by Tyler Arnold

The newly installed bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is expanding the availability of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in West Virginia and appointed priests to help facilitate this initiative.

Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala — who became the bishop of the diocese that covers the entirety of West Virginia in July — announced the changes in a message to the faithful issued Aug. 28. Menjivar succeeded Bishop Mark E. Brennan, who retired.

"This is an initiative of Bishop Evelio to ensure that the spiritual needs of every part of his flock are attended to by priests of our diocese," the announcement said.

According to the announcement, the bishop’s purpose is to foster "greater unity among Catholic faithful" and attend to "their diverse spiritual needs."

Beginning Sept. 20, the TLM can be celebrated at the mission Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Triadelphia at 1:30 p.m. on Sundays. Previously, the mission only had a monthly celebration. Menjivar will add a TLM option in the Charleston area, but the location is yet to be determined.

The regular TLM will continue at St. John University Parish in Morgantown at 9 a.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays.

Menjivar also attended a Latin Mass at the Priory of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Charles Town on Aug. 30. The priory offers the TLM daily, along with a Saturday vigil and three Sunday Masses. He delivered remarks to the congregation before the homily.

"In his mercy and providence, the Lord has sent me to serve as your shepherd," the bishop said. "I want to reiterate to you, today, my sincere desire to serve the Lord faithfully and to care for the salvation of every soul entrusted to my pastoral care. I’m also here today to assure you, you personally, [of] my deep affection and esteem for each of you and for this particular community."

Menjivar said: "Your fidelity to the sacred liturgy, your devotion, and your reverence for the mysteries of our faith enrich the life of the entire Church."

"My desire is that everyone — everyone — finds a home in the Church and that in everything we do, we remain deeply united in Christ and in communion with the Holy Father, always seeking what strengthens our faith, builds up the body of Christ, and leads us together toward holiness," he said.

Priestly appointments

The bishop appointed Father Timothy Grassi, pastor of St. James in Charles Town, to serve as the episcopal delegate for matters related to the "usus antiquior" for the diocese. The usus antiquior, which means "the ancient usage," refers to the TLM, which was the standard form of the Mass prior to reforms that came after the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s.

Grassi will oversee celebrations of the TLM to ensure that every Mass is celebrated lawfully in accordance with restrictions imposed in Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which remains in effect. He also will coordinate between the diocese and the four TLM congregations in West Virginia.

"In the exercise of his function, Father Grassi will ensure that these celebrations are legally authorized in accordance with the universal law of the Church and the dispositions of the Apostolic See," the announcement said.

When reached by email, Grassi told EWTN News that the bishop is "simply trying to be a good shepherd to all of the faithful." The greater availability ensures "those attracted to this form of the Mass have easier accessibility to it, just as he has concern for the Hispanics of the diocese to have a Spanish Mass," he said.

"He is following all the guidelines that the Vatican has given and is simply trying to let the faithful know of his care for them," Grassi added. "My role is to coordinate with the bishop in these matters and ensure that all of the guidelines are properly followed. Bishop Evelio is showing his deep pastoral care for the souls entrusted to him."

The bishop also appointed regional usus antiquior delegates.

Father Justin M. Golna, pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Wellsburg, is the delegate for the Wheeling area. Father Brian Crenwelge, pastor at St. John University Parish in Morgantown, will continue as the Morgantown area delegate. Father Phillip Szabo will stay as the delegate for the Charleston area.