The Pontifical Mass is a Solemn Mass celebrated by a bishop. Because he is the visible head of the diocese and by virtue of his ordination has the fullness of the priesthood, the Pontifical Mass is the model and highest form of the Mass we can celebrate. When priests celebrate a Solemn Mass, they are trying imitate the Pontifical Mass and in order to understand the Solemn Mass, one needs to understand the Pontifical. The Mass this Tuesday is especially significant because it is the first Pontifical Mass in our diocese since the Second Vatican Council, the first Extraordinary Form Mass celebrated by our Bishop and the first year anniversary of this community.