In the Archdiocese of Washington there has been a growing number of traditional Latin Masses in recent years, including seven (public) TLMs offered every Sunday. Near the Catholic University of America in Northeast is the parish of Saint Anthony of Padua, which has graciously accommodated dozens -- hundreds -- of CUA students who desire the old Mass on Sundays, holy days and occasional feasts.
Saint Anthony's, with guest clergy, will host a traditional Latin Requiem High Mass on Saturday, February 26th, at 11 a.m. for Ignatius Cardinal Kung. The celebrant of the Mass, a priest of the Diocese of Hong Kong, has shared the following for our readers:
There will be a Solemn High Requiem Mass for Ignatius Cardinal Kung, in solidarity with the persecuted Church in China on Saturday, February 26th at 11:00 AM at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C.Ignatius Cardinal Kung was consecrated Bishop of Shanghai in 1950 and in 1955 was imprisoned by the Chinese Communist Party for 33 years as punishment for refusing to join the Patriotic Association. In 1986 he was named a cardinal in secret by St. John Paul II. In 1986 he was released from prison and settled in America.His courageous example of resisting tyranny and standing up for the truth inspires Catholics around the world. When receiving his cardinal red hat from John Paul II, the audience gave him a seven-minute standing ovation. Cardinal Kung died in March 2000 at the age of 98 in Connecticut.Persecutions of Catholics in China and around the world still take place on a daily basis. As Catholics living in the free world, it is imperative that we pray for persecuted Christians, especially those who live under totalitarian regimes.Any clergy who attend are welcome to sit in choir (in the sanctuary) vested in cassock and surplice. (With biretta if possible.)
All are invited to pray for the repose of Cardinal Kung and the persecuted Church around the world.
