The Latin Mass Society was founded in 1965 to seek the preservation of the Immemorial Rites of Worship and the use of Latin, continuing the practice of the Church from very early times. The Latin Mass Society
Registered Charity No. 248388
After the New Order of Mass was introduced in 1970, the late Cardinal Heenan obtained in November 1971 a Papal Indult, under which any Bishop in England and Wales could permit celebration of the Old Mass for the benefit of a group of the faithful and, in October 1984, Pope John Paul granted an Indult to every Bishop in the world allowing the celebration of the Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962.
In 1974, following an appeal to Cardinal Heenan, the Hierarchy of England and Wales "recognised the right of Catholics to leave instructions regarding the rite to be used at their Requiem Mass", and they accordingly so informed the clergy. Small cards bearing this statement are issued to all members on enrolment. On the reverse side instructions are given which should be signed by the member.
The aims of the Society as defined in its Constitution are:
The Second Vatican Council emphasised that the laity have the right, even at times, the duty of making known to their pastors their opinion on matters affecting the good of the Church. It also declared that: "Holy Mother Church holds all lawfully acknowledged rites to be of equal authority and dignity . . . She wishes to preserve them in the future and to foster them in every way". (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Art. 4)
- To uphold the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church as defined by the Council of Trent in matters pertaining to the liturgy and to religious observance.
- To promote the regular and frequent public celebration of Holy Mass in accordance with the rite established by the Council of Trent and in the Latin language.
- To encourage the study, appreciation and use in worship of the traditional music of the church and especially Gregorian Chant.
- To work for the continued and wider use of the Latin language in the Church's worship, teaching and administration.
- To provide a means whereby the laity may communicate to the Hierarchy their need and desires in matters pertaining to the foregoing objects.
In July 1988, the Papal motu proprio Ecclesia Dei urged a wide and generous application of the 1984 Indult. Section 5 (c) states "To all those Catholic faithful who feel attached to some previous liturgical and disciplinary forms of the Latin tradition, I wish to manifest my will to facilitate their ecclesial communion by means of the necessary measures to guarantee respect for their rightful aspirations. In this matter I ask for the support of the Bishops and all those engaged in the pastoral ministry of the Church."
The Society is affiliated to the International Federation Una Voce which has the same aims, and affirms its total acceptance of the supremacy of the Papal teaching office.
The Society has a national Committee for England and Wales with a central office in London. Regional Representatives appointed by the Committee arrange Masses on a diocesan basis.
An Annual General Meeting is held in London during the second quarter of each year.
A newsletter is published every three months giving general information of interest to members and particular information about the celebration of Mass around the dioceses.
The Society can reclaim Income Tax on the subscriptions of members who make a covenant in its favour. For details apply to the Secretary.
The Latin Mass Society, 11-13 Macklin Street, London WC2B 5NH