2 minute read
The Traditional Mass returns to Latvia
A special report by Andris Amolins of Una Voce Latvija
For the first time since the introduction of Paul VI’s Missal, the Traditional Latin Mass has been celebrated in the Marian sanctuary of Aglona. Aglona is the main Catholic pilgrimage site in Latvia. Its origins are connected with a Marian apparition in 1698. After the apparition a Dominican convent was founded, but the present church was built in the late 18th century.
The sanctuary was granted the title of Basilica minor on the occasion of its 200th anniversary in 1980. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from all over Latvia and neighbouring countries gather here on the Feast of the Assumption. These pilgrimages continued even through the years of the Soviet occupation, despite the obstacles put in place by the regime.
Una Voce Latvija (UVL) had long wished to assist at the Traditional Mass at this national shrine. It was in part hindered by the lack of a competent priest. But then Fr Witold Wisznewski, OFMCap, who currently serves in Riga, on his own initiative learned the Traditional Mass at the Ars celebrandi workshop in Lichen (Poland). Our great opportunity had arrived. UVL contacted the Rector of the Basilica, who advised us to contact the Bishop of Rezekne, who then gave permission for the Mass, the place and time being at the discretion of the Rector. It was, therefore, decided that the Mass should be offerred in the crypt of the Basilica early on 15 August.
The crypt had been renovated in the late 1990s, and this was the first Traditional Mass celebrated on that altar. It was also one of the first such for the priest and the first sung Mass at that (and for the server, too). Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, the Holy Sacrifice was offered with great ceremonial accuracy.
Immediately behind the altar where the Traditional Mass was celebrated, lie the mortal remains of Venerable Bishop Boleslavs Sloskans, one of the three bishops secretly consecrated by Mons. D'Herbigny in 1926 for his work in Russia. He was soon arrested and sent to the Gulag. In 1933, he was returned to Latvia as part of an exchange for an arrested Russian spy.
At our Mass the chant was performed by Schola Sancti Meinardi from Riga, including also the ancient offertory Assumpta est with its verse. Many of the faithful present were almost certainly taking part in the Traditional Mass for the first time.
UVL is delighted at the return of the Mass of Ages - so far on one occasion only - to Latvia’s national sanctuary, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia, the land dedicated to Our Lady by Innocent III as Terra Mariana.
Reprinted with permission from Gregorius Magnus, the magazine of the International Federation Una Voce, available from www.fiuv.org
