OR ALL THOSE in striking distance of the Delaware Valley, please make note of the open invitation to the Assumption Mass being offered this Friday evening in Philadelphia. The Assumption Mass tradition began fourteen years ago as an act of gratitude to God for the establishment of Mater Ecclesiae, the first diocesan-owned and staffed TLM parish in the United States (part of the Camden Diocese). This is the first year that the Mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul in Philadelphia.
The Celebrant of the Mass, who will also deliver the sermon, is Msgr. Andrew Wadsworth. Originally a priest of the Diocese of Westminster, London, he is now the superior of the Oratorian Community of St Philip Neri, an oratory in formation in the Archdiocese of Washington. Msgr. Wadsworth has also served as Executive Director of the International Commission for English in the Liturgy (ICEL) since 2009, responsible for the English translations of Latin liturgical texts for use in the Anglophone world.
Each year, the Assumption Mass features terrific orchestral and choral music. This year, the Ordinary of the Mass will be the Missa in Angustiis, or “Lord Nelson Mass,” of Franz Joseph Haydn, sung with full orchestra. Other works will include the motets Salve Regina by Antonio Salieri, Salutatio D.N.I.C. by Ludwig Senfl, Beata Viscera Gregor Aichinger, the Adagio from Tomaso Albioni’s Concerto for 2 Oboes in G Major, the Hodie Maria Virgo by Luca Marenzio, and the Tantum Ergo by Mozart. The postlude will be Concerto for 2 trumpets in D Major by Giuseppe Maria Jacchini. The traditional hymns O Sanctissima and Hail, Holy Queen, arranged by the Music Director, Dr Timothy McDonnell, will also be sung.
This Solemn High Mass of the Assumption, celebrated in the Extraordinary Form, will begin at 7 PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul (18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway). All are welcome.
