Solemn Traditional Mass at the Chapel of Fordham University

The Solemn Traditional Mass returned to Fordham University this afternoon in appropriately splendid form. Music, vestments and ceremonial were, as expected, first rate. This liturgy was celebrated at the request of students and the sizable congregation of visitors and students (miraculous in the normal context of “campus ministry”) evidenced the high level of interest. Fordham University has performed a valuable service – if the Traditional Mass can be celebrated there it should encourage efforts at other universities. We are aware of 4 insitutions of higher learning within the “tri-state area” – 2 “Catholic”, 2 very well-known secular – where efforts to organize Traditional services so far have enountered the adamant opposition of the relveant Catholic chaplaincies. Perhaps the success at Fordham will inspire a renewed initiative to help them change their minds….

Information on the celebrants and musicians can be found on this blog here:

http://hughofcluny.blogspot.com/2010/02/fordham-jesuits-ill-offer-solemn-mass.html

The Fordham University Concert Choir

The reredos was painted by Hildreth Meiere (1892-1961): Our Lady Seat of Wisdom surrounded by holy men and women who are role models for students in the pursuit of wisdom and learning (“Sapientia et Doctrina” is Fordham’s motto)

Our Lady appearing to St. Bernard of Clairvaux