St. Anthony Church to continue Mass using 1962 Missale Romanum

November 2, 2021

After prayerful discernment, Bishop William Joensen will allow St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines to continue its weekly Latin Mass using the 1962 Missale Romanum, formerly referred to as the Extraordinary Form.

Bishop Joensen sent a letter to the pastor, Monsignor Frank Chiodo, and Father Guthrie Dolan on Sept. 21 explaining his decision, which is in accord with Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes.

Pope Francis revised rules on when the 1962 Missale Romanum could be used. The Holy Father was responding to perceived discord and division manifested in some parts of the Church that was attributed to the use of the 1962 Missale Romanum. The new norms affirm that it is the diocesan bishop, who guards the liturgical life of the Diocese and can authorize the use of the 1962 Roman Missal in his Diocese.

Bishop Joensen’s letter noted that in the Diocese of Des Moines, there has not been conspicuous liturgical discord and division.

“St. Anthony Parish has demonstrated a great devotion both to the sacred liturgy and to communion with the greater Church in the weekly Sunday celebration of Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum,” he wrote. “For the good of the faithful who attend that Mass, I desire this means of spiritual edification for all participants – lay and clergy alike – to continue.”

The St. Anthony Mass that uses the 1962 Missale Romanum is celebrated on Sundays at 5 p.m. The Mass can be celebrated on Holy Days of Obligation and other feast days, but not during the Easter Triduum.

“The Diocese is blessed with diversity of liturgical styles and expression, yet remains united in our adherence to the same liturgical rite,” wrote Bishop Joensen. “We witness the fruit of deepened communion, rather than division, among us.”