Spring / Summer 2007
Motu Proprio… here we come!
Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at Saint Benedict Center celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this year. The building was designed and built by the Brothers, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1977. Any renovation it has undergone has been to improve or ornament it by the way of Tradition.
The sanctuary started with a simple altar, but over the years money was raised to build and install a beautiful custom-made altar where the Tridentine Latin Mass has been said uninterrupted to this present day.
Inside the main altar is an oil painting of Our Lady of Pompeii, the replica of a miraculous image in Italy. This painting was found in a dumpster as was the historical original. A local artist restored it.
The original simple side shrines have also been replaced by beautiful niches, also hand carved, which hold two statues painted by the Sisters. Both niches and statues were rescued from church renovations.
Although the chapel is rather small, it is the place of worship to many people, some who drive great distances just to attend the Tridentine Mass. This traditional Liturgy has been handed down through the centuries and legally formalized at the Council of Trent, during the Reformation as the official norm for the universal Church. It is the Mass celebrated and attended by the great saints of all times, including the Cure of Ars and Saint Therese. Our present Holy Father encourages a return to the Tridentine Mass and has said it himself.
Pope Benedict XVI just issued a document which broadens the use of the Latin Tridentine Mass. We encourage you to pray for the acceptance this longed-for event.
