Una Voce America

Grateful for a Return to the Tridentine Mass in Kalamazoo

“Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum!” The Feast of St. Cyril of Alexandria, 9 February 2000, marked the return after more than ten years of the regular celebration of the traditional Roman Rite of Holy Mass in Latin to the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Judicial Vicar, Rev. Leonard Bogdan, JCD, was the celebrant of the Mass, which has been authorized by the Most Rev. James Murray, Bishop of Kalamazoo. Nearly thirty-five people of all ages crowded into the Chapel of the Oratory of St. Phillip Neri, which only has seating for twenty-four. The Mass was the first time in thirty-five years that Fr. Bogdan had celebrated the Holy Sacrifice according to the Rite of his Ordination, and the Faithful present were supremely grateful for his willingness to relearn the ceremonies, in order to provide them with the Mass of All Time.

Many thanks are also due to Rev. Robert Sirico, Superior of the Oratory, who willingly placed their Chapel at our disposition. It became apparent even prior to the actual Mass, however, that the small Chapel would not be sufficient to house all the Faithful seeking to worship in the same manner as generations of their ancestors had done. Thanks to the Mercy of God and the kindness of Rev. Mark Vyverman, Rector of St. Augustine’s Cathedral, we can also announce that an alternative location for the traditional Mass has been found.

Beginning Wednesday, 16 February 2000, Holy Mass in the traditional Roman Rite will take place Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Cathedral in Kalamazoo, subject of course to the expected final approval of Bishop Murray. Mass on Ash Wednesday, however, will take place at St. Mary’s in Paw Paw, Michigan, with the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes beginning at approximately 6:10 p.m. This is in order to accommodate both the desire of the Faithful for the Traditional Rite, and Fr. Bogdan’s responsibilities to a rural parish, which also has an evening Mass scheduled that day.

Please note that, while the Mass will normally take place every week, Fr. Bogdan’s busy schedule may in _rare_ circumstances make it necessary to cancel or transfer the day of the traditional Mass for a given week. For this reason, those interested in attending—especiall y those traveling from a distance—should contact Ronald Ray for definite information when there is a doubt. (See below.)

Many thanks, again, to Bishop Murray, and Frs. Bogdan, Sirico, and Vyverman, for making the return of Tradition to Kalamazoo possible. Most especially, we give thanks to Almighty God, Who has seen fit to hear the prayers of His children, who have so long besought this blessing of Him. It is our sincere hope and prayer that the numbers of those attending the traditional Mass here will continue to grow, and that we will be able to have a regular Sunday/Holy Day Mass before too many months shall pass.

For more information, or for travel directions, contact:

Ronald L. Ray
311 Woodward Ave., Apt. #23
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3258
Tel.: 616-349-7064
E-mail: rlray311@aol.com