To learn all about the Mass, please see the Mass booklets. However, below are three important things not included in the Mass Booklets:
OVERVIEW of the Mass On May 29, 2005, newly ordained Catholic priest, Fr. Michael Magiera, FSSP, celebrated his first Solemn Mass in Philadelphia's Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul. What was most remarkable about this event was the fact that this Mass was celebrated in the Traditional Roman Rite, or "Tridentine" rite, a rite which hasn't seen the interior of that cathedral in more than 30 years. This was done through the gracious permission of His Eminence, Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia. The Cathedral was packed to the brim. Maestro David Hayes conducted The Philadelphia Singers, St. Clement's Choir, a brass quintet from Curtis and internationally reknowned organist Peter Richard Conte, professional musicians all, in the Renaissance polyphony, Gregorian chant and congregational hymns. In attendance were high-ranking prelates such as Cathedral Rector Reverend Monsignor John Close, Monsignot Richard Bolger, Pastor of St. David's Parish, Willow Grove, PA, FSSP Superior General The Very Reverend Arnaud Devillers, former Superior General, Fr. Josef Bisig and The Very Reverend James Jackson, Rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary. A MESSAGE from Fr. Magiera Dear Friends, How happy I am that you decided to drop by. My friend, Jeff Ostrowski, offered to do this page for me and to put it on his site. I was flattered by Jeff’s offer. Those of you who honored me with your presence at my first Solemn Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia may remember that Jeff produced the performance edition of all the music that was performed at the Mass and also composed pieces specifically for the occasion. I’m grateful to Jeff for all that work and for this wonderful page that he’s created for all to enjoy. Presently, I am serving as Assistant Pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Scranton PA. St. Michael Church is one of the few actual parishes in the United States administered by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. It is a full time Traditional Mass Parish. Please check out the website. You can probably guess that I’m still – I hope you’ll excuse the expression - “on my honeymoon” still smiling in wonderment and amazement at all of it. That’s not really an inapt expression. Christ is wedded to His Church and the priest is, after all, Alter Christus. But words are really inadequate to express what it’s like to be a priest, to stand at the altar and to celebrate Mass. They can’t convey what it’s like to listen to confessions or to bring new souls into the Church through Baptism. They limp in their attempt to describe officiating at a marriage or bringing Christ to the sick and dying. Yet, this life is now mine. I did nothing to deserve it, did nothing to merit it and I’m unworthy to have it. I know that God will see me through to my end. I hope you enjoy this little trip down the “memory lane” of my Ordination and Solemn Mass. I thank His Excellency The Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss, Archbishop of Omaha for ordaining me and I thank His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia for kindly permitting me to celebrate my first Solemn Mass in Philadelphia’s beautiful Cathedral Basilica. I end by asking you, kind website visitors, to pray for me and for my priesthood. Sincerely in Christ, Father Michael Magiera, FSSP SUPPORT the Tridentine Mass Thanks to the kindness of Pope John Paul II and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, Catholic priests of the Latin Rite can now legitimately offer the Pre-Vatican II Mass, also known as the "Tridentine Mass" or the Traditional Roman Rite of Mass. Fr. Magiera's first Mass, celebrated in the Cathedral of Philadelphia with Cardinal Rigali's blessing, was quite a boost for the "Tridentine movement." Therefore, it is very appropriate (and to be highly encouraged) that those Catholics who appreciate the Tridentine Mass (especially those located in Pennsylvania) write to Cardinal Rigali and thank him for his generosity, graciousness, and sensitivity.
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