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. 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!
I would not say the Novus Ordo Rite is sinful. But I would say, every thing else being equal if a person has a choice between attending the Old Rite and the New the Old Mass is better. Also the New Mass reminds me of a ship with holes in the floor which leads the ship to sink over time. For instance in reverence. People are inclined to talk in Churches and show less reverence with the Novus Ordo. Also Traditional Catholic Spiritual Devotions and practices tend to fall off. People tend to relate to each other rather than with God. The personality of a particular priest intrudes too much. And on and on and on.. One day I reckon a Good Pope will fix the Novus Ordo so it does not sink. But until then..
I have attended SSPX parishes in the past and still do when I can, it's about a 50 minute drive and my husband fusses sometimes so inorder to not rock the boat I usually opt for the NO in our town. But this has been my biggest obstacle with the SSPX. How can they say it's sinful to attend a NO? How is it not sinful intentionally staying at home on Sunday, isn't that against the 3rd commandment? I understand the NO is less than perfect, I know it was constructed to be more "welcoming" to protestants and today in some parishes it frankly is a joke but that hasn't made it invalid...not yet. I just can't wrap my head around their reasoning why it's sinful and honestly, to me it would be an easy hop, skip and jump away into Sedevacantist-land and I personally know people who are struggling with this. I have very fruitful conversations with my children about the differences in the masses and our duty to pray inorder to help those who are irreverent, like our Mother who always prays for us sinners. I do have great respect for the SSPX and above all Lefebvre, I don't know if I would have acted differently if I had been in his shoes. But personally, this Lent has been teaching me the hard lessons of humility and above all obedience and it has made me question my previous stance of blind support for the SSPX.
