On Wednesday, March 7th, a Solemn High Mass in the Traditional Latin Rite was celebrated in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis by members of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest in commemoration of the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, co-patron of the Institute. The main celebrant was Father Karl Lenhardt, Rector of St. Francis de Sales Oratory (the Institute's apostolate in St. Louis), assisted by Father Jacques Fournier as deacon, and Abbé William Avis, as sub-deacon, also members of the Oratory.
Among the several clergy of St. Louis in attendance were Bishop Robert Hermann, Auxiliary in St. Louis, Msgr. Joseph Pins, rector of the Cathedral Basilica, Msgr. Henry Breier, personal secretary and Master of Ceremonies of His Grace, Archbishop Raymond Burke, and Father Thomas Keller, professor of liturgy at Kendrick-Glennon Seminary and Master of Ceremonies of the Cathedral.
The great beauty of the Solemn High Mass was enhanced by the participation of the Choir of the Cathedral Basilica, under the direction of organist and Choir Master Dr. John Romeri, with music by renaissance composers Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Josquin de Près, Tomás Luis de Victoria, as well as by former director of the Sistine Chapel, Monsignor Bartolucci.
Five hundred faithful were in attendance at this event, which was the first Solemn Mass at the high altar of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in forty two years.
