The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM)

The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) must be distinguished from the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). While the TLM is a valid liturgical practice, the SSPX is a schismatic group. Founded in 1970 by French Catholic prelate Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre to train traditionalist seminarians, the society has been the subject of controversy. In 1988, the Vatican declared Lefebvre excommunicated after he consecrated four bishops without papal approval, contrary to Pope John Paul II’s orders. Lefebvre died in 1991. Recently, following similar consecrations without papal approval, the Vatican issued a decree on July 2, 2026, declaring those involved automatically excommunicated. The decree also warned Catholics against following the SSPX’s schism. It noted that, despite doctrinal talks since the time of St. Paul VI in the mid-1960s, full unity with the Holy See has not yet been achieved. The core cause of their division in the Catholic Church stems from the disobedience of its leaders—especially priests and bishops—who have caused significant suffering to the lay faithful. While the Vatican has issued excommunications, it remains open to those seeking reconciliation.

The social media reaction from hardcore traditionalists to this excommunication was swift and aggressive, marked by insults directed at the pope and the Novus Ordo liturgy. Much of it has come from those who identify with or strongly support the SSPX. What struck me most was not the disagreement itself. Catholics can and do disagree on many important issues. Rather, I have been disappointed by the lack of humility and charity that should characterize every disciple of Jesus Christ. The real question isn’t about the pope’s fairness but whether Catholics can dismiss the Church’s lawful authority whenever it seems unjust to them. The Vatican’s response to this recent SSPX provocation has been consistent, coordinated, and charitable. It places the decision entirely in the hands of SSPX members to choose whether to remain in communion with the Holy See.

The SSPX’s actions appear to be driven by opposition to Vatican II reforms. As with many ideological movements throughout history, religion often serves as a guise for a broader agenda rooted in ethnonationalism, racial identity, antisemitism, and discontent with modern, diverse societies. While many ordinary supporters may simply seek a more traditional Catholic faith, the movement’s leaders and historical connections suggest that, for some, the underlying concern is less about theology or the Latin Mass and more about protecting a particular political and cultural perspective. It is a fight against modernism.

The TLM was permitted for wide use following Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 motu proprio. On July 7, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum, which granted all Latin-rite priests permission to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass—the 1962 Roman Missal—as an “extraordinary form” of the Roman Rite without needing explicit episcopal authorization.

Pope Benedict acknowledged that this approach attracts many Catholics, particularly younger generations, due to its focus on reverence, sacred mystery, and historical continuity. It serves as a countercultural refuge from modern secularism, offering a profoundly solemn, God-centered worship experience characterized by prolonged silence and traditional liturgical rites. Benedict thought this would promote stronger unity within the church.

They’re devoted to the Blessed Mother, extremely conservative on most moral issues facing the Western world today, and quite reverent before the Blessed Sacrament during their traditional Latin liturgies. In short, on the surface, adherents of Archbishop Lefebvre’s schism appear devoutly Catholic.

It’s understandable to sympathize with these individuals, as many have joined the SSPX after becoming scandalized by doctrinal and liturgical abuses seen in some Catholic churches, particularly in North America.

The Key Aspects of the Attraction to TLM are:

Transcendence and Mystery: The ancient language of Latin creates an atmosphere distinct from everyday conversation. The priest’s orientation (ad orientem—facing the altar) and the congregation’s orientation emphasize that the Mass is a sacrifice offered to God rather than a community gathering.

Reverence and Silence: The TLM is marked by intentional, solemn movements, the use of incense, and extended periods of silent prayer, which many find deeply peaceful and reverent.

Connection to Tradition: Many attendees appreciate participating in a liturgy that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, thereby linking them directly to the Church’s saints and history.

Orthodoxy and Community: The setting fosters close-knit communities in which attendees take their faith seriously and value orthodox interpretations of religious texts.

When I visited London a few years ago, I attended a TLM at The Brompton Oratory in South Kensington. I knew the organ and music would be amazing, as our group was treated to a workshop presentation led by the director of music, who was also the choir master. That Sunday, the church was packed to the gills. My friend and I discussed the experience at a local eatery that claimed to have the “best” fish and chips in London (as many similar places do, and, ironically, those who embrace the extraordinary form of the Mass also claim it is the “best” liturgy)! My experience has been solely with the Novus Ordo liturgy, where full and active participation is the norm, and the celebration is in the vernacular. At the Brompton Oratory, I felt I was watching a carefully scripted and choreographed liturgical theatrical production, with liturgical regalia worthy of a Tony Award. The “orchestra pit” music was provided by the choir and organ, always performing on cue. Because I didn’t understand what was happening, I struggled to grasp how faith could be lived or elevated primarily through observation and silence.

I researched commentators online who shared testimonials and opinions about the TLM’s impact on them.

It’s more reverent. The focus is on the priest completing the sacrifice and on the Eucharist itself. These days, it’s much easier to understand what’s going on in a TLM than it was pre-Vatican II. You can look up a TLM Order of Mass online, and it explains everything that happens. The disconnect isn’t there for people who do their research.

I love the silence; it gives me room to think and pray while the Mass is celebrated. NO (Novus Ordo) parishes that lean less traditional always feel very loud and busy to me.

Something so ancient and traditional is appealing to many of us who grew up in youth group culture that sought to make church cool and culturally relevant.

While I recognize that individual spirituality is important and can be nurtured in many ways, I found no comments in my research that encouraged these people to serve others after their transcendent experience. Faith without works is an empty faith.

As a dedicated enthusiast of Gregorian chant and early polyphony, I integrate it about 90% of the time in the schola choir music I lead during our cathedral and diocesan liturgies. Visitors and congregation members often remark that the choral music feels transcendent, with many expressing, “I felt like I was experiencing heaven!” The Novus Ordo liturgy promotes active rather than passive participation. The music and rituals serve to deepen their faith connection. The liturgy’s weekly conclusion encourages and reminds them to carry the spiritual insights from the Eucharistic table into the world. This worship approach resonates with me because it points to something greater than myself.