The Latin Mass Society of New Zealand

Cancellation of Westminster Old Rite Triduum – Latin Mass Society of England and Wales
Briefing from the Chairman |
Cancellation of Westminster Old Rite TriduumThe LMS has issued a press release about the cancellation of the TLM Easter Triduum in the Archdiocese of Westminster (reported in National Catholic Register, Catholic Herald, The Tablet). This celebration attracted up to 200 people and had been taking place for 25 years. Here I want to reflect on how this lamentable development fits into the bigger picture. The Triduum has not been formally refused permission by the Dicastery for Divine Worship (DDW): rather, Cardinal Nichols chose not to seek permission for it, as with the two annual Masses at the High Altar of Westminster Cathedral which served as the LMS’ annual requiem and AGM Mass. It seems that axing these celebrations is a concession on his part to the stated programme of Traditionis custodes, to close down the TLM, in stages. One reading of this decision is that as annual events they are not as pastorally important as a weekly Sunday celebration, they are all particularly prominent. They can be sacrificed (as the Cardinal put it) ‘for the sake of the wider provision’. The Cardinal has also suggested that the Latin Mass Society is not an appropriate body to make requests for a celebration under Traditionis custodes, not being a ‘stable group’. We of course represent ‘stable groups’, but that is his view, which is why the appeal against his initial decision came from a priest on behalf of the ‘stable group’ at the regular Sunday TLM in St James’, Spanish Place. However, this approach did not change the outcome. Bishops around world are faced with the DDW policy of reducing the number of TLMs in parish churches. Surviving celebrations are permitted for two years, renewable on the condition that the people are ‘educated’ about the liturgical reform in the meantime. (I have yet to hear of any attempt to meet this condition.) Eac©2024 Latin Mass Society | 9 Mallow Street, London EC1Y 8RQh permission incurs a fee of €250.
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