Latin Rite Question

[dmorgan]

I am going to start attending a traditional Latin Mass at least once a month. The drive is a bit long, but I am really concerned about what is happening to the Novus Ordo at my parish as well as the other nearby parish in my town. My only concern is that the Parish I am going to is an SSPX community. Now you must understand that I was confirmed into the church in 1973 at the age of 17 so the Novus Ordo is the only Mass style I know. I have researched this and prayed on it and feel that I really need to attend the Traditional Mass whenever I can. I just worry about the SSPX part. I am not throwing stones or trolling for arguments. I would just like some honest answers concerning the Theology of the SSPX. Thanks for the help.

 

[SpiritusSanctus]

I would imagine you are worried because SSPX was excommunicated (that excommunication was recently lifted, however) and because some people have hatred towards the SSPX, right?

First of all, do not pay any attention to anyone who talks down about the SSPX. If it were not for Archbishop LeFebvre and the SSPX, the Traditional Latin Mass would not be around today. LeFebvre was constantly rediculed by the modernists, yet he stuck with the TLM anyway. The SSPX Masses are really no different than the Masses offered by the FSP since they both offer the TLM, the only huge difference being that SSPX priests directly speak against the Novus Ordo while FSP priest are not allowed to.

Now, you may not know what all the priests are saying in Latin, but that’s why you should use a Latin missal. The church should offer them, but if for some reason they don’t you can always buy them for a reasonable price. It is well worth the lengthy drive to go to the TLM. I have to drive more than an hour just to attend the TLM, but it is well worth it. You are certainly making the right decision by attending the true Mass.

God Bless.

 

[SenorSalsa]

First, let me reassure you that you are doing no wrong by attending Mass at an SSPX chapel, the Church has said that, as long as it is done for a good reason (such as an attachment to the Latin Mass) then no sin is involved on the part of the lay person, the Eucharist is validly consecrated, and so on.

One thing you should know is that SSPX priests still do not have the ability to hear confessions (validly at least). For a priest to hear confessions they need permission from the local bishop, and SSPX priests do not have that authority.

However, I would ask that you do examine the situation of the SSPX (which others will be able to explain better than I), and make an informed decision on if you think it is best to attend Mass there.

Personally I decided not to, despite it being the only Latin Mass nearby, as their positions on certain things seem to rigid (based on their own stated expectations of reconciliation with the Vatican) and their actions seem to say that they do not care that Benedict has been going above and beyond to help them out.

So even though I know I could go and be fine, I opt not to based on personal reluctances

 

[JReducation]

the only huge difference being that SSPX priests directly speak against the Novus Ordo while FSP priest are not allowed to.

No Catholic is allowed to speak ill of either form of the Roman Rite mass, whether they prefer the EF or the OF. The Holy Father makes this very clear in Summorum Pontificum. It’s not that the FSSP are not allowed. It’s that none of us are alloed.

We have to be careful how we present these things to those who are asking. It’s not fair to say that the FSSP are the only ones who are not allowed to reject the Ordinary Form. The Pope asked for an acceptance of both forms. If some priests in the SSPX take the liberty of speaking against the Ordinary Form, those individuals are in conflict with the Holy Father.

That being said, I don’t believe that every priest of the SSPX is in this conflict. It would be unfair to say that every priest in the SSPX disavows the Ordinary Form. It makes the Society look bad unnecessarily.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[corsair]

I, ocassionally, attend an SSPX Mass when I travel and I have NEVER heard the priest preach against the NO Mass. Now, I’m not saying that some don’t but I have never heard one speak ill of the new Mass. The sermons are always lessons on the Epistle and/or Gospel.

 

[JReducation]

I, ocassionally, attend an SSPX Mass when I travel and I have NEVER heard the priest preach against the NO Mass. Now, I’m not saying that some don’t but I have never heard one speak ill of the new Mass. The sermons are always lessons on the Epistle and/or Gospel.

I believe that saying that the SSPX priests teach agains the Ordianry Form (OF), which is the preferred title by the Vatican, rather than NO, I believe that such a statement is not fair to them. Because I believe that it is a generalization and not the rule.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF