"Latin Mass Cannot Be Pushed Aside" - Benedictine Abbot Primate

Among Benedictines, the Roman Rite and the Novus Ordo coexist very peacefully side by side, said Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder, a German Benedictine, in an interview with KNA on 30 April.

Throughout the order, there are around ten abbeys that celebrate the old rite, mostly in France. The majority belong to the Congregation of Solesmes. Fontgombault Abbey was the first of a group of monasteries that celebrate according to the old rite and they are fully integrated into the Solesmes congregation. Most monasteries in that congregation use the Novus Ordo.

In addition, there is Le Barroux Abbey and its daughter foundations, which were initially oriented towards the Lefebvrist movement. Following the episcopal consecrations in 1988, the monastery returned to full communion with Rome is now under the authority of Abbot Schröder.

He also mentioned the community in Norcia, Italy (pictured).

Novus Ordo in Fontgombault

Abbot Schröder summarised: "We all treat one another with respect. As Abbot Primate, I am also the Abbot Primate for these communities, even though I can only celebrate Mass with the new missal myself. I did so when I was invited to Fontgombault for the conventual Mass, and this was accepted without issue."

The Future of the Old Rite

Abbot Schröder said he is curious to see how Pope Leo XIV will address the issue.

Following Pope Benedict XVI's actions in this matter, Schröder believes that the old form can no longer be entirely marginalised: "We have brothers and sisters who have built their religious lives around this form of prayer and Mass celebration. It has now acquired a rightful place in the Church and should be permitted, at least in certain areas."

Picture: Jeremias Schröder, Instagram, #newsCxhvuljcpn