New Step and Deadline for Recourse
October 28th, 2025
Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude
UPDATES
Many of those who sent letters to the Bishop, regarding his recent Protocol letter regarding the new TLM chapel in Mooresville, have received a reply. If that is the case, the next step in the Canonical process for recourse begins. Once you receive a negative reply from the Bishop, you have 15 working days to send a letter to the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments asking them to intervene. Here are the details of the next step (italics):
f. If, after legitimate petition, Bishop Martin does not revoke the initial decree,hierarchic recourse may be proposed to the Holy See.
g. This must be done within a peremptory time limit of fifteen (15) working days. This recourse cannot validly be proposed unless one has first written to Bishop Martin to ask him to revoke the decree.
h. This recourse is to be made in writing, along with the reasons for seeking recourse, to the proper Dicastery of the Holy See (i.e., Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments). Letters can most easily be mailed through the Nuncio, as described on the website: https://www.faithfuladvocate.org/write-to-the-vatican .See the full Appeal Process form here: https://www.faithfuladvocate.org/the-rights-of-the-faithful > Take Action.
Here is the official process for Initiating Recourse against an Administrative Decree.
View the full description of this process HERE.
As a reminder, this process is time-sensitive.
In your package to the Nuncio, include (link here, scroll down, for these details): 1) the addressed and sealed envelope to the Prefect of the DDWDS, containing your letter to him, 2) a copy of that letter for the Nuncio, and 3) a cover letter explaining what is in the package as a whole, also requesting that the Nuncio kindly forward it on to Rome.
In your letter to Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Prefect of the DDWDS, ask him to intervene in the matter (that of the poor provisions for access to the Traditional Latin Mass) and to ensure that Bishop Martin adequately supplies for the spiritual needs of the faithful who adhere to the Traditional Latin Mass, as Traditionis Custodes requires. Specific details could include: there is only one small Chapel established for the TLM, this chapel is not in a location that is accessible for all adherents of the TLM, and the chapel is too small to hold everyone who desires to attend the TLM. Mention may also be made that Bishop Martin refused to ask for a renewal of the permissions originally granted to the Diocese, even though he knew there was a strong and enduring tradition of reverence for the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the Diocese upon his arrival.
Addresses:
1. His Eminence, Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio 3339 Massachusetts Ave NW. Washington DC 20008
2. His Eminence, Arthur Cardinal Roche, Prefect, Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 00120 Vatican City
3. To bring any other concerns about Bishop Martin to Rome’s attention:
His Excellency, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, Prefect, Dicastery for Bishops, 00120 Vatican City
Please also remember to pray and fast often for our Diocese, that God may intervene. Suggested prayers are on the website.
Adjutorium nostrum in Nomine Domini!
Faithful Advocate