We thank dear reader M. Holmström for this great report on more traditional events in Sweden:
For the first time in the diocese of Stockholm since the 1960s, a Solemn High Mass was recently celebrated. This occurred on November 23, during the visit of Msgr. R. Michael Schmitz, Vicar General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. The Institute has a growing apostolate in Sweden, where, at the Bishop's request, it acts as custodian of the Gregorian Mass in Sweden.
Mass was celebrated in the church of Marie bebådelse (the Annunciation), the French Dominican Fathers' former church in the Swedish capital. Msgr. Schmitz held a most appreciated sermon on St. Clement of Rome (audio file).
During his visit, Msgr. Schmitz also held a thorough talk on the topic of The Mystery of Eternity (audio file). In these last days before Advent, we were thus appropriately reminded of our eternal destination. A classic Swedish smörgåsbord and some wine followed the talk. The evening ended in a joyful atmosphere.
Accompanied by some of the faithful and Canon Künkel, the Institute's resident priest in Sweden, Msgr. Schmitz visited Uppsala Cathedral and the relics of St. Erik, the martyr king (d. 1160). The Swedish Friends of the Institute hope soon to welcome Msgr. Schmitz again to the hometown of St. Bridget.
Anyone interested in more information about Swedish Catolicism today may read the interview with The Cardinal Dante Memorial Association, the Swedish Friends of the ICKSP, conducted by Paix Liturgique (in French).
