Catholic World News

Archbishop Burke offers 1st Tridentine High Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in 40 years October 19, 2009

Archbishop Raymond Burke, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, has offered the first solemn High Mass in the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite in St. Peter’s Basilica since the promulgation of the ordinary form four decades ago. The Pontifical Mass took place in the Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament.

Ordained to the priesthood in 1975, the 61-year-old prelate was ordained Bishop of La Crosse (Wisconsin) in 1995 and installed as Archbishop of St. Louis in 2004. Pope Benedict appointed him to his present position in June 2008.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Letter #36, from Rome, "introibo ad altare" (The Moynihan Report)
• After 40 Years (Inside the Vatican)
• Solenne pontificale a San Pietro (Messainlatino.it)

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• Posted by: peggyann - Oct. 24, 2009 2:56 PM ET USA

  I recently attended a Tridentine Mass and was very moved at the sheer beauty of it. I hope this Mass will offer an alternative to our young people to experience this beauty. On Nov. 3, I and my 91 year old neighbor are attending a Solemn High Requiem Mass offered for All Souls. What an opportunity for young people to also experience the reverence we often refer to but which they have never experienced and so then they dismiss it. We need a return to solemnity and reverence - bells and all.

• Posted by: TonyLCR - Oct. 21, 2009 4:34 AM ET USA

  Is this perhaps some sort of sign that Tradition in general should be once again considered and respected as before? The upcoming private talks between the Holy Father and the SSPX...the invitation for anglicans to return home...whatever the case, I am very excited! I am humbly submitted to the Church, and I must say, we must work to restore a true sense of reverence and tradition. Not necessarily in Rome, but in all the thousands of parishes around the world!

• Posted by: TonyLCR - Oct. 21, 2009 4:05 AM ET USA

  This is AWESOME!! Very exciting!

• Posted by: deacon2476427 - Oct. 19, 2009 7:50 PM ET USA

  I sincerly hope that the extraordinary rite stays extraordinay and the liturgy is ordinarily celebrated in the language of the people, in other words, in the same language in which they talk about and ask for money, so that all can understand.

• Posted by: New Sister - Oct. 19, 2009 5:48 PM ET USA

  What an honor for one of our own to do this - Deo gratias!

• Posted by: normnuke - Oct. 19, 2009 12:26 PM ET USA

  Wonderful news! And an excellent messenger, as well.