the “blood that runs through our veins” rather than a “jacket that we put on when we are cold and take off when we are hot” if it is to be transmitted to the next generation. In his sermon, he further explained the purpose and power of the Offertory to remind the faithful what they must bring from their daily lives to the Lord at the altar.

The Mass was attended by about 200 faithful from around Prince George, and indeed from elsewhere in the diocese and beyond. People came from Mackenzie, Chetwynd, Quesnel, Cache Creek, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Smithers, Terrace, and Kitimat, some of them travelling for many hours. A very well attended potluck dinner and reception truly had the feel of a joyful diocesan event.

Having received this gift of our first Mass in the Usus Antiquior, we are working towards acquiring vestments, sacred vessels, and other furnishings needed for future Masses, as well as to support any priest who is willing to offer this form of the Mass. Fundraising efforts are underway. Una Voce Prince George gathers every second Sunday of the month, and works towards the same goals as other chapters throughout Canada, in the hope of eventually having a dedicated parish offering not only the Mass of the Ages but all of the sacraments in the older form.

For more information, please contact Una Voce Prince George (Latin Mass Society of Northern BC) at vanpfan@gmail.com.