Paris, July 29, 2021
Dear Friends,
As scheduled, we shall be undertaking our Pilgrimage of the Traditional Mass in Rome October 29-31. From its very beginning it has been about giving thanks for the acknowledgement by the Apostolic See of rights of the usus antiquior. Furthermore, it has always also been about begging God each year to sustain us throughout the world in our efforts to promote the flourishing and spread of this liturgy, which has been the lifeblood of Rome for at least a millennium.
These intentions are still important today, and more so than ever.
Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco has confirmed his presence to preside over our ceremonies and guide our steps as pilgrims. The Mass which he will be celebrating at St. Peter’s, is still scheduled in the calendar of the Basilica.
In addition, before the pilgrimage itself, on Friday October 29 there will be a Summorum Pontificum encounter at the Augustinianum, near St. Peter’s Basilica,
May the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Salvation of the people of Rome, bless and support our celebrations of the Roman liturgy in all its purity right in the heart of the City that is the Mater et Magistra.
Lastly, I ask you to repeat our Pilgrimage Prayer to Saint Philip Neri:
Good Saint Philip Neri, who didst found the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity to welcome and assist pilgrims in Rome, we place ourselves under thy benevolent protection. Assist our pilgrimage in the Mother and Teacher City. Unite thy prayer to those we raise to the Prince of the Apostles, to whose Tomb we are now going. Place us under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Salvation of the People of Rome. Obtain for us mercy and the forgiveness of our sins from Jesus Christ, Our Lord, the Divine Spouse of the Church, which he founded upon Peter. Present to Him, through the hands of the Virgin Mary, our efforts, our works, our sorrows, and our sacrifices for the celebration of divine worship. We beg thee to shine thy smile and thy sense of humour upon our faith, which is now subjected to the darkness of the modern world. And lastly we beg thee, oh good Saint Philip, to sustain our efforts to make the holy Roman liturgy as you celebrated it shine in our parishes, our nations, and in the whole world for the greater glory of God and the conversion, consolation, and salvation of innumerable souls. Amen.
Fr. Claude Barthe,
Pilgrimage Chaplain
