First TLM Held in Bicol Since Summorum Pontificum Took Effect (Courtesy of Dr. Herbert Rosana)

Today is a historic moment for the history of the Church in Bicol. On February 27, 2008 The First Traditional Latin Mass was held since the Summorum Pontificum took effect on September 14, 2007, Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Rev. Fr. Abraham Arganiosa, CRS, chaplain of Amaelianum College, Inc. (ACI),in Sorsogon City, celebrated the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at the Chapel of St. Jerome Emiliani at the ACI, on February 27, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The mass was done with all simplicity and dignity. The celebration was a private mass in the Chapel in the presence of lay faithful invited for the said occasion. This is a pioneering effort on the part of Fr. Abe and the Somascans in Sorsogon City. At the moment we still do not have the traditional vestments for the Priest and we still do not have altar cards and candlesticks. But Fr. Abe and Fr. Richard was there and prepared the chapel and the altar. The Altar was prepared with linens on top of it and the candles were arranged accordingly. The handsome altar missal donated by the group of C.A. Palad was laid on the altar. For the meantime, Dr. Herbert served as altar server. Me and three of my students braved the torrential rains as we drove from Legazpi City to Sorsogon City a pretty 40 or so kilometers drive in order to be present at this mass. We felt privileged to be present in this historic event for the church in Bicol unfolding before our eyes. The Mass was assisted by me, my three students, two brothers from the Alliance of Two Hearts, and two ladies. Fr. Abe plans to say the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite on a weekly basis every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. at least for this semester that will be the schedule. Fr. Richard, the Superior of the community, suggested to Fr. Abe that perhaps in the near future the TLM could be held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Abe said that the next TLMs will be a learning experience for us as we strive to master the rubrics. Once this is achieve the mass can be open for the public as those who celebrate and the lay faithful who assist must have some formation in this form of Liturgical Celebration. Please pray for our endeavors to fulfill the will of God here in Bicol and to live up to the wishes of Pope Benedict XVI as expressed in the Apostolic Letter, Summorum Pontificum. (For those who wish to read the Apostolic Letter and the accompanying explanatory letter of the Holy Father, please follow the link in the sidebar of this blog page). Please support our Traditional Latin Mass with your prayers and encouragement. I will share with you below some of the pictures. The Mass is indeed the Most beautiful Thing this side of Heaven. Blessed be God for ever!