Dubium V: Does the SSPX think that priests and laity commit a sin, either due to object or circumstances, by celebrating and assisting at a Mass of Pope Paul VI? The SSPX teaches that the Mass of Pope Paul VI is defective as a liturgical rite and, even if valid and offered with reverence, it will tend to weaken faith over time. A Brief Critical Study of the New Order of Mass, also known as “The Ottaviani Intervention,” remains the seminal work of explanation in this regard, and the experience of the last half-century confirms its conclusions. So, does the SSPX think that priests and laity commit a sin, either due to object or circumstances, by celebrating and assisting at a Mass of Pope Paul VI? The SSPX answers, “not necessarily,” because it distinguishes between the evil of a defective rite and the act of attendance at such a rite. The rite is objectively deficient and will necessarily erode faith over time. Attendance at such a rite is not intrinsically evil because circumstances may exist—ignorance, charity, coercion, etc.—to make it excusable. For example, a soul with a genuine desire for sanctity who has never heard of the TLM, or has never been in a position to understand the nocive effect of the Mass of Pope Paul VI, would not sin by attendance at this rite on account of what the moral theologians call invincible ignorance. Indeed, the soul might spiritually benefit by attendance, but this is not on account of the rite per se, only per accidens. On the other hand, if a soul perceives the deficiency of the Mass of Pope Paul VI and has no sufficient reason to justify attendance, then that soul would sin. ____________________________________________ I am presenting my thoughts and reactions based on my position as both a Catholic currently attending a Novus Ordo Parish and as a Deacon in the Catholic Church. I am currently within a 30-minute drive of one of the four TLM parishes within the Diocese of Syracuse. My assigned duties are too restrictive to allow me to frequent the TLM parish in Oswego though I do so maybe twice a year. Firstly, I agree that most prayers of the Latin version of 1st Eucharistic Prayer do closely follow the Canon of the TLM, and when I attend a Novus Ordo Mass in which said Canon is selected, I'm very pleased. My Pastor, however, is from Africa, and due to language difficulty has never chosen the 1st Eucharistic prayer. Nor has Msgr. Francis chosen to pray ad orientem. But he is a wonderful orthodox priest. I firmly disagree with the above highlight stating absence from the TLM will necessarily erode the faith of an active Catholic. Beauty of liturgical form is a definitive plus, but a poor interior disposition of any soul, is the governing force which determines loss of faith. Beauty of liturgical gestures, a ad orientem posture, and the richer prayers of the TLM, especially with prayers within the Offertory, are a great plus. If my circumstances were different, attendance at the TLM would prove advantageous. In addition, the sad fact that the Novus Ordo has undergone a number of revisions makes it the probable candidate in which the abomination of desolation will be embedded. Another negative, in my humble opinion, is the higher number receiving Holy Communion in the hand. To any faithful TLM'er who pressed me to switch now because of their perceived view of intrinsic poverty embedded in the Novus Ordo, I would share that frequent attendance at Holy Mass over 20 years with our children contributed to the fact that all of my children remain faithful Catholics and those whom are married, are raising their children in like fashion. So to me, the ancient Rite with all its beauty is preferable, but not absolutely necessary. And the idea that it is sinful to attend the Novus Ordo is preposterous. That is a finishing point made in the above that detracts from an otherwise enlightening letter. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
