SSPX Mass

[Ocean_of_Mercy]

How is one to feel about receiving a Mass card for a Mass to be offered by a SSPX priest? I understand that the Mass would be valid, but would not be licit. The thought of it makes me sad.

 

[peter26]

As you say, its a valid Mass. One valid Mass is as effective as another.

 

[dmar198]

One valid Mass is as effective as another.

I’m not so sure. I think it is more accurate to say that one Mass can be more effective than another, at least in some things. For example, one of the purposes of the Mass is to help us focus on God. Some Masses are more effective at this purpose than others. This particular example is not relevant to the Mass card, since the recipient won’t be there, but I am confident that there are relevant ways in which it would be better to have a licit Mass than an illicit one in every circumstance.

 

[PopePiusXIISupp]

The SSPX have valid priest. They are in Communion with Rome (aka Pope), but at an irregular status. Therefore, the Masses are valid and lict.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

The SSPX have valid priest. They are in Communion with Rome (aka Pope), but at an irregular status. Therefore, the Masses are valid and lict.

No, they are not in communion with Rome. The bishops have had their excommunication lifted but they have not submitted themselves to the Pope and his authority, thereby coming into communion with him.

The priests they have ordained, and those ordained by Msgr. Lefebvre before them, remain suspended a divinis. They have no place of incardination.

Their Masses, while valid, are illicit. Marriages they attempt to witness are invalid.

The Holy Father, in an act of inestimable kindness toward those penitents who approach these men for confession, is supplying what is necessary for the absolutions to be valid, for otherwise they would be utterly invalid for lack of faculties. These men have no jurisdiction since, canonically speaking, they have no ministry in the Church – according to the usage of the term in Canon Law.

 

[corsair]

The SSPX does, indeed , have valid BUT illicit Masses. Best do some historical research.

God Bless

 

[ProVobis]

How is one to feel about receiving a Mass card for a Mass to be offered by a SSPX priest? I understand that the Mass would be valid, but would not be licit. The thought of it makes me sad.

It shouldn’t. If an Anglican or Lutheran minister offered prayers for me. I would be most appreciative. If an SSPX priest, same.

 

[Ocean_of_Mercy]

I just feel really sad about it, because they are a source of division and disobedience within the Church. Even though the Mass is valid, I wonder if God can really be pleased with it.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

How is one to feel about receiving a Mass card for a Mass to be offered by a SSPX priest? I understand that the Mass would be valid, but would not be licit. The thought of it makes me sad.

Actually I would be quite honored.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I just feel really sad about it, because they are a source of division and disobedience within the Church. Even though the Mass is valid, I wonder if God can really be pleased with it.

I too am saddened by disobedience in the church. And I cringe at valid but illicit things. Be they done on purpose or in ignorance.
Sadly, the SSPX do not have a monopoly on the problem of illicit disobedience.
Personally, I don’t have the luxury to judge a Mass card from any Mass being offered in any rite in the Church. I’d be just pleased at the offering. Being offended by this is a little like judging if someone is holy enough to pray for you.

 

[G_S]

You asked how is one to “feel.” If you are really asking about what is an appropriate emotional response, then this is a difficult question to answer. I suppose you might “feel” about the same way you would when a Protestant promises to pray for you. I doubt there is ill will involved on the person who sent you the card. If an Eastern Orthodox Christian sent you a Mass card, you would probably be touched by the offer. How you should “feel” about the Society itself is a different question.