LEWISTON – All are invited to the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass and a presentation hosted by the St. Gregory the Great Traditional Latin Mass Chaplaincy at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Chapel of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, corner of Ash and Bartlett streets.

The Rev. Gregory Pentergraft, FSSP, will speak concerning the work of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, which staffs parishes throughout the world that follow the extraordinary form of the Latin Rite, the traditional Latin form used before Vatican II, and run a seminary to prepare men to serve this form of the old Latin Rite.

Pentergraft will also answer questions concerning the Traditional Latin Mass and the work of the fraternity. The Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. in the chapel, followed by the presentation and refreshments in the hall.

Pope Benedict XVI has ruled in the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, date July 7, 2007, that it is the right of the faithful to celebrate the faith according to the ancient manner of the Latin Rite and that this form was never abrogated.

The document also states that the bishops and priests must supply the pastoral needs of the faithful who wish to adhere to the ancient form.

The St. Gregory the Great Latin Mass Chaplaincy was established in July 2008 by Bishop Richard Malone of Portland to care for the faithful in the area who wish to celebrate the faith in the traditional manner.

The Mass is celebrated at 8 a.m. Sundays at the basilica and at noon at the cathedral in Portland. The Rev. Robert A. Parent is the chaplain.