Arlington diocese announces new availability of the Extraordinary Form Massin compliance with Pope Francis’ directive.
The future of the Traditional Latin Mass in the Arlington diocese became clearer with the July 29 announcement of a new diocesan policy to implement Pope Francis’ 2021 apostolic letter issued “motu proprio,” entitled “Traditionis Custodes” (“Guardians of the Tradition”). The Mass celebrated according to the Missal of 1962 is often referred to as the Traditional Latin Mass, the Extraordinary Form or the “usus antiquior.”
In “Traditionis Custodes” and a subsequent, clarifying document, or “responsa ad dubia,” promulgated in December, the Holy See set forth several regulations and limitations of the Traditional Latin Mass for bishops worldwide to implement. Pope Francis said it was part of an effort “to press on ever more in the constant search for ecclesial communion.”
“After hearing from pastors of parishes in which the usus antiquior is celebrated, as well as from the faithful who participated in these liturgies, I recognize the pastoral need to permit the worship of the Mass according to the Missale Romanum of 1962 as we work toward a unified celebration of the sacred liturgy in the Diocese of Arlington,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge wrote in a letter introducing the new policy, which reflects recommendations from a committee of priests.
In total, the Traditional Latin Mass will be celebrated at eight locations across the diocese when the policy takes effect on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sept. 8.
At five parishes, the liturgy will move from the main church to a new location, in accord with the Holy See’s directive to reserve parish churches for the new, or reformed, liturgy.
Those locations are All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas (in the Renaissance Montessori School in Nokesville); Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Winchester (in the Sacred Heart Academy); St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg (in the historic chapel); St. John the Baptist Church in Front Royal (in Chelsea Academy); and St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg (in the former church building).
Additionally, the diocese announced that Bishop Burbidge requested and received dispensation from Rome for three parishes to continue celebrating the usus antiquior in their parish church: St. Anthony of Padua Church in King George; St. John the Beloved Church in McLean; and St. Rita Church in Alexandria. The dispensation from the Holy See is granted for two years, at which time the diocesan bishop may request an extension.
Priests throughout the diocese, upon request and receiving permission, will remain available to ensure coverage in these eight locations, according to diocesan officials.
Since the publication of “Traditionis Custodes” last July, Bishop Burbidge has pledged fidelity and loyalty to the Holy Father’s directives, while providing pastoral care to parishioners who desire to participate in the Traditional Latin Mass.
In accord with the requirements of “Traditionis Custodes,” Bishop Burbidge said he appointed a delegate, Father Bjorn Lundberg, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, to “assist with the implementation of this policy and to oversee the pastoral and spiritual care of the faithful who are impacted by it.”
In an interview, Father Lundberg said an advisory committee, comprised of priests who celebrate the Extraordinary Form Mass and others, advised Bishop Burbidge in an extremely consultative and respectful process. Despite the changes, the Traditional Latin Mass will still be widely available to interested parishioners.
At Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, at least some devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass are expected to join the liturgy to be offered at the All Saints location starting in September. Speaking to parishioners at the July 31 Mass, Father Thomas P. Vander Woude, pastor, said details such as new Mass times will be worked out in consultation with the faithful over the next few weeks.
Father Lundberg and Father Paul D. Scalia, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and pastor at St. James Church in Falls Church, said that most worshippers at the Traditional Latin Mass are already part of their parish community. They also participate in the reformed liturgy, whether at daily Mass, on holy days of obligation or when traveling, which reflects a longstanding pastoral approach, according to Father Lundberg. The liturgy is celebrated by diocesan priests who are integrated in local parish life. “It’s always been our priests caring for our people.”
“While these new norms will bring some change to the places and times of worship, I ask all in our diocese to maintain a spirit of unity and fidelity,” Bishop Burbidge said in concluding his letter. “May we pray together that the Holy Spirit will always enliven us through the beauty of the sacred liturgy with the grace and mercy of Our Lord.”
Schweers can be reached at [email protected].
On this week’s episode of The Walk Humbly Podcast, Bishop Burbidge offers his thoughts on the announcement of his local instruction in implementation of Pope Francis’ motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes, and his Responsa ad Dubia.
Read and download the Policy for the Implementation of Traditionis Custodes in the Diocese of Arlington by clicking here.
