A Solemn High Mass in the traditional Roman Rite was celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of St Michael the Archangel. The liturgy marked the first of its kind at a main altar of the basilica since restrictions were imposed on the use of the 1962 Missal more than two years ago.
The Mass took place on 29 September at the Altar of St Michael, situated on the main floor of the basilica, and was celebrated according to the Missal of St John XXIII, identifiable by the use of the maniple.
The liturgy came as an apparent surprise to those present, given that the celebration of the older form of the Mass has, since March 2021, been limited almost entirely to the Clementine Chapel in the crypt of the basilica, and only at certain times by specially authorised priests.
