MADISON — On Friday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m., Bishop Robert C. Morlino will celebrate Candlemas with a Pontifical Mass at the Throne in the chapel of the Holy Name Heights in Madison (aka Bishop O’Connor Pastoral Center), 702 S. High Point Rd.
The music will be Gregorian Chant and polyphonic motets. There will be the traditional blessing of candles and a procession. The rites are in the Church’s ancient, traditional form of the Roman Rite. Blessed candles will be available.
The music for the Mass will include Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli by Schola Cantorum of Eau Claire, under the direction of Mr. Jerry Hui, as well motets and Gregorian chant. The splendid new “Msgr. Schmelzer Organ,” recently blessed by Bishop Morlino, will be played by Mr. Michael Mills.
All the faithful and representatives of parishes of the diocese are invited to bring candles to the O’Donnell Chapel at Holy Name Heights to receive Bishop Morlino’s special blessing. This common blessing can be a reminder that all the altars of the diocese are united.
Candlemas is the final “peak” in the liturgical cycle stretching from Advent and through Christmas and Epiphany. It is nicknamed “Candlemas,” because of its association with lights and candles.
Blessed candles remind us of our vocation to be a light to the world according to our baptismal character and of our membership in our parishes. These candles, which are sacramentals, can be used by the faithful in their homes on special occasions, during sick call visits by the priest, and when there are storms or times of trial.
What is a Pontifical Mass at the Throne? See the Catholic Herald exclusive explanatory series: http://www.madisoncatholicherald.org/whatsthatallabout/list
The Mass is sponsored by the Tridentine Mass Society of the Diocese of Madison. For more information, go to https://www.latinmassmadison.org/