This is wonderful news for those who love the Latin Mass! Pope Francis says that FSSP (Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter) can continue the Traditional Latin Mass and use the 1962 Liturgical Books.
Official Decree
District of France Superior Father Benoît Paul-Joseph and the Rector of Saint Peter's Seminary in Wigratzbad, Germany, Father Vincent Ribeton, met with the pope privately in February 2022 to discuss the Fraternity and confirm its mission.
The Holy Father confirmed with the priests that the Latin Mass restrictions in the Motu Proprio, Traditionis Custodes, do not apply to the FSSP because "the use of the ancient liturgical books was at the origin of their existence and is provided for in their constitutions."
Pope Francis signed an official decree on February 11, which confirmed their "right to use the liturgical books in force in 1962, namely: the Missal, the Ritual, the Pontifical, and the Roman Breviary."
Here is the announcement:
On Friday, February 4, 2022, two members of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, Father Benoît Paul-Joseph, Superior of the District of France, and Father Vincent Ribeton, Rector of Saint Peter's Seminary in Wigratzbad, were received in private audience by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for nearly an hour.
During the very cordial meeting, they recalled the origins of the Fraternity in 1988, and the Pope expressed that he was very impressed by the approach taken by its founders, their desire to remain faithful to the Roman Pontiff, and their trust in the Church. He said that this gesture should be "preserved, protected, and encouraged."
In the course of the audience, the Pope made it clear that institutes such as the Fraternity of Saint Peter are not affected by the general provisions of the Motu Proprio, Traditionis Custodes, since the use of the ancient liturgical books was at the origin of their existence and is provided for in their constitutions.
The Holy Father subsequently sent a decree signed by him and dated February 11, the day the Fraternity was solemnly consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confirming for the members of the Fraternity the right to use the liturgical books in force in 1962, namely: the Missal, the Ritual, the Pontifical, and the Roman Breviary.
Grateful to the Holy Father, the members of the Fraternity of Saint Peter are in thanksgiving for this confirmation of their mission. They invite all the faithful who feel close to them as a spiritual family to attend or join them in prayer at Mass, on the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter (February 22), and to pray for the Supreme Pontiff.
FSSP in North America Responds
The FSSP's North American Province expressed their gratitude for Pope Francis’ clarification on this matter. They also thanked Our Lady and Saint Joseph:
The North American Province of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter is grateful to the Holy Father for this clarification, the FSSP’s website states. We also express our gratitude to the ever-glorious Mother of God, to whose Immaculate Heart the entire Fraternity of Saint Peter was consecrated on February 11, the date of the Holy Father’s decree. Finally, we express our gratitude to Saint Joseph, Patron of the North American Province.
Please say a prayer for the FSSP!
+JMJ+
Article Copyright © ChurchPOP. All Rights Reserved. Original article here.
Author Copyright © ChurchPOP Editor. All Rights Reserved.
Image: © Jason Koltuniak, What Color is Heaven?
Mass Cards: Request Perpetual Mass Enrollments or Mass Intentions or Gregorian Masses for Loved Ones.
Our Catholic Faith: Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican Website)
Watch all of our 2-minute, family life videos on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).