Catholics were misled about the traditional Latin Mass–and their pain is real

When Pope Francis dropped a bombshell decree restricting the traditional Latin Mass, Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, had two immediate reactions: shock at its severity, and then heartbreak and concern for the people who attend the Mass.

Francis' decree, Traditionis Custodes, seeks to phase out the traditional Latin Mass, says Fr. Ruff, in a noble attempt to bring all Roman Catholics back together around the altar of the reformed Mass envisioned by Vatican II. But that could take decades, and the pain that traditional Catholics are feeling right now is real. Gloria and Fr. Ruff discuss the history of the Mass and why the pursuit of a pre-Vatican II church is misguided and dangerous.

A Benedictine monk of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, MN, Fr. Ruff teaches liturgy and liturgical music, and directs Gregorian Chant. He blogs at Pray Tell.

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Links:

Pope Francis restricts celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass in new decree

Explainer: What is the history of the Latin Mass?

I once fell in love with the Latin Mass—which is why I understand why Pope Francis restricted it.

I love Latin Mass and Pope Francis. Please don’t let a few (very loud) traditionalists ruin it for the rest of us.

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