From a reader:
I have a question regarding the Feast of Corpus Christi and its celebration in the Extraordinary Form Calendar. A newly ordained priest friend of mine has been asked to do a Missa Cantata in the Extraordinary form this Sunday for the Feast of Corpus Christi, and he has a question over whether or not it is licit according to the old rubrics.
I was wondering if you knew if their was an indult given before the Second Vatican Council that permitted the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday besides its standard date on the Old Calendar.
Yes, I believe there can be an “external” celebration on Sunday using the Mass formulary for Corpus Christi.
There was an indult for the USA granted back in the time of Pope Leo XIII.
It is at least a long standing custom to do this.
The Ordo for the older Mass prepared by the FSSP also shows that there can be an “External” observance of the Feast.
What a great way for a new priest to mark the first days of his priesthood!
I will remind everyone as well that the true Corpus Christi, Thursday, is the last 1st Thursday of the Year for Priests and people can receive a plenary indulgence that day.
