Una Voce – “With One Voice” – Promoting the Traditional Latin Mass (1962 Missal)

Those new to the Traditional Latin Mass may not be aware that the Ecclesia Dei Society of New Zealand is a member of the Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce or simply Una Voce (Latin for “With One Voice”, from the Preface to the Roman Canon) which is an international federation of Catholic lay organizations attached to the Tridentine Mass, colloquially known as “the Latin Mass” (though there are several Catholic masses in Latin).

A Brief History

The Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce (or FIUV) was founded on December 19, 1964 in Paris by Georges Cerbelaud-Salagnac in order to promote the Tridentine mass from the Pre-Vatican II Missale Romanum (1962).  Una Voce argues that while the Second Vatican Council had introduced vernacular liturgies, it did not actually forbid the Latin mass, and that regular weekday and Sunday masses in Latin should be maintained. Una Voce also seeks to promote Latin Gregorian Chant, sacred polyphony and sacred art.  Una Voce seeks to remain faithful to the Pope within the Roman Catholic Church and asserts that the Tridentine and the vernacular masses should be allowed to co-exist. Among prominent early members were the composers Maurice Duruflé and Olivier Messiaen.^[3][8]

A number of national associations developed during 1964 and 1965, and in 1966 an international association, the Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce was formed. It currently has 41 national affiliates (including the Ecclesia Dei Society of New Zealand).

Una Voce members value the traditional Latin Mass as a direct link with the early Church and for conveying the mystery and majesty of God.

Una Voce was enthusiastic about the election of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger  as the Pope in 2005.  He praised Una Voce’s role in supporting the use of the Roman Missal within the guidelines set out by the Vatican. Una Voce’s influence at the highest levels of the Vatican has led to the authorization of the Tridentine Mass without specific permission or indult by local bishops, and the wider implementation of Benedict XVI’s motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum.

Pope Benedict confirmed in his motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, that the Traditional Latin Mass had indeed never been abrogated which Una Voce had contended since the Second Vatican Council.  More information can be found on the international website of Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce:   http://www.fiuv.org/