Before the controversy surrounding Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Tradtione Custodes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Dijon in France sounded the alarm for traditionalists by ordering the FSSP to leave.
Reports claimed that the reluctance to concelebrate with the bishop had brought about the decision to remove them after decades in the Basilica of Fontaine-lès-Dijon, the birth place of St. Bernard.
The decision left traditionalists distraught, leading to them praying outside the bishop’s house in large numbers.
They were videoed singing and praying but most touchingly, they asked for the bishop’s blessing even after debating and pleading with him for almost an hour.
The prayers do not seem to have been in vain as the bishop has announced the decision to replace the FSSP with the Institute of Christ the King who will now take over duties in providing the Traditional Latin Mass to people.
A new statement release on the Dijon Diocese website states:
From September 12,
a priest from the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest will ensure the celebrations according to the Roman missal of 1962 at the "Basilica" near the Birthplace of St. Bernard.
He will be vicar of the parish of Dijon – Saint-Michel.On Sunday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m., Mass will be celebrated by Father Didier Gonneaud, parish priest of the Cathedral and dean of the Dijon – Centre and West deanery.
Regardless of whatever transpired between the bishop and the FSSP, at least the public pressure has not been in vain and the people can continue to have their lives enriched by the Mass that will be provided by the ICKSP.
