Chartres Pilgrimage: Traditional Latin Mass to be Forbidden at Both Cathedrals in 2025?

The semi-official newspaper of the French bishops, La Croix, published an article two days ago on the scrutiny that the Chartres Pilgrimage has come under from the Holy See.

Rorate Caeli reports on the controversy here. Below is an AI-produced summary of the La Croix article: ¹

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The Vatican is scrutinizing the use of the Traditional Latin Mass during the annual Chartres pilgrimage, a major traditionalist event in France, due to concerns about compliance with existing liturgical regulations under Traditionis custodes. This includes potential prohibitions of “unauthorized” Masses in the Cathedral of Chartres for the 2025 event, as Vatican authorities emphasize adherence to liturgical norms while avoiding conflict. Organizers express frustration at the restrictions, viewing them as bureaucratic and challenging to explain to participants, but remain committed to their cause even if concessions are required.

Key Points

• The Vatican may restrict or prohibit the use of the Traditional Latin Mass during the 2025 Chartres pilgrimage, citing non-compliance with liturgical norms.
• Traditionis custodes (2021) requires Vatican approval for the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass and disallows its use in parish churches without specific authorization.
• Organizers of the pilgrimage express “incomprehension” at potential restrictions, viewing them as excessive bureaucracy.
• Similar limitations were imposed on the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage in Rome, barring Traditional Latin Masses in the Basilica of Saint Peter.
• The bishop of Chartres emphasizes that any definitive decision on the matter must come from the Pope.
• The Vatican seeks to address what it deems an “anomalous” situation while carefully managing potential backlash.
• Despite potential restrictions, the Chartres pilgrimage organizers assert their commitment to continuing the event, emphasizing its spiritual significance to participants.

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