A Catholic bishop in Kentucky has directed a parish priest to stop celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass, an ancient form of Catholic worship that predates modern church reforms.
Bishop William F. Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro informed Father David Kennedy in May that he must cease offering the mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal after June 30. This decision follows a temporary agreement, approved by the Vatican, allowing Kennedy to continue the older liturgy under certain conditions. Medley stated that he could not show those conditions had been met, particularly Kennedy’s encouragement for worshippers to attend modern mass versions. Thus, he could not request further time from the Vatican.
This move reflects the ongoing influence of Pope Francis’ 2021 decree, Traditionis Custodes, which heightened restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass and assigned bishops the responsibility for regulating 1962 missal celebrations. This issue remains a contentious liturgical debate within the Catholic Church.
Other disputes involve the Society of St. Pius X, an ultraconservative group facing excommunication for plans to consecrate bishops without papal approval. Newsweek reached out to Medley, Kennedy, and the Vatican for comments via email.
Understanding the Traditional Latin Mass
The Traditional Latin Mass employs the 1962 Roman Missal, the final version before reforms in the 1960s, according to the Vatican. The modern version, often referenced as the Novus Ordo or mass of Paul VI, was introduced post-reforms.
While both can be conducted in Latin, they notably differ in prayers, readings, and structure. Francis restricted the older form, arguing that its supporters sometimes use it to reject Second Vatican Council reforms and foster division within the church.
Proponents of the Traditional Latin Mass argue it maintains Catholic tradition and worship, while advocates of the restrictions believe the church should unify around the modern mass.
The Traditional Latin Mass typically occurs entirely in Latin, with older prayers and rituals, and is conducted with the priest facing the altar. In contrast, the modern mass is usually in local languages and involves changes in service order, prayers, and readings.
Insights from Medley’s Letter
In his letter to Kennedy, Medley indicated he delayed the change for nearly a year. After Francis’ death last April, the bishop waited to see if Pope Leo XIV would alter the Vatican’s policy on the Traditional Latin Mass.
Medley expressed hope that authorities might reconsider the restrictions but saw no such developments. He stated he was compelled to act “in accord with the direction of the Holy See” and cease permission for the older mass form. He did not entirely ban Latin-language worship. Instead, he permitted Kennedy to continue the modern mass in Latin and ad orientem, highlighting the restriction targets the older rite specifically, not the Latin language.
For further information, Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Shakeema Edwards were contacted regarding the story.