By Bishop J. Kevin Boland

On Saturday, July 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued an Apostolic Letter relaxing restrictions on the use of the Mass that was celebrated by the Catholic Church prior to Vatican Council II. This Mass is the one that follows the Roman Missal promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962. Frequently it is referred to as the Latin Mass.

The Apostolic Letter takes effect on September 14, 2007, the feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross.

What does issuance of this Apostolic Letter mean for the Diocese of Savannah?

First, the Holy Father clarified that there will be a twofold use of the one Roman rite of the Catholic Church. There will be the ordinary form—the Mass we have been celebrating for the past 40 years—and the extraordinary form—the Mass that was promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962. This Mass is celebrated in Latin.

Presently in the Diocese of Savannah we have at least three priests who are capable of celebrating the extraordinary Mass of the Roman rite. There may be others.

In the city of Savannah the Mass promulgated by Blessed John XXIII is offered bimonthly. Sixty to seventy people attend. Prior to this instruction from Pope Benedict it was necessary for the Bishop to give permission for this Mass to be celebrated. Now any priest (provided he has the necessary skills) may offer this Mass privately. The public may attend if they so wish.

The priest does not need the permission of the Bishop or the Holy See.

We will have to retool and reeducate, and all of this takes time. Many priests know little or any Latin. It will be a challenge, and in some cases they may not wish to celebrate the extraordinary form of the Roman rite. The biggest challenge will be the availability of priests who are knowledgeable enough to celebrate the extraordinary form.

We are deeply committed to do our best to meet the religious needs of the people who are deeply devoted to the Roman rite of the Catholic Mass promulgated by Blessed John XXIII in 1962.

With this new Apostolic letter, the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, has expanded the use of the Roman missal that was in place immediately prior to Vatican Council II. It is a matter of the twofold use of one rite. No matter which form of the rite is used, it is essential that the celebration of Mass be one of great reverence in harmony with the rubrics (directives) which apply to each form. With more availability of the extraordinary rite, there will be a renewed emphasis on celebrating both forms with greater dignity and reverence.

To facilitate and coordinate proper planning and implementation of this Apostolic Letter, I have appointed Monsignor William O. O’Neill as Diocesan Director.

It will take time to put a plan in place. In the meantime, if any priests are interested in developing the necessary skills to celebrate the Mass promulgated by Pope John XXIII, please contact Monsignor O’Neill at (912) 233-4709; or by email at wooneill@aol.com.