Tradicat

One thing that is needed in today's Catholic Church is clarity. However, as long as the majority of the hierarchy is unable to challenge its cultural assumptions concerning the Second Vatican Council and the reforms that were implemented afterwards, a lack of clarity will remain. Mr. Verrecchio's article (below) shows one area where there is a definite lack of clarity since the council. Nostra Aetate: A Clear Decree? Courtesy of Mr. Louie Verrecchio In an  interview  with Catholic News Service on May 17, 2012, Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, said, “The ‘ Nostra Aetate’  declaration of the Second Vatican Council is a clear decree and is important for every Catholic.” We’ll take a closer look at this notion of “clear” in just a moment.

Archbishop Muller has made a statement in a newspaper that in spite of the lifting of the excommunication that the sacramental one remains de facto for the schism: “The canonical excommunication due to the illicit [episcopal] ordination was lifted from the bishops, but the sacramental one remains,  de facto , for the schism; because they have removed themselves away from communion with the Church.” Personally, I find this very puzzling, where was the formal declaration of a schism (I know a number will point to Ecclesia Adflicta, however that is a problem for a number of reasons). Frankly, Pope Benedict XVI (emeritus) stated that the SSPX is an internal matter and there are numerous other statements to demonstrate that the SSPX is not in schism - but a state of canonical irregularity. Perhaps His Grace is simply not being exact in his wording. Mr Verrecchio provides a good assessment of the situation. P^3

Given Pope Francis' aversion to counting rosaries, I think Mundabor's comments are to the point: From Mundabor's blog: ... please note the following:  1. As Francis invites you not to pray by rote, and ridicules those who count rosaries, it is the more important we react to this devotional barbarism by increasing our efforts not only to pray the Rosary, but to reestablish Tradition.   2. From the site: ... The insertion of the consecration of Russia will certainly be welcome to many of us, and might persuade the one or the other to join this crusade who are not the best fans of the SSPX. 3. ... The aim is 5 million rosaries. Just think: all that rosary counting! This is more than enough to let the heart of a good Catholic rejoice. Keep calm, and count your rosaries. Mundabor

Join the Rosary Crusade! Courtesy of SSPX.org A new Rosary Crusade launched by the SSPX The 5-million Rosary Crusade for 2014  announced recently by Bishop Bernard Fellay (SSPX Superior General)  begins on January 1, 2014 and runs until June 8, 2014. The three-fold object of this Rosary Crusade for the good of the entire Catholic Church is: To implore from the Immaculate Heart of Mary a special protection for the traditional apostolate; For the return to Tradition within the Church; For the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the consecration of Russia. Bishop Fellay has also suggested additional means in which we can add to the spiritual bouquet of rosaries to accomplish this object: Prayer and penance as asked for at Fatima; Sanctification through the duty of state; Spirit of sacrifice in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In a new video interview , Bishop Fellay speaks of the importance of this Rosary Crusade for the entire ...

I think that the words of Archibishop Muller:  'It is precisely, ... an effective remedy against a godless culture', are amazing. From a purely organizational culture point of view, the Novus Ordo simply indicates a major alteration in the fundamental assumptions held by Catholics. Up to the promulgation of the Novus Ordo Missae, it would have been obvious as to what and Who was the focus of the Catholic Religion (God). Now, with all the changes and communion in the hand, it is no longer that obvious. Not to mentioned that a CARA study found that those congregations that were founded on more 'traditional' foundations (living in community, religious habit, following rule, strong identity etc) were growing, while those that lacked the above - were dying. In personal communication with a CARA researcher, I confirmed that the attrition rate of traditional seminaries is about the same with those of the Novus Ordo Liturgy.  However, the influx of generous souls tryi...

As a follow up to this article. Courtesy of Dr. Joseph Shaw, LMS Chairman

This analysis by Dr. Shaw is quite apropos as it gets to the heart of some objections to the Tridentine Mass. Note: I realize that some refer to the 1962 liturgy as Vetus Ordo, ExtraOrdinary Form etc.  Given that the name seems to change (sample =2) with each pontificate, I'm going to stick with Tridentine Mass. Back in the heady days of the promulation of Summorum Pontificum, there was resistance by the hierarchy to its implementation.  I witnessed this resistance in my own diocese.  One priest stated that he couldn't understand why the bishops were so afraid of the Tridentine Mass. One bishop in Canada stated that the reason for his resistance was that the Tridentine Mass represented an outmoded theology. Another went further and stated that it represented the Jewish people in an outmoded theological manner. P^3

The real danger of the blogosphere is that anyone (present company included) can setup a soap box for their own opinion and pass it off a fact. Case in point is the article by Professor Robert George (Mr. Verrecchio's comments below). One element that I would like to highlight is the following: In particular, the SSPX rejects the teachings of “Dignitatis Humanae” (on religious liberty) and “Nostra Aetate” (on the Jewish people and non-Christian religions). First there is an error in the citation.  The SSPX, as I understand it, does not 'reject' Nostra Aetate so much as deems it an ambiguous document that can be interpreted in the light of tradition.  In other words, Nostra Aetate doesn't say what many people think it says. Actually, the word 'reject' is not exactly correct. The theological stance of the SSPX is that there are elements within some of the documents of the Second Vatican Council that logically contradict prior magisterium.  In total there ...

This link popped up in one of the blogs that I follow. Wishing my readers a Blessed and Holy Christmas and New Year!!! The Badger Catholic: The warning signs : Catholic Memes

Dr. Joseph Shaw has presented an article on silence in the Mass.  For a world enraptured with hyper-activism it is good (nay excellent) to recall that silence and external inactivity is an essential component prior to activity. In the work if redemption Our Lord was largely silent and yet He was accomplishing the greatest work. LMS Chairman: Ratzinger on the EF-OF Divide: Silence :

There has been some discussion (read lots) about the term 'Conciliar Church'. I have posted this letter written by the Superior General and District Superiors of the SSPX after the 1988 Consecrations. Of particular interest is that the 'Conciliar Church' being referred to as a system. My paraphrase would be that the SSPX regards the 'conciliar Church' as an error within the Church. Source Open Letter to Cardinal Gantin Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops

Dr. Shaw has posted an article briefly outlining some of the differences between the Tridentine and Novus Ordo Rites of the Mass. The way we worship affects the way we believe and has a special bearing in the presence of malevolent external forces. If the rite of the Mass does not support the Catholic cultural identity, including its set of beliefs, assumptions etc, then the external forces will effect a change in the Catholic culture. I think that it is safe to write that the external forces acting upon and within the Church (see FFI ) are not supportive of the faith as embodied in the Tridentine Mass. As noted by Cardinal Ottaviani: The accompanying critical study of the Novus Ordo Missae, the work of a group of theologians, liturgists and pastors of souls, shows quite clearly in spite of its brevity that if we consider the innovations implied or taken for granted which may of course be evaluated in different ways, the Novus Ordo represents, both as a whole and in its detai...

+ JMJ This talk about the "visible Church" on the part of Dom Gerard and Mr. Madiran is childish. It is incredible that anyone can talk of the "visible Church", meaning the Conciliar Church as opposed to the Catholic Church which we are trying to represent and continue. I am not saying that we are the Catholic Church. I have never said so. No one can reproach me with ever having wished to set myself up as pope. But, we truly represent the Catholic Church such as it was before, because we are continuing what it always did. It is we who have the notes of the visible Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. That is what makes the visible Church. - Archbishop Lefebvre This excerpt from a talk given by Archbishop Lefebvre was recently put forward as a justification for rejecting the explanations of Fr. Laisney et al that phrase 'Conciliar church' refers to a movement within the Church. While people can sit and debate what is the 'Conciliar church...

The trials of the FFI continues and may provide some insight to what is in store for the other Traditional orders that are regularized. Rorate has more here , and I am struck by the similarity to the intervention that the FSSP experienced in the year 2000 - or there abouts. One item that I found particularly intriguing was the desire to have the Friars et al swear an oath:   "... he wants to impose upon the Friars a “modernistic vow” of faithfulness to the Novus Ordo Missae and to the II Vatican Council ..." The passage in question is found in the linked letter, here is an extract: ... In addition, candidates for Orders who are presently in formation must personally subscribe to a formal acceptance of: the Novus Ordo as an authentic expression of the liturgical tradition of the Church and therefore of Franciscan tradition (without prejudice to the what is permitted by the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, once the current disciplinary decree of veto, ad hoc and ad...

No sooner did I post the first note on Fisher More and Rorate posts an appeal video from my Alma Mater. I still look back with fond memories on my years in St. Mary's, Kansas.  Although it was early days for the school, it truly is a place to dig a deep foundation for one's life. I know that some seeds planted by the good priests and sisters did not bloom until later in life. Yet, I am eternally grateful that they did have the patience to plant them.

As strange as it may seem this is part 1 of the Sacrament of Penance Articles. Between the protestant, non-christian religions and the Catholic Religion there stands another significant difference: the Sacrament of Penance. While the Anglican's believe that confession is merely: "for the unburdening of his conscience, and to receive spiritual consolation and ease of mind from him"  Wikipedia The remainder of the protestant and non-christian religions, if they include 'confession' hold some variation of this belief. What Catholics believe stands in stark contrast: The Sacrament of Penance is that Sacrament by which the sinner, who repents of his sins, acknowledges them sincerely and has the will to render atonement, has his sins, committed after his Baptism, remitted in the absolution pronounced by the priest. The word penance is also used to designate a particular part of the Sacrament of Penance, i.e., the satisfaction. Ott- Fundamentals of Dogma T...

Bishop Fellay has issued an interview that contains a clarification on his statements concerning Pope Francis. I know that when Bishop Fellay spoke the words 'modernist' and 'Pope Francis' in the same sentence a number of people immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion (on both sides of the divide). The paragraph containing the clarification is reproduced below: I used the word “modernist;”  I think that it was not understood by everybody.  Perhaps I should have said a modernist in his actions.  Once again, he is not a modernist in the absolute, theoretical sense:  a man who develops a whole coherent system;  that coherence does not exist.  There are lines, for example, the evolutionary line, which is precisely connected with action.  When the pope says that he wants a haziness in doctrine, when doubt is introduced, and not just haziness, but doubt, going so far as to say that even the great leaders of the faith, like Moses, allowed room for d...

In his latest letter to Friends and Benefactors, Bishop Fellay (SSPX) has called for another crusade. Personally, I have never stopped including the Rosary Crusade intentions in my family prayers! Attached below are the letter and the intentions for the Crusade.  Note the letter provides some insight to the plight of the FFI. P^3 2014 Rosary Crusade January 1 st  until June 8 th  2014 Goal: 5 million Rosaries 1)    To implore from the Immaculate Heart of Mary a special protection for the traditional apostolate; 2)    For the return to Tradition within the Church; 3)    For the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the consecration of Russia. Means: 1)    Prayer and penance as asked for at Fatima; 2)    Sanctification through the duty of state; 3)    Spirit of sacrifice in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

+ JMJ When two strong cultures clash in an organization, a war will result. Analogically, this is an immune response, a fever if you will, in the parent organization. Which one will win in the end? Ultimately, we have God's word that the Church will not fail. It doesn't mean that She cannot be made ill by the virus of heresy. The situation of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate is, unfortunately, a perfect example of just such an immune response. The following links provide some insight however it suffices to say that the FFI crossed two cultural lines: Implementation of the Tridentine Mass as a norm for the conventual Masses. Beginning to question some of the cultural assumptions regarding the Second Vatican Council. For this, they are called 'crypto-Lefebvrists' and banned from saying the TLM. In my opinion God has protected the SSPX from a dangerous situation.   Link1 Link2 Link3 Link4 Pray that they may be strong ...

Having benefited from a Traditional Catholic education, I echo the call for support of Fisher More College. Attached below is a copy of Mr. Vernnari's interview with Dr. King, President of Fish More College. (I hope he doesn't mind ...) Dig deep and help them monetarily if you can, spiritually regardless of your financial resources. P^3

Following the cultural theme, the changes in the Church not only altered the Catholic sense of identity in the Church at large but also, and more seriously, the hierarchy. Those affected by this loss or alteration of their self identity include the Bishops, Priests, Religious and perhaps even the Sovereign Pontiffs. At the root of this cultural change is the point at which their formation began and one of its primary objects the offering of the True Sacrifice and Worship to God. Many people are seeking to fill the void created by the loss of this role identity. This would include priestesses, and lay ministers of various sorts, for if there lacks a real difference between the priest and congregation.  Logically, it seems, that these groups are asking why can't others take on the neutered role now associated with the priesthood? Even the priests themselves seem to have a self identity more akin to a social worker / counselor than that of an Alter Christus. Nothing can be f...

The following article by a Lutheran convert provides some excellent cultural insights into the identity crisis that the Catholic Church is currently undergoing. P^3

A little while ago a speech was given by Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiagas, one of the group of eight Cardinals that are advising the Pope on the reform of the Curia (I doubt they will stop there). Because the buzz words and intermingling of orthodox and modernist terms, the speech set off alarm bells throughout the Catholic world of the 'traditional' minds. Given the Cardinal's position close to the Vicar of Christ, at a minimum it is feared that he will influence the Pope to the detriment of the Church.  At the worst, this speed reflects the mind of Pope Francis since the Pope himself has stated that he wanted to have helpers of like mind. Mr. Verrecchio has shared his personal analysis of the speech, which I have combined with the blog posting. I will add one item to Mr. Verrecchio's analysis, something that occurred to me as I reformated the content for blogger. There is only one place in which you will find true worship of God, it is in the Catholic Church.  ...

Source Sacraments Confession Instruction and Preparation for Confession   Part 1 - Instruction on the Sacrament of Penance Part 2 - Considerations to excite Contrition Part 3 - Prayers before Confession Part 4 - The Examination of Conscience Part 5 - How to make one's Confession Part 6 - Prayers after Confession  

Source Sacraments Confession Frequent Confession: A Neglected, Undervalued Treasure. Pope Pius XII said that the current disuse of the Sacrament of Penance is "contrary to the mind of Christ and very disastrous for the mystical body of the Saviour." All those who have seriously tried frequent confession know how it can help the interior life - sometimes even more than frequent Communion.  Indeed this latter practice can quite easily degenerate into mere routine and illusion. What alienates us from frequent confession is often that we have a "negative" outlook.  We see confession only as a "quick sweep" to clean our souls, a duty which one would willingly forego.  If a St. Francis de Sales and a St. Vincent de Paul confessed every day, it was because they had a more "positive" view. Let us try also to discover some of the wonderful benefits of this neglected Sacrament.  Pope Pius XII in his encyclical "Mystici Corporis" redu...

Further along the theme of cultural differences, here is an SSPX article that highlights some of the areas I've been discussing or hinting at. Courtesy of SSPX.org This popular 1982 article by Fr. Wrighton demonstrates how the "Spirit of Vatican II” is protestantizing Catholics. Foreword "Roman Protestants" has been one of the most popular articles on SSPX.org as it was when originally published in the August 1982 issue of  The Angelus , having "... evoked one of the most positive responses to any feature this year " (as reported in the December 1982 issue). Note that the subheadings were not in the article's original publication. Biography Fr. Basil Wrighton (1900-1988) was an English parish priest and noted contributing author on a variety of topics, particularly (but not limited to) on the subjects of philosphy and theology. A classicist by education (which he taught at Cotton College), he was also versed in about 20 languages...

I had earlier posted Fr. Laisney's rebuttal of Bishop Williamson's EC281 'Various Churches' and also discussed it as an example of ' FUD '. I have reproduced below an edited version of replies that I made as part of a discussion that I had on the now defunk Ignis Ardens forum.  While the thread was very long, I have, to date, only been able to locate two parts of my rebuttal / analysis of EC281.

+ JMJ While there are a number of Thick Edge posts already on the blog, I have finally found the time to compose this explanation of the importance of this theme. My theory is that organizational behavior theory (background posts can be found here and here ) is applicable to understand how Catholics within the Church can be brought back to a Catholic worldview.   In essence how to effect a cultural change. As noted by the title of these articles, I have concluded that the Tridentine Mass is the 'Thick Edge of the Wedge' that separates the Catholics from the Protestants.  The reason being that it embodies in word, action and symbolism the core beliefs and assumptions of the Catholic religion.  I further assert that it is only within the pre-conciliar liturgical forms that a person will find the depth of breadth of this teaching in motion.

Courtesy of SSPX.org Declaration against the New Mass: Fr. Calmel November 27, 2013  District of the US Written in 1969, the words of Fr. Calmel for resisting the New Mass — and the consequences of taking such a stance — remain just as true today as then. Declaration of Fr. Calmel, O.P. November 27, 1969 I hold fast to the traditional Mass, the one which was not composed but codified by St. Pius V in the 16th century as a custom many centuries old. I therefore refuse the  Ordo Missæ  of Paul VI . Why?  Because in reality the  Ordo Missæ  does not exist . What does exist is a universal and permanent liturgical Revolution, adopted or intended by the present pope, and which has momentarily donned the mask of the  Ordo Missæ  of April 3, 1969. It is within the right of every priest to refuse to wear the mask of that liturgical Revolution; I consider it my duty as a priest to refuse to celebrate Mass in an equivo...

Courtesy of SSPX.org Pope Paul’s New Mass: some extracts November 27, 2013  District of the US Pope Paul's New Mass  is one of the most detailed and comprehensive books on the  Novus Ordo Missae , or New Mass, in any language. Masterfully written by traditional apologist, Michael Davies (+2004), this book is part of the 3-volume set that comprises his highly-recommended  Liturgical Revolution Series . We offer below some extracts from each chapter of this excellent study concerning the problems of the modernist Liturgical Reform that begot the New Mass. Extracts from Michael Davies'  Pope Paul's New Mass Preface

C ourtesy of SSPX.org The New Mass weakens notion of sacrifice November 28, 2013  District of the US Taken from  The Mass of All Time , a collection of the words of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre concerning the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we offer some extracts about the defects of the Novus  Ordo Missae . We offer here the first of 3 crucial points of dogma that Archbishop Lefebvre uses to explain some fundamental flaws of the New Mass.