Our readers are quite aware that the Trappist Abbey of Mariawald, in Heimbach (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany), was one of the very few institutions in the world to make use of one of the potentially most powerful words in the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum (art. 3) and became exclusively dedicated to the pre-conciliar Liturgy and customs of their venerable and glorious order.
Though questioned by the Abbot General of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance at the time, the matter was finally confirmed by the personal intervention of Pope Benedict XVI according to many reports.
On September 6, 2012, the new main altar was installed in the abbey church of this community dedicated exclusively to their ancient rites and customs.
Traditional Mass celebrated in the old new-style altar
(1963/1964 Volksaltar - People's Altar):
(1963/1964 Volksaltar - People's Altar):
New ancient-style altar (French-speaking region, 1800s):
[Source: Abtei Mariawald. Tip: Le Forum Catholique]
