Tonsure and Subdiaconate in EF

[Padua_Minded]

Prior to 1972, when the subdiaconate (a major order [in the Latin Church] of ecclesiastical institution) was suppressed, a subdeacon was perpetually bound to observe celibacy and the observe the liturgy of the hours. Does anyone know what would happen if in theory a seminarian from one of the canonically approved traditional societies (such as the FSSP) was to leave the seminary after having been ordained a subdeacon? Would that subdeacon be bound to observe celibacy and the LOTH? I know that the 1917 Code of Canon Law recognized this vow, and that the New Code specifically states that the 1917 Code is still binding where there is a doubt in the law. So would the Church therefore recognize this vow?

I also understand that under the 1917 Code a tonsured seminarian was no longer canonically recognized as a layman and was seen as a clergyman. Would this still be the case under the New Code for a traditional seminarian (even though seminarians are no longer tonsured in NO seminaries)?

 

[bpbasilphx]

**Prior to 1972, when the subdiaconate (a major order [in the Latin Church] of ecclesiastical institution) was suppressed, ***

**Actually, I believe it was Pius XII who defined the subciaconate as being a minor order, if memory serves.

It’s a minor order in all the Eastern Churches.**

 

[Padua_Minded]

**Prior to 1972, when the subdiaconate (a major order [in the Latin Church] of ecclesiastical institution) was suppressed, ***

**Actually, I believe it was Pius XII who defined the subciaconate as being a minor order, if memory serves.

It’s a minor order in all the Eastern Churches.**

Yes, it’s a minor order in the Eastern Churches however it was always considered a major order in the West, even up until, and after, the Second Vatican Council. Pius XII never redefined the order. Paul VI in Ministeria Quaedam speaks of the subdiaconate as a major order in the West:

As a result, the offices of porter, reader, exorcist, and acolyte were called minor orders in the Latin Church in relation to the subdiaconate, diaconate, and priesthood, which were called major orders.

 

[muffinmojo]

I wish they still did do the full tonsure( I mean, the whole top o’ the head shaving, not the little patch the FSSP, SSPX, etc do).