Continued from Part II

The pilgrims processed to the apse of the basilica of St. Peter’s, where the Solemn Mass would be celebrated at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter. The space initially reserved was quickly filled, and, just as in the Pantheon, a stream of new arrivals continued to swell the the congregation. At the end quite a number were left standing ouside the barriers the authorities of the basilica had set up.

The Mass was a votive mass of Sts. Peter and Paul. I should say that the particpants kept closely monitoring the news to make sure the events of the pilgrimage would take place at all. A pontifical liturgy had been scheduled for Saturday, but at the last minute the Archbishop in question had to withdraw. An official of the curia, Msgr. Patrick Descourtieux, stepped in to celebrate the liturgy – which accordingly took place as scheduled. (Msgr. Descourtieux in 2019 had assumed an office in the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which had been given the functions of the abolished Ecclesia Dei commission). I understand that in the past masses of this pilgrimage had been celebrated by a bishop or Cardinal.

The celebrant gave his homily alternating beween various languages – something I confess that appears a little strange to me, especially since the program set out the full text of the homily in French and four other languages. The content was a non-controversial, non-specific but perhaps politically astute reflection on Sts Peter and Paul. As at the vespers of the previous evening, music was again provided by the Cappella Musicale di Santa Maria in Campitelli, directed by Vincenzo Di Betta.

Continue to Part IV

Continued from Part I

On Saturday morning, the pilgrims gathered at the Church of Sts. Celsus and Julianus (Santi Celso e Giuliano). A pretty 18th century baroque stucture, this church is currently the home of the Institute of Christ the King. But it was totally inadequate for the numbers of people who thronged it that morning. The rosary was recited, followed by Benediction. The Institute led the proceedings.

From here the procession set out for St. Peter’s. Flags were provided for the pilgrims – not including that of the United States. Saturday, fortunately, was a beautiful day.

The pilgrimage continued on its way, singing. Often it was the familiar Christus Vincit.

Continue to Part III

I wanted to share some reflections on the recent Pilgrimage to Rome (“Peligrinatio ad Petri Sedem”) by traditionalist Catholics. The liturgical celebrations of the pilgrimage took place from Friday, Ocober 29 to Sunday, October 31. I also add to this set the Mass of All Souls Day, November 2.

The pilgrimage began with Solemn Vespers in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the august surroundings of the Basilica St. Maria ad Martyres – the Pantheon. This is appropriate, because, at least in the United States, the celebration of vespers has experienced a renaissance in traditionalist groups after having almost disappeared from parish life. And of course, All Saints Day, which we would celebrate on the following Monday, traces its origin to the consecration of the Pantheon to Our Lady and all the Martyrs in 609 or 610. (The date of this feast was moved to November 1 in the 8th century)

As was the case for all the events of this pilgrimage, attendance was impressive and row after row of chairs had to be added. This, despite travel restrictions still in effect in many places due to Covid. The organization of the weekend’s events was effective here and subsequently thoughout the pilgrimage.

The music was outstanding, reinforced by the wonderful acoustics of the Pantheon. The schola was the Cappella Musicale di Santa Maria in Campitelli of Rome, directed by Vincenzo Di Betta.

The celebration of Vespers was in the hands of the Institute of the Good Shepherd.

Continue to Part II

The annual Saint Gregory Purgatorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 11, at 7:30 pm, at St Stanislaus Church, New Haven. The traditional Gregorian chants for the Requiem will be sung, and the absolution will be prayed at the catafalque.

The Purgatorial Form is found here: http://saint-gregory.org/1341-2/