College Station, Texas, September 27, 2025
News Summary
The Diocese of Austin has denied Catholic students at Texas A&M University permission to hold a Traditional Latin Mass, citing a lack of necessary approvals. This decision was met with disappointment from students who feel the TLM is crucial to their faith. Despite arranagements with a priest from the Diocese of Victoria, the mass was prohibited the day before the event, leading students to express feelings of suppression regarding their preferred worship style. The Juventutem chapter at A&M continues to navigate church regulations as they seek to uphold the traditional practices within their community.
College Station, Texas – The Diocese of Austin has denied permission for a planned Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) by Catholic students at Texas A&M University, citing a lack of necessary approvals from the newly appointed Bishop Daniel Garcia. This decision has drawn disappointment from students who see the TLM as an essential part of their faith.
The local chapter of Juventutem International, a student group focused on promoting traditional Catholic practices, announced on September 24 that they arranged for a priest from the Diocese of Victoria to celebrate the Mass. However, the priest informed the students the evening before the event that he had been prohibited from attending by the Diocese of Austin.
According to Camille Garcia, the communications director for the Diocese, the group did not seek or receive permission from Bishop Garcia to hold the Mass outside of a designated sacred space on campus. Church guidelines dictate that visiting clergy members must obtain permission from the host diocese to maintain respect and order among different diocesan jurisdictions.
The Diocese of Austin highlighted that the regulation of TLM now falls under the discretion of the diocesan bishop, particularly in light of the 2021 papal directive Traditionis Custodes, which has influenced the celebration of the traditional rite. Bishop Garcia has previously shown a commitment to fostering unity across the Church, demonstrated by his actions in the Diocese of Monterey, California, where he ended the TLM to align with this vision.
The student group expressed their disappointment, saying that the Diocese’s refusal sends a message that their preferred form of worship is being suppressed. Nick Cardone, president of the local Juventutem chapter, emphasized that the TLM represents a vital expression of Catholic faith among young people in America.
The Juventutem A&M chapter, which boasts about 140 members, has resorted to hosting the TLM monthly in private homes due to the challenges they face in obtaining permissions. Previously, the group attempted to gain authorization from former Bishop Joe Vasquez, presenting over 100 signatures in support of their request but received no approval. The group’s situation remains complicated as they continue to navigate church regulations.
Since the installation of Bishop Daniel Garcia on September 18, the local Juventutem chapter has been praying for guidance and plans to formally request permission for the TLM after completing a novena. Cardone has expressed that being part of the Roman rite and celebrating the TLM connects them to centuries of Church tradition.
The TLM has been celebrated for nearly 2,000 years and, following the changes imposed by Pope Francis, the debate over its place in modern Catholic practice continues. The Juventutem movement, which promotes traditional Catholicism, operates in over 25 countries, illustrating a growing interest among young Catholics in returning to historical practices.
Summary of Key Points:
- Diocese of Austin denied permission for a Traditional Latin Mass at Texas A&M University.
- Students did not obtain required approval from Bishop Daniel Garcia.
- A priest from the Diocese of Victoria was scheduled to officiate the Mass but was instructed not to attend.
- The local Juventutem chapter consists of approximately 140 members promoting traditional Catholicism.
- The group has petitioned the Diocese multiple times without success.
FAQs
What is the Traditional Latin Mass?
The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) is the liturgical form of the Roman Catholic Church that was standard before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s.
Why was permission denied for the TLM at Texas A&M?
The Diocese of Austin stated that the student group failed to obtain the necessary approvals from Bishop Daniel Garcia, which is required for holding such events outside of designated sacred spaces.
What is Juventutem International?
Juventutem International is a global movement aimed at promoting traditional Catholic worship, including the Latin Mass, especially among young people.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Organizing Body | Juventutem International chapter at Texas A&M University |
| Denied Permission By | Diocese of Austin |
| Required Approval From | Bishop Daniel Garcia |
| Number of Members | Approximately 140 |
| Previous Attempts | Written petitions with over 100 signatures for the TLM |
| Current Status | Group plans to request permission again after a novena |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Catholic News Agency: Traditional Latin Mass Lacks Approval
- Wikipedia: Traditional Latin Mass
- KBTX: Oldest Catholic Church Celebrates Anniversary
- Google Search: Texas A&M Juventutem
- OnePeterFive: Discovering the Latin Mass
- Google Scholar: Juventutem International
- KBTX: St. Mary’s Hosts Inaugural Mass
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bishop Daniel Garcia
- Catholic Herald: Aggie Catholic Spirit
- Google News: Traditionis Custodes Impact
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