Solemn Pontifical Mass in St. Peter’s – Part 1

The culmination of the pilgrimage was the celebration of a Solemn Pontifical Mass before the throne of St. Peter. The Mass was a votive mass of the Virgin Mary. The celebrant was Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 pilgrims – according to various estimates I have heard – assembled before the altar. Many would hardly be able to see the ceremony – let alone have a seat.

“But He said, Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”

In keeping with the votive Mass being celebrated, Cardinal Burke preached on the role of the Virgin Mary in the Church and of the need to cultivate Marian piety such as the first Saturday devotions. He emphasized the centrality of the message of Our Lady at Fatima, at a time when the world seems to be slipping ever more rapidly into moral and spritual chaos. Cardinal Burke’s sermon was delivered in Italian. Yet when he came to speak of the Traditional Mass, Cardinal Burke repeated his words in French, Spanish and English. The Mass being celebrated today, he stated, has over the centuries inspired so many saints, even to martyrdom. Moreover, Cardinal Burke pointed out that this year is the 18th anniversary of the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum, which greatly liberated the celebration of the Traditional Mass. The benefits of Pope Benedict’s motu proprio have been manifest. This is true not just for those already familiar with the Traditional Mass, for whom Summorum Pontificum has helped to deepen their faith. Thanks to Summorum Pontificum, many others have now become acquainted for the first time with Catholic Tradition and its summit, the Traditional Mass. Thus, the Traditonal Mass is a blessing for the whole Church.