The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson visited the St. Francis de Sales Oratory on Sunday, March 14th for the first time as Archbishop of St. Louis. His Grace wished to be present at the official Archdiocesan celebration of "25 Years Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in St. Louis," to show his support for the ever-growing community attending the traditional Latin Mass.
This stately old church was brimming with many guests and friends from near and far, as the magnificent liturgy of Laetare Sunday unfolded. The Oratory's choir, augmented by the angelic voices of the St. Francis de Sales children's choir, sang Hans Leo Hassler's "Missa Secunda." Archbishop Carlson delivered the sermon during the Solemn High Mass, celebrated by Monsignor R. Michael Schmitz, Vicar General in the Institute and Provincial in the US.
Mother Caroline-Marie of the Trinity, Mother Superior of the Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priest, who had come from Gricigliano to visit with Sister Marie of the Love of God, was on hand to greet His Grace. On his brief tour of the Convent on the Oratory's campus, the Archbishop was able to witness the impressive progress made there since the renovation began last summer.
At the reception in the Oratory hall, Archbishop Carlson expressed his satisfaction with the work of the Institute in the Archdiocese. He further underscored the importance and necessity of having competent and diligent "care for the dignity of the liturgical celebrations according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite" within the Archdiocese.