The Catholic faithful are not supposed to support SSPX in any way, especially not attending their Masses. Attending an SSPX Mass on a Sunday does not fulfill the Sunday obligation.
maybe that will change with the Holy Father’s new thing about the TLM?
That won’t change anything because SSPX is in schism. For the faithful to be allowed to attend an SSPX Mass the SSPX will have to admit their disobedience to the Pope, repent and submit to Rome. Once they are in full communion with Rome (we pray SSPX will come to their senses) you can attend their Masses.
Agreed. They were not excommunicated for celebrating the TLM, it was for the illicit ordination of Bishops.
Let’s be precise. The entire society is not excommunicated, only Archbishop Lefebreve and the four bishops (I think they ordained one more, so that’s five). The priests are suspended ad divinis and their masses are illicit (confessions and marriages are invalid, except in emergencies). The faithful are cautioned against the grave sin of schism by frequenting their masses.
Let’s be precise. The entire society is not excommunicated,QUOTE]
thanks Jkirk, that is a point that others often forget!
They are also cautioned that “formal adherence to the schism is a grave offence against God and carries the penalty of excommunication decreed by the Church’s law.” Ecclesia Dei, (5), (c)]
Yes, I know. I’m not a supporter of the SSPX.
I know you’re not. I was just pointing out that the excommunications go beyond the bishops to anyone who is engaged in “formal adherence to the schism.”
Look for a parish in your area who has a TLM mass. They are few and far between, but they do exist. I’m lucky to have a parish within 30 mintues driving distance from me. You might try contacting your diocese to find out which parish that might be.
Bishop David Konstant of Leeds felt that the Latin Mass was a threat, so he only allowed one mass a year, at a crematorium, and with no publicity. So basically only Latin Mass society members attended.
Isn’t it a bit harsh to call them heretics for holding on to the faith they had always known?
No, a rose by any other name is still a rose.
Be patient. Find a good parish in your area that celebrates the Liturgy well. We have a few here in my Archdiocese and people will drive for hours to get there. Soon, if all rumors are true you will probably see a few licit Tridentine Liturgies around in a few months - or at least they will be in the planning stages.
Sometimes, as in my own Archdiocese, they are not allowed to publicize so they can be hard to find. I would suggest speaking to a good priest who would be willing to point you in the right direction. You may even try calling the Diocesan Offices as they should have that information handy - but usually a good priest is a better resource.