Most parish Masses are offered here in the modern rite as promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969. However, in accordance with Pope Benedict XVI's Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum that authorised the use of the traditional Roman Missal, the parish has been providing parishioners with the opportunity of assisting at Mass celebrated in this ancient form of the Roman Rite, on Thursday mornings and on the First Sunday of the month. The July 16, 2021 Motu Proprio by Pope Francis, Traditionis Custodes, places severe restrictions on the use of the traditional form of the Roman liturgy, and each Bishop is to read the document and implement it as he sees best in his diocese, with directives from the Holy See.

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Explicit permission is now required for the use of the traditional Roman Rite, and parish priests wishing to offer Masses in the traditional form are now required to request permission, in writing, from their Bishop.

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For the sake of the pastoral good of parishioners who have been attending these Masses at our parish and have found them to be spiritually enriching, I have written to the Archbishop and requested permission to continue with our previous schedule (Masses offered in the traditional form of the Roman Rite on Thursday mornings and on the First Sundays of the month at our 11 am Mass).

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The Archdiocese has reassured me that the Archbishop, after taking a closer look at the new Motu Proprio, will make a decision as to my request and will get back to me, probably by September. In the meantime, I was asked to cancel all Masses that are being offered using the traditional Roman Missal. So, until I hear back from the Archdiocese and receive the Archbishop's official decision, I regret to inform you that there will be no Traditional Masses offered at our parish. I apologise sincerely for any disappointment that this decision may cause to any of you.

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Rest assured of my continual prayers for all of you, for your families, and for your loved ones.

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-Fr. Hezuk Shroff

Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish