Archbishop Allen Vigneron | Archdiocese of Detriot

The Archdiocese of Detroit is aligning its practices with the Vatican's requirements regarding the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass, as per Traditionis custodes issued in July 2021. Archbishop Edward Weisenburger presented recent updates during a meeting with priests, emphasizing compliance with the directives from the Holy See.

According to Archbishop Weisenburger, "The Holy See has reserved for itself the ability to allow the Traditional Latin Mass to be celebrated in parish churches." Consequently, local bishops no longer have the authority to authorize this liturgy in parish churches, and existing permissions, set to expire on July 1, 2025, cannot be renewed.

The St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit, dedicated to serving those interested in the Traditional Latin Mass, will continue its ministry. This community, under the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest since 2016, focuses on the celebration of the Mass using the 1962 Missale Romanum.

While the Traditional Latin Mass is restricted in parish churches, "In addition to the exception referenced above, the Traditional Latin Mass may be permitted by the local bishop to be celebrated in non-parish settings (typically chapels, shrines, etc.)," Archbishop Weisenburger stated. He intends to establish locations for these celebrations in each of the Archdiocese's four regions, excluding parish churches. Once determined, these sites will be communicated to the community.

Archbishop Weisenburger plans ongoing discernment and consultation regarding these matters over the coming months.