On July 16, 2021, Pope Francis released the Apostolic Letter “Traditionis custodes,” a Motu proprio “on the use of the Roman liturgy prior to the reform of 1970.” The Motu proprio grants a local bishop decision-making authority regarding use of the 1962 Roman Missal in his diocese.
Following a time of discernment which included consultation with the priests of our diocese, Bishop Walkowiak has issued an implementation plan for the Diocese of Grand Rapids which takes effect Nov. 15, 2021.
The new norms were developed in light of Pope Francis’ desire, expressed in his accompanying letter, to lead the faithful “to a unitary form of celebration” while continuing “to provide for the good of those who are rooted in the previous form” of liturgy.
In summary:
- For the spiritual good of the faithful, a dispensation is granted from the provision of TC 3 §2 in order to authorize the use of the 1962 Missale Romanum for public celebrations of Mass in the parish church of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Grand Rapids.
- All Masses according to the 1962 Missale Romanum outside the parish church of Sacred Heart of Jesus are to be celebrated without a congregation.
- Priests who already celebrate Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum are authorized to continue to enioy this faculty upon request (TC 5).
