Tradicat

+ JMJ I think that many are now realizing that the Synod has crossed the line for many faithful Catholics (the unfaithful ones don't care ...). So while they are late to the vineyard, I shan't complain. Welcome to the fight! P^3

+ JMJ Cardinal Mueller's job description seems to have experienced some growth with the addition of the following: Clarify and / or correct Papal statements that are contradicting Doctrine / Church practice with tact and charity. Given his 'turn around', I'm beginning to warm up to Cardinal Mueller.  Especially since, I've been told, he has changed his opinion of the SSPX. Below I have attached comments by Card. Mueller as noted in an article by Edward Pentin showing the new German Shepherd at work. The entire article is worth reading. What is missing is that the path to 'visible and institutional unity' is simply that the Lutherans as individuals set aside their heretical notions and accept the Catholic Faith whole and entire.  Working with the individual Lutheran 'churches' is a fool's errand as there are thousands of them.  To be effective it is necessary to go the heart of the matter (Dogma) and broadcast the truth with the conv...

+ JMJ This crisis is difficult for cradle Catholics and converts alike. Pray for Steve Wood that he perseveres in the Faith and in his Apostolate! P^3

+ JMJ h/t: Eponymous Flower Just in time for the new year, I came across this blurb on Eponymous Flower. While it doesn't say anything new, it does indicate that Fr. Schmidberger believes that eventually the SSPX will be regularized - something that I have held for many years. Pope Francis does not appear to care a great deal for doctrinal differences (understatement of 2015), so he may be willing to try the experiment of tradition and not attempt to force the SSPX to compromise.  Further, he doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks. Strangely, his apparent modernism / liberalism may enable him to succeed where his predecessor failed. In accepting the SSPX as they are. If this be the case, God will have proved that once again He works in mysterious ways. As always: P^3

+ JMJ As Rome and the SSPX appeared close to reaching an agreement, the assumptions about the issues at the core of the disagreement between the two parties were tested. Some were found wanting. Sedevacantists and the 'resistors' specifically.  Just as others had been tested earlier in 2000 who believed that the SSPX should accept the 'deal' offered. However, the core issue is whether or not the SSPX would capitulate on two key points: The Complete acceptance of the Second Vatican Council The Acceptance of the New Mass They did not compromise and some (resistors) believed that this in itself was a compromise. Oh well, I've seen this before. P^3 Courtesy of DICI.org

+ JMJ Ok, this is just funny. Tony La Rosa is complaining about the lack of structure hampering the 'resistance'.

+ JMJ The saga of the FFI is important as a litmus test for the acceptance of Tradition within the Church. It has been demonstrated again and again that without the proper protections, Traditional leaning organizations are at the whim and mercy of those in power in Rome. Hence the reason for the SSPX's caution in agreeing to a canonical regularization. Here's the latest on the FFI. P^# Eponymousflower

+ JMJ The Year 2012 was tumultuous for the SSPX as it appeared that Rome was willing to accept the SSPX as they are and as they are doing (quoting Archbishop Lefebvre). This did not sit well with the modernists (aka Kasper et al), the Sedevacantists (within the SSPX) and the semi-Sedevacantists (Bishop Williamson et al, Fr. Pfeiffer et al). Out of this crisis came clarity of direction and principles. As the principles are Catholic, the actions will be good. As the Sedevacantists and 'resistors', by necessity have to abandon the same principles, their actions will be objectively evil. Which principles do I have in mind? These ... P^3

+ JMJ The SSPX declarations are but milestones on the road that the SSPX and an aid to see "where we've been". At this "midway" point between the events of 2012, the desire of the SSPX to act for the good of the Church as a whole is manifest. This is not about us, this is about the Church. P^3

+ JMJ Considered by many to be the rubicon moment for Archbishop Lefebvre when he felt compelled, in the face of scandalous statements made by the visitors, to make clear his position vis-a-vis the implementation of the Second Vatican Council and the reforms that issued from it. However, I believe that the real moment happened earlier when the decision was made to not adopt the Novus Ordo Missae. P^3 Courtesy  SSPX.org

+ JMJ I was going through some papers and came across this declaration of 1994. I reproduce it here for the record. P^3

+ JMJ As this crisis of the Church enters a new phase, please remember that the practice the virtues is our certain path. Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Holy New Year! P^3

+ JMJ I'm certain that there is a label for the type of 'journalism' the Michael Voris et al under take. Heck, I even was heartened by his early efforts to expose the corruption in the Church for others to see. But let's face it, he's very late on the scene as Traditional Catholics have been aware of this problem for decades.

+ JMJ Sometimes, the SSPX is accused of being schismatic because their bishops offer the Pontifical Mass from the Throne, which is normally reserved to a Bishop in his diocese. I have asked Fr. Lorans for clarification on the SSPX's rationale.  The response is below. So it is not a 'schismatic' act. P^3

+ JMJ I've observed three core reactions during this crisis of the Catholic Church. The Pope can't be wrong, therefore this is the New Springtime The Pope is infallible in certain conditions and there is a problem with many things that have been said, done and written, during and after the Second Vatican Council (even in the Council doc). The Pope can't be wrong, this stuff is wrong, therefore he isn't Pope. Of course there are a spectrum of responses in between, but these are the key elements. The 1st group holds the words of the Pope et al as impeccable. Here, let me get you a Koran to kiss... The 3rd group holds that they've all been heretics and lost their office.  There is also a spectrum within this group.   One answer is that they are very poor judges of heresy.  The link below provides some reasoned thought that, I'm happy to say, is completely consistent with Church Teaching. Canon law blog: Its not impossible just very diff...

+ JMJ For decades I have limited my consumption of coffee to 1 to 2 cups per year. Last week, one of my daughters brewed me a cup of Abbey Roast Coffee.  It revived memories of the coffee that my Dad used to make when I was much younger. So, today I bought two bags and given that I'm supporting the Benedictines - it's a bargain! I have a suspicion that I will exceed my yearly quota from this point forward. To help support the Benedictines, I have added a link on my blog for them. I receive nothing if you click the link - so click, order and enjoy! P^3

+ JMJ I have just added a link to an e-copy of Liberalism is a Sin. While the entire tome is a worthy read, I think that chapter 2 (reproduced below) is a good place to start.

+ JMJ The US Defense Secretary has written an article (Defense News)  and I'd like to highlight a few elements that I believe give an indication of where things are heading. Building on some of the decisions we made early this year, we have significantly accelerated our campaign against ISIL. We have built out new special operations capabilities in Iraq and Syria, stepped up our air campaign and are working with local, capable, motivated ground forces to pressure ISIL strongholds from multiple directions at once. Following the attacks in Paris, NATO allies Germany, the United Kingdom and France have all brought additional capabilities to coalition. I have personally reached out to nearly 40 allies and partners around the world asking them to step up their contributions. Together, ISIL is an evil that we must and will deliver a lasting defeat.

+ JMJ I have just received my first issue of The Remnant and I recommend that everyone obtains a subscription. The existence of a good Catholic Press informing and providing insight to this crisis is essential. Mr. Archbold's article gives a good outline of what is known as Cognitive Dissonance and the challenges it presents.  No one tries to be subject to cognitive dissonance, confirmation biases etc.  It is just a result of our constitution. Anyone can fall prey to these mental fallacies. Humility is the first step to overcoming the biases that hold us prisoner.  This cannot be had without a at least a healthy, if not strong, spiritual life. A broad perspective from good reading is the capstone. P^3

+ JMJ Canada recently lost two Catholic priests. Fr. Greuter (sspx.ca article below) a longtime associate of the SSPX and who had long been a bastion of the Faith on the West. Fr. Stephen Somerville, who 'came to Tradition' who actually regretted his involvement in ICEL.  More can be read here at Vox Cantoris. Please pray for the repose of their souls and the souls of all priests who have passed from this life to the next.  They must give a much stricter account for the time that the Master of the Vineyard granted to them. Also, please pray for Fr. Yves Normandin the 'Pastor Out in the Cold', who presently lives at the SSPX associated care home in Levis.  He is presently in good health, but the toils of his 'middle age' are taking their toll. P^3

+ JMJ In 2012, something curious happened that surprised a number of people.  The SSPX followed its principles. This did not agree with those who now swell the ranks of the 'resistance' (sarcasm).  Sadly, but not too surprisingly, this includes the monks of Avrillé P^3 h/t Tradinews Google Translation to be supplemented by Tradical as time allows. SOURCE - Bertrand Y. - Gloria TV - December 7, 2015 The Dominicans of Avrillé felt they had to publish a text against the participation of Catholics (Traditional, obviously) to the Jubilee Year decided by Pope Francis. This text resumes Good Father in his beloved forms the structure St Thomas Aquinas, with citations and scholarly research. Coming from anyone, one could think of a pastiche, one would find this funny but certainly eventually moved. After verification, this article (which is found online) has many Dominicans of Avrillé, and it is feared that it is "serious", alas.

+ JMJ Why be selfish and share only Holy Communion with Adulterers and Protestants? We should also share the Sacrament of Penance! SantCompostela25 " by Georges Jansoone -  Self-photographed . Licensed under  CC BY 2.5  via  Commons . The Synod of the Family is finally over and it appears that the Church has exchanged "Unity of Faith" for a combination of "Unity in Ambiguity" and "Unity in Diversity". Following the Synod's quest for "Unity in Ambiguity", Pope Francis is reported as saying, "All the Divorced who ask will be admitted [to Communion]" ( Rorate-Caeli ). Also, in the quest for "Unity in Diversity", the U.S Conference of Bishops committee on ecumenical and inter-religious affairs has issued an ecumenical declaration in which we find the following: The conclusion invites the PCPCU and the LWF to create a process and timetable for ...

+ JMJ When is a rebuttal not a rebuttal? When it doesn't directly address the point of contention.

+ JMJ In this crisis of the Church the actions of the Catholic Clergy (Popes and Bishops included!!!) have so scandalized some faithful that they have concluded that these men cannot possibly be Pope. That they are justifiably scandalized is a give.  However that does not justify their conclusion that the See of Peter is vacant (sedevacante). I have encountered a number of sedevacantist proponents both in person and on line.  They range from gentlemen to rogues with regards to their opinions.  Sadly, most that I have encountered are rogues who lack the objectivity to work judge their opinions in the light of Church doctrine. I hope this book will both enlighten those who believe the See of Peter to be vacant, believe that the Pope is someone other than Pope Francis, or are tempted to despair by the actions of this present Pope. P^3 Source: TrueOrFalsePope.Com John Salza's Website

+ JMJ Steve Skojec (1P5) has a post about an attack on Pope Francis being thwarted. The whole post can be read here and I recommend it . What caught my eye was a quote about the dangers of making conciliatory statements to Islamists. An interesting perspective. P^3

+ JMJ I've been discussing an issue with a Catholic who adheres to the Sedevacantist thesis.  As rational discussions help to bring forth the truth on a matter, I have decided to publish some key aspects here. As is my wont, I will attempt to provide relevant authorities prior to delving into the argument put forth.

+ JMJ Understanding the levels of assent to be given to the teachings of the Church is a critical success factor in walking the knife's edge during this crisis of the Church.  The levels of assent are generally associated with the theological grades of certainty, which are not surprisingly mirrored by the censures for contravening the teachings of the various levels.

+ JMJ Catholic Traditionalists get called a lot of names: Lefebvrist, Schismatic, Older people nostalgic for structures and customs which are no longer life-giving in today's world etc.  Most of the labels accuse them (at least implicitly) of being crypto-Lefebvrists.  At least that's the reason given for destroying the FFI . There is a lot of fuss being made about the rebellious SSPX.  The question is what is the root cause of their 'rebellion'?  Simple, they refused to go along with the 'new way'.  Specfically, they refused to accept the Second Vatican Council in the light of the 'Spirit of the Council'.  In fact they are the originators of the 'accept the council in the light of tradition' principle ( see four points ). In like manner they have determined that they cannot accept the Novus Ordo Missae as it is a protestantized rite and violates the Lex Orandi - Lex Credidi principle.   Interested, why not find out more? The bes...

+ JMJ Here's  a graphic of some biases - some more applicable than others. P^3

+ JMJ There remain significant demands on my time ... so here are links to some articles that I thought were worth reading! Remnant: Cardinal Sarah: Pope cannot change divine law In this article, what caught my eye was if Russia attacks a Turkish aircraft, NATA is obligated to respond. Sounds like the same recipe that started WW1. CBC: Russian pilot's fate DICI: Synodal Reactions (Bishop Schneider and Cernea) Remnant: Can the Church depose a heretical Pope? Very topical - unlikely but topical. Remnant: Bribery No, Adultery Si South African cardinal predicts ‘strong reaffirmation of the Church’s teaching’ from Pope : News Headlines | Catholic Culture Catholic Culture: South African cardinal (delusional???) Archbishop Lefebvre, Islam and the Media | Catholic Family News CF News: Archbishop Lefebvre, Islam and the media The Truth about Islam | None | Catholic Family News CF News: Truth about Islam http://www.dici.org/en/news/utopian-rh...

+ JMJ It's easy to get loaded down with all the bad things happening in the Church / World. Now here's some good news! P^3 Source: Wanganui Chronical / NZ Herald

+ JMJ Some time has elapsed since the conclusion of the Synod, which in theory should allow us to read commentary with greater objectivity. I wonder which way the Pope will go ... we'll know when the exhortation finally is released. P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ There have been a number of reactions to the attacks in France, which have been followed by others in Mali. Judge for yourself whether or not this is a Catholic response! P^3 Courtesy of the Remnant

+ JMJ I've been travelling quite a bit of late, hence the dearth of postings. However, looking at the news streams I've picked out the following threads:

+ JMJ Over the years I've grown accustomed to Dr. Mirus' and Mr. Lawler's perspective of Catholicism (read: its annoying and usually pompous).  While the content on their site is pretty good, their commentary is not. Here's an example that caught my eye a couple of days ago: However, although he favored the Kasper proposal (according to my assumptions) Pope Francis should also have recognized that he could not take such a dramatic step alone. The power of the Roman Pontiff is extraordinary but it is not unlimited. When he teaches with authority, the Pope must speak for, and in union with, the college of bishops. This year’s Synod meeting demonstrated that the world’s bishops are not united behind the Kasper proposal. By pushing the matter, then, the Pope would violate his duty to serve as the focus of unity within the episcopate. ( Source )

+ JMJ While I have been pleasantly surprised by some of the prelates who have stepped forward to defend Church Teaching (I could almost say FINALLY) - like Cardinal Mueller, there are those that are not surprising at all: Bishop Schneider! Courtesy of Rorate-Caeli here's another article the call as spade a spade. P^3 Source: Rorate-Caeli

+ JMJ Well the Synod of the ___________ is over and the dust is still settling. Given that people are finally fighting the deviants, I suspect a lot of name calling like this: From: Thomas Rosica [mailto:rosica@saltandlighttv.org] Sent: March 24, 2011 8:18 PM (…) your vision of the Church will not help you to grow. It simply confirms you where you are. … You launch arrows and broadcast yourself from a website. You have no theological formation ... Your keyboard and your monitor do not make you a bishop or liturgist.   Fraternally yours in Christ, Fr. Rosica Source - A fellow Canadian blogger - Vox Cantoris ... will be in the media for a while. I plan on attending a breakfast meeting with my local ordinary.  The topics: Synod, Communion for the Adulterers (oops Divorced and Civilly Remarried), homosexuality etc. Of course, the Pope claims (rightfully) to be the guarantor of Unity of Faith (I'm not certain that he really understood what the other Vatican Council t...

+ JMJ That all Novus-Ordo priests must be conditionaly re-ordained is an opinion that appears to be held by the 'Fr. Pfeiffer' or 'Kentucky' sect of the 'resistance'. The question is ... what is the over arching thoughts of the SSPX? Here's a 2007 article from Fr. Peter Scott about the key aspects of this question. Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ I started a Rome/SSPX timeline a while back and came across this one in the Regina Caeli. Here's a reformated version that eventually I hope to transcribe. Courtesy of SSPX.org P^3

+ JMJ The good thing about a 'crisis' is that it affords the ability to clarify various aspects that surround the root of the crisis. The 2012 events within the SSPX were no different.  There were a variety of assumptions being made by people who call themselves 'resistors' about the principles of the SSPX. When these assumptions were proven to be false, they separated themselves from the SSPX - just like the sedevacantists in 1983. One of these days I intend to transcribe the article ... but for now here's the pics. P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ One of the facets of this crisis is that the Church Authorities, in general, are either actively working to change the Dogmas / Doctrines of the Catholic Church (ie Heretics such as Kasper, Daneels, Cupich) or are undermining them by not promoting the same Dogmas / Doctrines (my Canadian Diocese appears to fall under this classification). The result is the biblical: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep will scatter.

+ JMJ Maybe Michael Voris is right to fear people in droves fleeing to the sanity of the SSPX. Here's what Peter Skojec of onepeterfive had to say about the SSPX declaration on the synod: The Most Authentically Catholic Analysis of the Synod……comes to us from Bishop Fellay of the SSPX. You know, those guys. The ones who sit aloof in the corner while the cool kids at the dance dish fantastic gossip about. “Did you hear that they’re, like, in schism? Whatever that means!” “They had a really bad breakup with the pope in the 1970s. Totes not even Catholic anymore!” “My friend’s cousin’s girlfriend’s virtual spiritual director told her that, like, every Mass they say is more offensive to God than, like, a SATANIC MASS!!!” Chitter away ladies. While you’re busy tearing down others to make yourselves look good, this is what a Catholic bishop (and dare we hope a future pope?) should sound like: ... sspx declaration ... The funny thing is that there’s an almost universal ru...

+ JMJ The circus that is called the Synod has a ringleader and that is the Pope.  A Pope who allows an impression of favouring the liberal agenda to fester and grow at every opportunity. Without a good leader, we have 'Babel'. P^3 Courtesy of DICI.org Babel 23-10-2015    Filed under  From Rome ,  News The second Synod on the Family will end this Sunday, October 25, and all observers are wondering what might come of it…. A commission of experts who will study the question of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics? A Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis? A magisterial document on marriage and the family? After more than two weeks of work, nobody knows. Yet the general impression is of great doctrinal confusion and profound divisions between the Synod Fathers. Of course, they will talk about “synodal polyphony” or a “collegial symphony” in order to hide the genuine cacaphony. And to mask the real risk of a de facto schis...

+ JMJ Now we know that Bishop Williamson already noted that Sedevacantists hold that the documents of V2 need to be tossed into the bin. What other aspects did he note about the moderate or extreme Sedevacantists  (note the full article can be found here) ? How about this: (1) Pope John-Paul II is so far from being Catholic that one may seriously doubt whether he is Pope at all. ... and perhaps this ... (2) The official Church and its leaders have gone so far in their false “renewal” that they may be ignored by Catholics. ... and of course this ... (3) Present Church superiors have so betrayed the Faith that they can in no way be considered the real churchmen. I admit that the 'resistance', whil e it has some core common beliefs , also has a flair for diversity and sedevacantism.

+ JMJ While Mr. Voris continues to confuse the SSPX with sedevacantists etc, I know that a number of 'modern' Catholics are questioning whether or not Pope Francis is really Pope. They need help. Fortunately, SSPX Traditional Catholics have long dealt with this issue and I have discussed it in the ' sedevacantism ' series and linked good articles. In that theme - here's another one! P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ While the focus is currently on the 'Synod' this is just the latest skirmish in a 50 year long battle that is only a small part in the much longer history of such battles that form the fabric of this war between God and Satan. Very simple in its final analysis. The question is how to be a light to the world?  Is the Synod with its focus on various sins really a call to the practice of virtue?   Not from what I've seen so far.  To be honest I haven't really followed the Synod all that closely as I hold it is vastly over-rated and sensationalized. I realize that a number of people are all up in arms over the scandalous issues of the Synod, but really this is a case of too little too late. The horse bolted out of the barn 50 years ago, all that's happening now is they're sweeping out the barn in order to sell the farm. I'm not advocating a passive 'nothing I can do' attitude, but I am advocating not letting it disturb your peace ...

+ JMJ Update: The author of the response has indicated that he is not sedevacantist. I responded on Suscipe Domine to a question with the following: Following the same level of doctrinal authority[Concerning Canonizations]: We can be confident that Pope Francis is validly elected as Pope due to the universal acceptance by the Bishops. Concerning the canonizations, only the aspect that the person canonized is enjoying the beatific vision is covered by infallibility. P3

+ JMJ ... at least he would if he followed his old principles ... but he seems to like the new ones too much. When the "resistors" started off, they claimed that they were the carrying on the path of Archbishop Lefebvre.  I have read that Fr. Pfeiffer even claims that he is still a member of the SSPX and that Bishop Fellay is his superior. This is a farce.

+ JMJ There appears to be a lot of confusion about the origin of the Pope's infallibility - let alone when it is in force. Here's a quick summary in this time of darkness! P^3 Source:What's Up With The Synod?

+ JMJ The synod is simply a meeting of invited bishops to provide their thoughts and opinions to the pope Unlike the Second Vatican Council, it has no magisterial authority.  Period. (SSPX: How much authority does a Synod have?) All these synods do is provide a venue for prelates to proclaim their orthodoxy or lack thereof. It simply is an opportunity for the chasm between the good and the bad to be clearer. For the fence sitters like the neo cats ,including cmtv et all,  they will be inexorably confronted with any inconsistencies in their principles. As will we all.

+ JMJ Dear Canadian Resistors, As the 'resistance' splinters into a number of different factions, this is an opportunity to consider some key questions: Is a Catholic practicing virtue when they avoid the Sacraments when there is no immediate or proximate danger to the Faith, particularly Sunday Mass - a precept of the Church?

+ JMJ Doctrine and Dogmas are 'artifacts' of the Catholic Faith.  You can read them in various Theological texts, but Catholic Culture exists in people as values but primarily as assumptions. Since assumptions are the result of continuous learning they are stable and if contradicted will result in a strong emotional response.  As long as the assumptions are aligned with what the Church actually teachings / believes, then a person is in calm waters. The real trouble occurs when there is a misalignment between what a person believes (assumes) the Church teaches and what is really Dogma/Doctrine.

+ JMJ Reading the news from the Synod, I get the sense that this is what it would have been like to read reports during the unfolding of the Second Vatican Council. John 13:27. And after the morsel, Satan entered into him. And Jesus said to him: That which thou dost, do quickly. ( Source ) My wife mentioned the above quote to me this morning, and I agree completely.   The frustration that we both feel is that we just want the traitors to make their move quickly and step from the shadows into the light and declare their heresy openly. Then we'll know where we (and the Pope) stand!!! P^3

+ JMJ These days it is critical that one's TC vaccinations be up to date, and if it has been more than seven years since you were vaccinated it is time for a doctrinal booster shot.

+ JMJ My friend  Idiotadoctus has written his own rebuttal to Pope  Michael Voris and has consented to my publishing it here on the pages of Tradicat. I suspect that Mr. Voris is going to shortly be confronted by the inconsistencies of his position. So here's another perspective on Voris' et al by someone who's been involved with the SSPX even longer than me! Enjoy!!! P^3

+ JMJ I suspect that something big is going to happen at the 'Synod 2015', part of me hopes for a true out the in open type of crisis. But ... they may just start calling the SSPX schismatic again (and Voris will be right in there ...). So by way of preparation ... P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ So, Michael Voris has trotted out his Canon Lawyer ... Let's hear from the other side. P^3 Source: SSPX Supplied Jurisdiction

+ JMJ I first started watching Mr. Voris in 2010 when I switched from a dial-up to DSL internet connection. Having witnessed people go through the phases of grief at realizing what was started in from Oct 11, 1962, didn't end in Dec 8, 1965, that was only the end of the beginning, I was interested to watch his development.

+ JMJ I've added this blog to my 'blog roll' since there's just too much to keep up with these days. P^3 Blogging the Apocalypse: What is up with the synod

+ JMJ A friend had mentioned that he has seen a longer list of truths of the Faith than the one I posted here .  I have finally discovered it online. I have yet to completely determine what dogmas were missed in the original, those I have found are highlighted. Source: A List Of The Dogmas Of The Catholic Church - Fr. Carota Alternate Source: Referencing Ott   Posts Listing the Dogmas of the Catholic Church Dogmas of the Catholic Faith (de fide) - Expanded Listing: Answer for Reader (Oct 2022) Updated List of Teachings of the Catholic Church (Oct 2021) *** Dogmas of the Catholic Faith (Oct 2015) De Fide teaching of the Catholic Church (Apr 2013)           *** Latest version    

+ JMJ As part of the SSPX-fest, BRADLEY ELI, M.DIV., MA.TH. of CMTV, wrote and article claiming that the SSPX is in a state of heresy. ... The SSPX even claims the Novus Ordo Mass is intrinsically evil and no one should ever go to a Mass unless it's in the Old Latin Rite — and only then if it's offered by an SSPX priest. This recent video on the Society's website clearly states their long-held position in this regard. It's necessary for them to view the Church crisis this way because only then do they feel justified in going rogue. But what they're describing is actually heretical as it denies the dogma of the indefectibility of the Catholic Church. Truth and grace cannot fail universally from the Pope on down. Christ said of Peter, "On this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it." In March 2009, Pope Benedict XVI wrote a letter explaining the SSPX separation is doctrinal in nature and not merely canonica...

+ JMJ The biggest news from the resistance is that the Toronto Chapter (ecclesia militans) and English Chapter (recusant) have both turned on Bishop Williamson. Not too surprising as there is no reason for them to bow to Bishop Williamson anymore than there is to bow to Boston, Kentucky when saying prayers. ... oh by the way: The accusations and intrigues continue to about at the seminary with numerous accounts of 'issues' being published on cathinfo. As the english say: The 'resistors' are nutters. As I say, truth is stranger than fiction. Pray for the followers of Fr. Pfeiffer because, if they are a cult, they will be blind to any criticism against him - as I've already experienced. P^3 I just found this tidbit courtesy of ecclesia militans: Fr. Eric Jacqmin is on the verge of being expelled from the Society of St. Pius X.  Yesterday he gave a good catechetical conference in Kent, England on the theological virtues, the supernatural life, a...

+ JMJ Concept and Classification of Dogma 1. Concept By dogma in the strict sense is understood as a truth immediately (formally) revealed by God which has been proposed by the Teaching Authority of the Church to be believed as such. The Vatican Council explains: Fide divina et catholica ea omnia crcde.nta sunt, quae in verbo Dei scripta vel tradito continentur et ab Ecclesia sive solemni iudicio sive ordinario et universali magisterio tanquam divinitus reve1ata credenda proponuntur. D 1792. All those things are to be believed by divine and Catholic faith which are contained in the Word of God written or handed down and which are proposed for our belief by the Church either in a solemn definition or in its ordinary and universal authoritative teaching.

+ JMJ The interesting thing about the canonical (or lack thereof) structure of the SSPX is that, while being within the Church, they have the ability to be the conscience of the Pope. Case in point, one person asked Pope Benedict XVI what he was thinking of when he gave communion to Brother Roger Schutz (a protestant). That answer " what would the SSPX say". (More on Taize here....) In this case, Bishop Fellay has asked for the Pope to do what every good Catholic should be doing (yes you too Mr. Voris et al).   Namely, uphold the Catholic Faith! P^3 Courtesy of DICI

+ JMJ With all the false advertising on the web, it is important to understand the actual motivations for  Archbishop Lefebvre and by extension, the SSPX. This letter, written when a number of priest showed their sedevacantist position and they attempted to usurp the Superior General (sound familiar?), provides a key insight to the motivations of the Archbishop. Cordially, Tradical P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

+ JMJ I was going to write a rebuttal to some (not all) of Michael Voris' weeklong distraction from the real issue (ie the Pope). However, I am absolutely ecstatic that Chris Jackson has beat me to it with a point by point rebuttal of the 'FBI' episode. So I will focus my efforts on a couple of other articles that were posted in the CMTV SSPX-fest. P^3 Courtesy of the Remnant Update:  Here's an earlier article by Mr. Jackson that was posted after the first episode in the SSPX-fest.

+ JMJ In contrast with Archbishop Lefebvre and the SSPX's principled resistance to the novelties of and emanating from the Second Vatican Council we have the 'resistance'. They believe that the 'SSPX' has gone soft.  That is a nice cosy ambiguous phrase.  That the SSPX has left aside the anger of the 80's and 90's is not in question.  That this represents a 'doctrinal' shift is ludicrous.

+ JMJ Archbishop Lefebvre's and by extension the SSPX, response to the Neo-Modernist Crisis of the Church was guided by a set of principles. These principles I've discussed and expanded upon in this series of posts  that I have collected as part of my studies. These principles create a logical framework of artifacts, values and assumptions for guiding their response to various events / actions.

+ JMJ Much has happened since I was forced by a very busy schedule to go on hiatus.  Michael Voris et al completed their "attack ads" against the SSPX.  I found it amusing that (if I read correctly) all of the 'witnesses' interviewed concluded that the SSPX is not in a formal state of schism.  Funny that.  I'm going to pull together some of the highlights in a series on the ' Arrested Development ' of CMTV as 'Traditional' Catholics.

+ JMJ Rorate has posted a piece by Dr. Lamont worth reading here  about active participation in the liturgy. This is one of the cultural divides between the Pre/Post conciliar cultures - participating in the liturgy. Some would think (erroneously) that it means that laity should share more of the roles and responsibilities of the Priest (ie usurp). Answer: Wrong. Dr. Lamont provides insight to this phenom and a perspective that is needed in the Church today! P^3

+ JMJ Ok so the Synod looms large on our radar screens (ok but not CMTV's - they've turned their targeting radar on the SSPX). What to do? Watch and pray lest you to enter into temptation. I would also advocate studying the faith and keeping up with your spiritual reading.  Without these elements the risk of falling onto either side of the pinnacle of virtue is great. Simple words, simple solution. Implement them and practice the virtues and you will be safe.  I quickly reviewed my list of the virtues and identified the ones that (at first glance) I believe are critical to remaining faithful in this crisis.   See this link for the complete series on virtues. P^3