Kentucky Bishop Ends Traditional Latin Mass Amid Vatican Restrictions

Bishop William F. Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro has directed a local parish priest to cease celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass, reflecting ongoing Vatican directives under Pope Francis. Father David Kennedy received the order to stop offering mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal by June 30.

This decision follows a temporary arrangement with Vatican approval that allowed Kennedy to continue the older liturgical form under specific conditions. According to Medley, these conditions included promoting participation in the modern versions of the mass. Medley stated he was unable to confirm these requirements were met and thus could not request an extension from the Vatican.

The directive reflects the impact of the 2021 decree by Pope Francis, known as Traditionis Custodes. This decree tightened controls on the Traditional Latin Mass and assigned regulatory authority to bishops over such celebrations.

The decree has sparked one of the Catholic Church’s most intense liturgical debates. Controversies continue between church authorities and traditionalists, including disputes with the ultraconservative Society of St. Pius X over unauthorized episcopal consecrations.

Understanding the Traditional Latin Mass

The Traditional Latin Mass adheres to the 1962 Roman Missal. It was the last form before the 1960s church reforms. The Novus Ordo, also known as the mass of Paul VI, emerged post-reforms. While both can be in Latin, they vary in prayers and structure.

Pope Francis justified the restrictions by noting some Traditional Latin Mass supporters used it to oppose the Second Vatican Council reforms and create division in the church. Proponents of the older mass argue it retains Catholic tradition, while others emphasize unity through the modern mass.

In practice, the Traditional Latin Mass uses Latin entirely, features older prayers, and has the priest facing the altar. In contrast, most modern masses are in local languages and have altered service elements.

Details of Medley’s Letter

In his communication with Kennedy, Medley explained his delayed action. Following the previous Pope’s passing in April, he awaited any policy change from Pope Leo XIV regarding the Traditional Latin Mass. Seeing no change, he proceeded to align with the Holy See’s instructions.

Medley clarified he did not ban Latin services outright. Kennedy can still perform the modern mass in Latin and ad orientem, meaning with the priest facing the altar, thereby indicating the restriction targets the 1962 rite specifically.