A decision by the Archdiocese of Maceió in northeastern Brazil has sparked discussion in the Catholic Church about liturgical rules and Church authority.
The archdiocese announced that the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass, according to the Missal of St. Pius V, will be allowed only in one place — the São Vicente de Paulo Chapel — and only once a week. According to the note released by the archdiocese, any celebration of this form of Mass outside the approved chapel will be considered a “public act of schism.”
The document warns that Catholics who organize or participate in such unauthorized celebrations could face “latae sententiae” excommunication, meaning the penalty would take effect automatically by committing the offense.
The directive was authorized by Archbishop Carlos Alberto Breis Pereira and refers to specific norms in the Code of Canon Law, especially canons 751 and 1364 §1, which deal with schism and the penalties connected to it.
The archdiocese also stated that the limited permission to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass in the chapel was granted with the approval of the Holy See. Because of this, no other priest or group is allowed to celebrate the rite in other churches, private spaces, or organizations without official authorization.
The disciplinary note was signed by the archdiocese’s judicial vicar, José Everaldo Rodrigues Filho.
The announcement has created strong debate among Catholics and Church observers. Some see it as a necessary step to maintain unity and proper liturgical order, while others are questioning whether participation in an unauthorized Mass can be considered an act of schism leading to automatic excommunication.
