Latin Mass, but faithful to the pope: A Minnesota church shows a different way during schism crisis

Latin Mass, but Faithful to the Pope: A Minnesota Church Shows a Different Way During Schism Crisis

Latin Mass but faithful to the pope - In the heart of Minnesota’s capital, a historic church named Saint Agnes has become a symbol of reconciliation during a growing rift within the Catholic community. While Pope Leo XIV faces criticism from traditionalist groups that have split from the Vatican, Saint Agnes continues to offer both the Latin Mass and English-language services, blending old customs with loyalty to the pope. This approach has drawn attention as the schism deepens, with some Catholics choosing to separate from the Church over its modernization. The parish, which serves a diverse neighborhood once established for German-speaking immigrants, remains a bridge between tradition and reform, offering a unique model of coexistence.

The Traditionalist Divide

The controversy surrounding the Latin Mass intensified this week after Pope Leo XIV declared that the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) had formally broken away from the Catholic Church. Founded to reject the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the SSPX insists on celebrating the Mass in the pre-1960s form, a practice that has become a focal point for theological, cultural, and increasingly political disagreements among Catholics. The Vatican responded by excommunicating SSPX bishops and priests, warning their followers of potential consequences after the group consecrated four new bishops in defiance of the pope’s authority.

Despite the Vatican’s stance, Saint Agnes has the Church’s permission to continue using the traditional Latin Rite. The parish’s Rev. John Ubel, a key figure in maintaining this practice, emphasized the importance of preserving the Mass’s historical roots while remaining united with the pope. “Our Catholic faith is a living tradition, and there is a difference between being rooted and being stuck,” Ubel said during Sunday’s homilies. His words reflect the broader tension: some Catholics view the Latin Mass as a safeguard against modernist influences, while others see it as a barrier to unity.

“For all who are attached to Tradition, I pray that they seek to maintain full ecclesial communion with our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV,” Ubel added, highlighting his commitment to reconciling tradition with Vatican directives.

At Saint Agnes, the Latin Mass is not just a ritual but a carefully balanced act. The church offers one traditional Mass each weekend, alongside modern services in both Latin and English. This duality has allowed parishioners to engage with the Mass in different ways, fostering a deeper understanding of its historical and spiritual significance. Rev. Ubel’s sermons underscore this philosophy, framing the Latin Mass as an expression of reverence rather than rigidity.

A Model of Unity

Peter Draganowski, a 15-year-old altar boy at Saint Agnes, embodies the parish’s approach to tradition. He has served in both English and Latin services for years, noting the distinctiveness of the latter. “It’s really not hard, it just has a lot more moving parts,” he said in the parish hall after Sunday’s English Mass, as hot dogs and doughnuts were shared. “The sacred mysteries deserve that beauty.” His perspective highlights how the Latin Mass, though intricate, is seen by some as a way to elevate the worship experience.

Rev. Ubel described Saint Agnes as a “model for how the church can respect various liturgical traditions while fostering charity.” This statement aligns with the parish’s efforts to integrate the old and new forms of the Mass without creating division. The Latin Rite, with its incense, elevated pulpit, and 13 altar boys, is presented as a complementary practice rather than a competing one. For many attendees, the Mass offers a sense of continuity with centuries-old traditions, while also embracing the pope’s vision for the Church.

The Latin Mass differs from the modern form in several ways. Priests face the congregation during the service, contrasting with the traditional practice of celebrating with their backs to the faithful. Communion is distributed on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail, rather than in the hand. Additionally, vestments are shorter and more Roman-style, and the black biretta hat is worn. These elements, though seemingly minor, are seen by some as vital to preserving the Mass’s ancient character.

Numbers and Trends

According to Stephen Cranney, a lecturer at the Catholic University of America and co-author of an upcoming book on the Latin Mass in the U.S., the traditional form remains popular among a small but dedicated group. Cranney estimates that around 510 Latin Masses are celebrated weekly across the United States, where over 16,000 active parishes exist. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate do not track this data, Cranney’s research suggests that the practice has a growing cultural resonance.

Most Americans who attend the Latin Mass say they do so for its aesthetic appeal and spiritual depth. “The elaborate esthetics, the deeper sense of reverence, and the continuity with centuries of tradition draw people in,” Cranney explained. This sentiment is echoed by parishioners at Saint Agnes, who see the Latin Mass as a way to connect with the Church’s heritage without compromising its current direction. The parish’s ability to offer both forms of the Mass has made it a haven for those who want to honor tradition while remaining within the Church’s fold.

Vatican’s Response and Hope for Reconciliation

The archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Bernard Hebda, expressed optimism that the Latin Mass could serve as a unifying force. “We are blessed that the same traditional Eucharistic liturgy beloved by those who have worshiped with the SSPX in the past continues to be celebrated in six locations throughout the Archdiocese,” Hebda stated in a recent statement. His remarks suggest that the Vatican is open to maintaining the Latin Mass as a valid expression of Catholic worship, provided it aligns with the Church’s teachings.

For Saint Agnes, the challenge lies in demonstrating that the Latin Mass can coexist with modern practices. The parish’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with some local Catholics shifting from SSPX chapels to approved services. This transition reflects a broader trend: while traditionalist groups push for separation, others are seeking ways to stay within the Church while embracing its diverse liturgical forms. The Latin Mass, once a niche practice, has become a battleground for Catholic identity, but Saint Agnes offers a path forward.

As the schism crisis unfolds, Saint Agnes stands as a testament to the Church’s ability to adapt without losing its core. By celebrating both the Latin and English Masses, the parish provides a space where tradition and modernity can intersect. Rev. Ubel’s sermons and Draganowski’s dedication to both services illustrate this balance, showing that the Latin Mass can be a source of inspiration rather than division. In a time of tension, Saint Agnes remains a beacon of hope, proving that faith can thrive in multiple forms.