A leaked memo reveals a significant shake-up in the Charlotte Diocese regarding the Traditional Latin Mass, raising concerns among parishioners about their future place in the Church.
At a Glance
- The Diocese of Charlotte will centralize the Traditional Latin Mass to one chapel.
- This decision aligns with Pope Francis’ directives outlined in Traditionis Custodes.
- An internal memo exhibits plans to suppress criticism and bar traditionalist candidates from the priesthood.
- The diocese hasn’t commented on the memo’s authenticity, though reliable sources validate it.
Diocese of Charlotte’s Major Shift
The Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, will soon centralize the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) to one chapel in Mooresville. Bishop Michael T. Martin’s announcement comes amid pressures to promote church unity and adhere to Pope Francis’ motu proprio, Traditionis Custodes. This papal directive, introduced in 2021, calls for limitations on the TLM to bolster the Church’s unity.
Bishop Martin cites a goal to “promote the concord and unity of the Church” with these changes. A diocesan-appointed chaplain will oversee Masses using the 1962 Roman Missal, limited to Sundays and Holy Days. This strategy indicates a broader effort to prevent any perceived defiance of the Second Vatican Council’s liturgical reforms.
Implications of a Leaked Memo
An internal memo, reportedly leaked from the Charlotte Diocese, has heightened tensions further. The document details a plan to quash dissent against the new TLM restrictions. Shared by Catholic scholar Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, it highlights strategies to disregard parishioners’ concerns, labeling the suppression of these traditional worship practices as a “necessary transition”.
“Church unity.” – Bishop Michael T. Martin.
The memo marks a shift toward excluding young men from ordination in the diocese if they express a primary attachment to the TLM. This revelation has disturbed many, as it suggests a systematic move against those devoted to traditional Catholic rites and creates a barrier for vocations inclined toward TLM.
Bishops and Cardinals Weigh In
The news of this leaked memo coincides with public disapproval and cautionary advice from figures like Cardinal William Goh of Singapore, who denounces the discrimination faced by TLM supporters. The lack of a statement from the Charlotte Diocese concerning the memo’s origin has added to the apprehension within the Catholic community.
“discriminate” – Cardinal William Goh.
Concerns about internal tensions and the future of traditionalism within the Church are growing. The memo’s confirmation by LifeSiteNews adds legitimacy to the fears of alienation among TLM devotees. As these changes unfold, many parishioners feel compelled to closely watch for further developments from the Diocese of Charlotte and similar actions elsewhere in the Church.
