The Diocese of Arlington has begun segregating those who attend the traditional Latin Mass from parish churches, a practice that started today (happy birthday, Mary!). The nearby Archdiocese of Washington begins its segregation of traditional Catholics on 21 September.
The very last traditional Latin Mass at a parish in the Archdiocese of Washington -- for now -- will be at Saint Anthony of Padua church, a parish near the Catholic University of America. The TLM congregation at Saint Anthony's is comprised of mostly young adults, many from CUA (as students who attend the TLM are not welcome to worship on campus). If you are nearby and need to see some hope for the future, this young congregation will make it worth the trip. The Missa Solemnis will be on 20 September at 7 p.m.
The votive Mass of Thanksgiving, for many years of the TLM in DC -- including several vocations -- will have a professional choir to sing "Missa Pange Lingua" by Josquin des Prez. Clergy from the region are invited to process (with cassock/habit, surplice and biretta) and sit in choir (in the sanctuary). Laymen are invited to pray in the pews at this bittersweet conclusion to so many years of graces from the TLM in parishes. Plenty of parking is available near the church (in the church/school lot or on the street), a short walk from the red line on the Metro.
Beginning Sunday 25 September, the traditional Latin Mass in Washington, DC, will be at 9 a.m. on Sundays (except Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, when it is suppressed altogether for the three highest feasts of the year) at the Franciscan Monastery in DC. The TLM in the archdiocese will be banned on all weekdays, including holy days, starting 21 September. Tell your family and friends in Washington to mark 20 September on their calendars to attend this special solemn Mass at Saint Anthony parish church.
