Albany Diocese restricts traditional Latin Mass after Vatican’s latest decree
The Albany Diocese has placed a hold on parish celebrations of Mass with the 1962 Roman Missal, also known as the 'traditional Latin Mass'. This move follows a recent clarification from the Vatican, approved by Pope Francis, which reaffirmed his 2021 apostolic letter 'Traditionis Custodes'.
The diocese's decision affects two parishes: Holy Family Parish in Little Falls and St. Ann Parish in Fort Ann. However, the celebration of Mass in Latin according to the Carmelite rite at St. Joseph Church in Troy, New York, is not affected by this restriction.
The diocese has not banned Latin Masses with the 2002 Roman missal, but is exploring possibilities for older celebrations of the Latin Mass. The celebration of the older usage will continue at the Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine in Auriesville, New York. Bishops may not establish personal parishes for Catholics attached to the older form of the Roman rite, or allow its celebrations in parish churches.
The diocese's move has caused deep pain and hurt among Albany diocesan Catholics attached to the older forms of the Roman rite. The Vatican's clarification states that priests ordained after the publication of 'Traditionis Custodes' must receive direct permission from the Vatican to celebrate Mass with the 1962 missal. Pope Francis' letter reversed Pope Benedict XVI's 2007 apostolic letter 'Summorum Pontificum', which had allowed wide permissions for diocesan priests to celebrate Masses with the 1962 Roman Missal.
