In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI released “Summorum Pontificum,”
issued motu proprio, which addressed celebration of the
liturgy according to the Missale Romanum of 1962. The pope
streamlined the permissions required to celebrate the 1962
Latin Mass and other rites.
Since then, the 1962 Latin Mass in the extraordinary form has
been included in the schedules of 12 parishes in the
Arlington Diocese.
Earlier this year, another sacrament in the extraordinary
form was performed for the first time in the diocese. Deacons
Zachary Akers and Daniel Heenan were ordained priests of the
Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter June 14 at St. John the
Apostle Church in Leesburg.
There was another first Oct. 21, when Arlington Bishop Paul
S. Loverde presided over a traditional Latin confirmation at
the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.
In May, Father Paul F. deLadurantaye, Arlington diocesan
secretary for religious education and sacred liturgy, sent a
letter to pastors and directors of religious education
inviting candidates to be confirmed at the Latin rite. About
60 boys and girls accepted the invitation. There were 14
diocesan parishes represented, plus two in Washington – Holy
Comforter St. Cyprian Church and St. Mary Mother of God.
After the candidates and their sponsors filled the front pews
of the cathedral, the bishop processed to the altar, where he
ceremoniously washed his hands and faced the candidates and
said in Latin, “May the Holy Spirit come down upon you, and
may the power of the Most High keep you from sin.”
The bishop, with miter and crozier, sat on a wooden chair
called a “faldstool” and received the confirmation
candidates.
Each candidate knelt, and their sponsor placed their hand on
the candidate’s right shoulder. The bishop traced the sign of
the cross on the forehead with chrism and said, again in
Latin, “I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm
thee with the chrism of salvation.” The bishop continued
making the sign of the cross three times over the candidate.
With a gentle tap to the cheek he said, “Peace be with you.”
After all were confirmed, Bishop Loverde led the congregation
in reciting the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father and the Hail
Mary.
The bishop addressed the newly confirmed, telling them that
they have more strength now after the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit.
“You are now prepared and ready to make Christ known and
loved,” he said.
He added that this will not be easy, but they are
strengthened now by the Holy Spirit.
He told the confirmed to go forth with hearts on fire to
bring the truth of His Gospel to a world starving for the
truth.
Eucharistic exposition and Benediction followed the
confirmation rite.
Afterwards, friends and family gathered throughout the church
taking pictures. The mood was festive, with parents
expressing their gratitude to Bishop Loverde for performing
the confirmation in the extraordinary form.
Bob James was there to see a friend’s child confirmed and
thought the ceremony was very moving.
James and Anne-Francoise Guelcher, who attend Mass at St.
Mary Mother of God Church brought their son, Joseph, 12, to
be confirmed in the Latin rite. The parish offers a Mass in
the extraordinary form, but no traditional confirmation.
“It was beautiful,” said James Guelcher.
