More than 60 Christmas Masses in the Extraordinary Form will be celebrated throughout England and Wales this year, marking a significant rise compared with previous years. In 2012, 44 Christmas Masses were advertised by the Latin Mass Society, followed by 50 Masses in both 2013 and 2014.But this year, 61 Masses in the Extraordinary Form will be available throughout England and Wales. Dr Joseph Shaw, chairman of the Latin Mass Society, said: “We are delighted to be able to report so many Masses to be celebrated in the traditional form at Christmas, in these and in many other places, demonstrating the growing appreciation of our ancient Catholic liturgy.” He added: “Pope Francis’s pontificate has seen the coming to fruition of a good many long-term projects and trends relating to the Extraordinary Form, including two new regular Sunday EF venues in London, new apostolates for both the Institute of Christ the King and the Fraternity of St Peter in the north of England, a new Oratory in York, and the establishment of the friars at Gosport on the south coast.” Latin Mass Society general manager Stephen Moseling said: “This year there are more traditional Latin Masses over Christmas in England and Wales than there have ever been since the Latin Mass Society was formed 50 years ago. This is welcome news as our 50th anniversary year draws to a close.” Mr Moseling said there was a broad geographical spread of Masses. He noted: “Masses are held as far north as York, Scunthorpe and Liverpool, and as far south as Newquay and Margate. “Those spending Christmas in the capital have a choice between Midnight Mass at St Mary Moorfields in the City of London, and the Brompton Oratory or St James’s, Spanish Place on Christmas Day.”