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As traditionalist Catholics convened in Rome for the "Summorum Pontificum" pilgrimage from October 25-27, a new proposal emerged from France aimed at providing pastoral stability for those devoted to the traditional Latin Mass. French Dominican Father Louis-Marie de Blignières has suggested the creation of a personal ordinariate specifically for Catholics committed to older Roman liturgical and sacramental forms.
The idea of a "traditional ordinariate" was first proposed by Father de Blignières in September 2023 and continues to be developed. At age 75, he is the founder and former prior of the Fraternity of St. Vincent Ferrer, based in Chémeré-le-Roi, south of Normandy. The fraternity's priests celebrate using the older form of Roman liturgy.
Father de Blignières describes the current situation in France as "very complicated" for traditionalist Catholics following Pope Francis' motu proprio “Traditionis Custodes” issued on July 16, 2021. This document imposed significant restrictions on celebrating the traditional Latin Mass, reversing aspects of Pope Benedict XVI’s earlier provisions.
"The possibilities for celebrating Masses and sacraments in the ancient liturgy have been severely restricted by this text from Pope Francis," Father de Blignières told OSV News. He highlighted tensions between bishops and faithful over confirmations and marriages within this rite.
Despite these challenges, Father de Blignières emphasizes that his community recognizes "the validity of Masses celebrated according to the Missal of Paul VI" and maintains loyalty to church hierarchy while cherishing their liturgical traditions.
Reflecting on historical precedents like St. John Paul II’s motu proprio “Ecclesia Dei” from 1988, which provided support for communities attached to the old Roman rite, Father de Blignières envisions a similar structure today with a bishop leading an ordinariate dedicated to these communities. Such an arrangement would offer stability without isolating members from their local dioceses.
Father de Blignières addressed concerns about creating a "ghetto" for traditionalists by suggesting that an ordinariate could foster cooperation between different Catholic communities: “In a pragmatic way, both sides could better join forces for evangelization and mission.”
While acknowledging that realizing this proposal may be challenging in the short term, Father de Blignières remains hopeful it will inspire further constructive dialogue: “The important thing is to respectfully propose something positive rather than complain or recriminate."
Caroline de Sury reports from Paris for OSV News.
