On the moves against the Traditional Mass, “It’s all about the Violence”: “Why would anyone pretending to be of Christ’s Church lash out at the lambs?” (by Archbishop Thomas E. Gullickson)

The then Nuncio to Switzerland,Abp. Thomas Edward Gullickson,
ordaining new priests for the FSSP in Bavaria (2020)

In the wake of the cancellation of the Pontifical Mass in the National Shrine of the United States that he was going to celebrate on August 14, 2021, Archbishop Thomas Edward Gullickson, former ambassador (Nuncio) of the Holy See before several nations— most recently, Switzerland, until last year — wrote the following two notes in his personal blog:

July 28:

The Paulus Institute made a measured declaration about their disappointment over the DC Cardinal's prohibition of our Vigil Mass of the Assumption planned for our Country's National Shrine. They did well to do so and their statement fits the bill. My own disappointment over this bureaucratic dismissal of good people's best efforts has no real importance. I do not see myself as a man on a mission somehow stymied by whomever. I would have loved to enjoy this gathering of good and believing people in Mary's "house" in Washington. It was not to be. For me personally, that sort of sums it up. 

As such, I have nothing to say beyond the statement of the Paulus Institute, but as I ponder this picture from the Corpus Christi procession at the Sacred Theology Conference back in June in Spokane, I wonder why some are so taken up with trying to "scatter the sheep": Quare fremuerunt gentes... Why would anyone pretending to be of Christ's Church lash out at the lambs?

DC Pontifical Mass: CANCELED

A pontifical high Mass had been planned for 14 August in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  It was actually supposed to be offered a year ago, but was postponed due to COVID restrictions.  The music was all set.  The clergy were all lined up.  EWTN was going to air it live.

Following Pope Francis' motu proprio attacking the traditional Latin Mass and placing massive restrictions on Catholics who worship using the old books, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Washington, demanded the celebrant of the planned 14 August Mass -- Archbishop Thomas Gullickson -- submit a formal request for permission.  Mind you, all permissions had already been attained prior to the motu proprio.  The organizers and funders of the Mass, the Paulus Institute for the Propagation of Sacred Liturgy, had been working with shrine and chancery staff, even in the past few days, on liturgical and logistical details, including rehearsal times.

Today, Archbishop Gullickson received a reply from Cardinal Gregory.  Permission:  denied.

Pontifical High Mass: Washington, D.C.

A pontifical high Mass will be offered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, 14 August 2021 -- the vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  This will be the fourth pontifical high Mass there since 1969:  2010 with Bishop Slattery; 2018 with Archbishop Sample; and 2019 with Archbishop Cordileone.

This year's (rescheduled from last year) celebrant will be His Excellency Thomas E. Gullickson, JCD, an American who recently retired as papal nuncio to Switzerland and Liechtenstein after several years in the Vatican diplomatic service.  Archbishop Gullickson was ordained for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The pontifical high Mass, like the other three offered since Summorum Pontificum, will be at the high altar in the great upper church (although the portable table in front of it is not allowed to be removed from the sanctuary, except for concerts).  EWTN will broadcast the 1 p.m. 14 August Mass, like it has done for the other three pontifical Masses.  It will be sponsored by the Paulus Institute for the Propagation of Sacred Liturgy, which sponsored the 2010 and 2018 Masses at the basilica shrine (the 2019 sponsor was the Benedict XVI Institute for Sacred Music and Divine Worship).  Thanks must be given to sponsors, as it is an understatement on just how difficult it is to fund and organize such a liturgy -- and fill the pews in the largest church in North America.  In addition to the above website (through which a donation may be made), the Paulus Institute also has a Facebook page for updates.

Event: “Soul of the Apostolate 2020” Conference, July 24–26

Rorate is pleased to announce an upcoming online conference with a superb line-up of speakers, many of whom will be familiar to Rorate readers. 

Soul of the Apostolate 2020: For every 1 convert, 6.5 leave the Church. The world is in chaos. What is the solution? Catholic Apostolic leaders unite to emphatically declare: the “one thing necessary”... the spiritual life.

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Beyond a mere motivational talk or retreat high, Soul of the Apostolate 2020 is designed to help you engage in the war for souls through practical and lifelong spiritual formation. The launch is this coming July 24-26.

Some of the participating formators are...