Becoming Traditional Catholic - Part IV Knowing The Catholic Truth

JMJ

In my previous post, I discussed seeing things for what they are ... including the actions of Pope's.

I know this is a hard pill to swallow, but it is necessary to have an objective measure by which to assess the actions of the Pope - even without a PhD in Theology and Philosophy.

The objective measure is the Teaching of the Catholic Church.

Hence, it is important to study to know your Faith.

For undiluted instruction I recommend Catechism of the Council of Trent and Catechism Explained.

This would serve as a foundation for understanding not only the crisis, but also recognizing error when it appears in front of you!

Having said this I have two counsels to give:

When something you see or hear 'feels' wrong and / or heretical, don't react right away.

Do some research to make certain. The biggest problem in the last 50+ years, has been Popes that speak out of both sides of their mouthes. One moment they speak as a 'Catholic', the next they speak as a 'Protestant'.
Remember, it is very rare to find a person who is wholly white or black (good / bad). Most people are speckled.

Keep up your spiritual reading!

In this case, I strongly recommend going to classical pre-conciliar sources.
These will help you to define and refine your sense of the Faith and grow in holiness (i.e. closer to God).

After that, I recommend some key writings of the SSPX.

Tomes that come to mind are Open Letter to Confused Catholics and Catechism of the Crisis in the Church.

Here's the first chapter of the Open Letter from the Angelus' soundcloud:

So - keep the faith, pray, be patient and persevere!

P^3

Comments

Facts and Opinions - An Explanation

+ JMJ When a person's assumptions are events outside of their control they form an opinion and, in my experience, assert this opinion to be fact. So ... it is important to define some terms:

The Curious Case of Steve Skojec and the Dangers of Deep Diving into the Crisis Sub-Titled: The Failings of Others

+ JMJ It's been a while now since Steve Skojec sold 1P5 and abandoned the Catholic Faith. I've been a 'Trad' since 1982 and in those 40+ years I seen this death-spiral before with a similar end point. It seems that anyone who jumps into the fray unprepared for the enormous task of righting wrongs will, eventually, become discouraged by not the task but the people who surround them. I remember when Skojec complained of the treatment his family received from a traditional priest. This seems to have been the start of the end for him. So what can we learn from the likes of Steve Skojec, Michael Voris (maybe?), Louie Verrecchio, Gerry Matatix and other celebrity Catholics? Probably quite a lot about what not to do. First, don't burn out on the crisis? When you burn out, on work or anything else, little things assume a more greater importance than they are due. This is one of my 'canary in the coal mine' signals that I've been stretching myself too thin

Morning and Evening and other sundry Prayers

+ JMJ Along the theme of P^3 (Prayer, Penance, Patience), and for my own reference ... here is a collection of Morning and Evening prayers from the Ideal Daily Missal along with some additional prayers. In this crisis of the Church, I do not think it is possible to do too much prayer, penance and have patience. P^3

Thirty Days Prayer to Our Lady -

+ JMJ Providence has cast this prayer in my path twice in the last week. I decided to post it here in order to have a copy handy. P^3 Prayer Penance Patience Source Intro Prayer With the condition of affairs in the cultural, political and physical world in a state of disarray we enter Lent - Ash Wednesday - February 25th - 2004 - more compelled then ever to pursue, diligently and faithfully, our personal road to holiness. It is a long, difficult path each of us treads, however, we do know the journey can be sweeter and more blessed if we travel it with others. Jesus has told us: "Wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I am with you." And there are many other biblical passages, as well, that urge us to love and help one another. A 'Thirty Day Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary ' was said by many Catholics during troubled times in their lives up until Vatican II. While looking through old stored away boxes, I came across a small white prayer b

Kuala Lumpur warns faithful about the SSPX

+ JMJ A couple of humorous perspectives: Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SSPX), a chapel not recognized by the Archdiocese I guess they are no longer able to recognize what is authentically Catholic vs inculturated ... :-) The views of the SSPX also dissent from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council This is a little outdated ... I wish I knew what exactly they are talking about and how to square the circle with pre-conciliar Catholic Teaching. and they have serious questions about the order of mass promulgated by Pope St. Paul VI Darn tooting they are serious questions, I'm glad they have admitted that the questions posed by the SSPX are serious and meriting a serious answer. But we already know the answer to one of them: As for the use of the 1962 Missal as a Forma extraordinaria of the liturgy of the Mass, I would like to draw attention to the fact that this Missal was never juridically abrogated and, consequently, in principle, was always p

Tradicat

Search This Blog