Mater Ecclesiae will host a Tridentine Latin Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving for the feast of the Assumption on Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Father Robert C. Pasley, rector of Mater Ecclesiae, Berlin, will be the celebrant and preacher.
“This grand annual event for Delaware Valley Catholics is well known for its use of the great treasures of sacred music, especially the beautiful polyphonic Masses that are infrequently prayed in their proper place, the Sacred Liturgy,” said Father Pasley. “We want to foster a greater love for the magnificent works of our Catholic heritage.”
This year’s Mass will again feature the Ars Laudis Festival Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Dr. Timothy McDonnell. Mater Ecclesiae’s cantor, Nicholas Beck, a graduate of Westminster Choir College, will direct the singing of the Gregorian Propers.
Mater Ecclesiae celebrates all Masses and sacraments in the traditional Latin, or Extraordinary Form. Father Pasley is chaplain of the Church Music Association of America. For more information, visit www.materecclesiae.org or call 856-753-3408.
“We wish to thank His Excellency, Archbishop Charles Chaput, as well as the rector of the Cathedral Basilica, Father G. Dennis Gill, for the great privilege of celebrating this Mass in the Cathedral,” said Father Pasley.
Parking at the cathedral is available in the adjoining parking lot and at the underground garage at the Sheraton Hotel on 17th Street.