Schedule: The Latin Novus Ordo Mass is celebrated periodically on Saturdays at Saint Mary of Victories. Dates are posted on the Upcoming Events page. All are welcome.
Fr. Brian W. Harrison, O.S.
A Unique Liturgical Witness
Saint Mary of Victories is home to one of the only Latin Novus Ordo Masses remaining in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis — and among the first of its kind anywhere in the region. Introduced at this chapel by Fr. Brian W. Harrison, O.S., this Mass represents a rare and living witness to the liturgical vision of the Second Vatican Council in its fullest, most traditional expression.
The Mass is celebrated in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite — the post-conciliar Mass introduced by Pope Paul VI — but with options that are now rarely exercised in the United States:
- Celebrated mainly in Latin, using the latest Vatican editio typica
- Celebrated facing the high altar
- Featuring Gregorian Chant throughout, including the Propers of the Mass
- Holy Communion offered in the traditional manner — kneeling, on the tongue
- English translations provided for all Latin prayers
- English used for Scripture readings, Responsorial Psalm, and Prayers of the Faithful
Is This a “Hybrid” Mass?
Not at all. As Fr. Harrison has explained, the Latin Ordinary Form could be described as the most “thoroughbred” expression of the post-Vatican II Mass. The Missal used is the original Latin text published at the Vatican — the basis for all vernacular translations worldwide, and the text used regularly by post-conciliar popes.
The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, in their Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), actually called for Latin to continue as the primary liturgical language (SC #36), for Gregorian Chant to be given “pride of place” (SC #116), and did not mandate that priests face the people. These practices, standard at this chapel, reflect exactly what the Council Fathers envisioned.
History of the Latin Mass at Saint Mary of Victories
The Latin Novus Ordo was introduced at Saint Mary of Victories with the approval of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in early 2008, under Fr. Harrison’s leadership. It was celebrated every Sunday for years — by February 2016 representing 417 consecutive Sunday Masses — making Saint Mary of Victories unique in the St. Louis Archdiocese as a continuous witness to this form of worship.
The Mass was brought to this chapel by the Oblates of Wisdom, the priestly society that administered Saint Mary of Victories from 2005 until Fr. Harrison’s retirement. Members of the Immaculate Conception Chapter of the lay Marian Academy of the Oblates of Holy Tradition remain part of our community to this day.
“St. Mary of Victories is the only place in St. Louis that celebrates the Modern Rite with Gregorian Chant.”
— smov.info
What to Expect
Visitors to the Latin Novus Ordo at Saint Mary of Victories will find a reverent and beautiful celebration of the Mass, accessible to anyone. English translations are provided in the pew booklets for all Latin prayers. The choir leads the Gregorian Chant, and the congregation is warmly invited to participate in the sung responses and hymns.
Confessions are available before Mass. All Catholic faithful in a state of grace are welcome to receive Holy Communion.
About Fr. Brian W. Harrison, O.S. — A native of Australia and a member of the Oblates of Wisdom, Fr. Harrison is a moral theologian and prolific Catholic writer. He served as Emeritus Professor of Theology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (1989–2007) and was chaplain of Saint Mary of Victories from 2012 until his retirement. His extensive writings on liturgy, Scripture, and Catholic doctrine are available through the Oblates of Wisdom.