This week at the Church of Saint Agnes in St. Paul, Minnesota, the Rev. John Ubel spoke to both English and Latin Mass congregations about the importance of merging traditional Catholic customs with a commitment to the Vatican. His words came as Pope Leo XIV addressed a significant rift with the Society of St. Pius X, a group that has rejected reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council over 60 years ago and continues to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass.
The Society of St. Pius X has been formally separated from the Catholic Church following the unauthorized consecration of four bishops. While the Latin Rite itself is not the root cause of the division, it remains a point of contention among Catholics, particularly for those like Saint Agnes’ parishioners, who are committed to maintaining church unity yet appreciate older practices.
Located in a historic neighborhood, Saint Agnes offers a traditional Latin Mass each weekend. This practice, conducted with the permission of the local archbishop, coexists with modern Latin and English Masses. Father Ubel considers the church a model for harmoniously respecting various liturgical traditions.
An example of this harmony can be seen in Peter Draganowski, a young altar boy who serves in both the traditional and modern Masses at Saint Agnes. Despite the additional complexities of the Latin Mass, Draganowski values its beauty and intricate nature.
Bernard Hebda, the archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, has expressed hope that Catholics who have attended services with the Society of St. Pius X will instead join approved services throughout the archdiocese.
While the traditional Latin Mass is celebrated in unique ways distinct from standard services, its support remains modest in the United States. Stephen Cranney, a lecturer at the Catholic University of America, notes that fewer than 510 Latin Masses are held across the nation’s 16,000 parishes. A significant portion of its supporters are drawn by the ceremony’s aesthetics and historical continuity.
The Latin Mass has challenged recent popes, as the potential for schism looms. Previous popes, Benedict XVI and Francis, took varied approaches to the issue. Benedict upheld the Latin Rite’s validity, while Francis imposed restrictions. Recent events indicate Pope Leo XIV’s focus on unity within the church.
Parishioners at Saint Agnes, such as Nell O’Leary Alt, express hope for a united church. Alt and her family attend both Latin and English Masses despite initial reservations about the Latin service. Choir member Tom Graff teaches his children to value all forms of worship without bias, appreciating both traditional and modern hymns.
Father Ubel emphasizes the importance of inclusion rather than division, reminding his congregation that various Mass options are not about competition.
Associated Press religion coverage benefits from collaboration with The Conversation US and funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc., though the AP remains solely responsible for its content.
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