Organizing Pontifical Masses: A Call for Help

One of the most beautiful and unforgettable ways to introduce Catholics to the riches of the Latin liturgical heritage is through the crown jewel of the Roman Rite: the Solemn Pontifical Mass. Its splendor and pageantry, intricacy and symbolic richness are an unforgettable immersion in the spirit of the sacred liturgy at its summit, gathered around the bishop and reflecting the prismatic hierarchy of the Church.

Often laity who attend such a Mass consider it a turning point in their appreciation for the Church’s bimillenial patrimony of prayer. Bishops themselves are often deeply moved by the opportunity to pontificate in the fullest sense of the term; it gives them new insights into the liturgy, their own role, and the reasons why Catholics are increasingly drawn to traditional expressions of the Faith.

All in all, it is nothing but a win on all sides.

At this time, with a friendlier climate from Rome in the pontificate of Leo XIV, there is every reason to organize pontifical Masses with sympathetic and open-minded bishops, and to do so on a broad and regular basis.

But in order for pontifical ceremonies to be conducted, there must be a point person, a key organizer who knows how to contact and coordinate the forces required for the event. This organizer can be (and often is) a trained MC who can serve in that capacity at the Mass itself, but it can also be someone who knows the right people—above all, a knowledgeable MC and a choir director with the requisite skills.

This article is a general appeal to our readers. If any reader of New Liturgical Movement either considers himself or herself to be that contact person, or knows someone who could serve in that capacity in a given diocese, we would be deeply grateful to hear from you. Please write to jnowicka@churchmusicassociation.org for further information.