Archbishop to ordain priests using Tridentine Mass in Rome cathedral

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf of "What Does the Prayer Really Say" found this gem of an item today and comments upon it. John Thavis of Catholic News Service reports the incredible news:

A former Vatican official will ordain four traditionalist priests in a Tridentine Mass celebrated in the cathedral of Rome, church officials said.

The Feb. 23 ordination Mass in the Basilica of St. John Lateran will be the most prominent celebration of the old rite in Rome since Pope Benedict XVI relaxed restrictions on its use last year.

The Mass, to be celebrated by Archbishop Luigi De Magistris, will follow the 1962 Roman Missal, known commonly as the Tridentine rite. In July 2007 the pope issued new rules, saying the old rite could be used much more freely than before.

Now for the part even more interesting:

In a statement, the Good Shepherd Institute expressed thanks to the pope and the Diocese of Rome.

"We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the ecclesiastical authorities who have graciously allowed the celebration of this Mass to take place in the extraordinary form and in the cathedral of the Holy Father," the statement said.

"The Institute of the Good Shepherd wishes to take this opportunity to demonstrate its devotion to and communion with the Holy Father and, though him, its communion with the whole church," it said.

Please read the full story on CNS. Fr. John of WDTPRS has plenty of commentary!