Abp. Aymond: Pastoral care is priority for those who participate in Latin Mass

Archbishop Gregory Aymond issued the following letter to priests and deacons on July 16 regarding the celebration of the Latin Mass in the Archdiocese of News Orleans.

July 16, 2021

To Clergy: Priests and Deacons

Dear Brothers in Christ:

Earlier this morning, July 16, 2021, Pope Francis issued the motu proprio, Traditiones custodes, in which he establishes new guidelines for the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass (“Extraordinary Form”) for the worldwide Church. I am in consultation with the pastors of the individual parishes in the archdiocese which celebrate this form of the Mass as well as the Director of the Office of Worship and canonists whose opinions I respect. Over the next few days we will discuss the proper pastoral implementation of these guidelines in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I want to strongly emphasize that my first priority is the spiritual welfare of the people of the Archdiocese, particularly, in this case, those who find sustenance in this form of the Mass. More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks. For the time being, I want to offer support to all those who have some connection to the traditional Latin Mass and assure them that their spiritual needs will continue to be met here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Wishing you God’s blessings, I am

Fraternally in Christ,


Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop  of New Orleans