Starbucks' Support for Same-Sex 'Marriage' Provokes International Boycott
Chris Inman, RIP
Report on School Mass in Extraordinary Form in West Midlands
Second Part of US Catholic News Service Interview with SSPX Leader Bishop Fellay
Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage This Whitsun Weekend
Hans Küng Opposes Reconciliation with SSPX and Accuses the Pope of Being 'Schismatic'!
Mass in Chelmsford for Pentecost
LMS Conference on 9 June
Juventutem London Mass and Social This Friday
Latest Traditional Position Paper Published
Happy Ascension Day for Tomorrow!
Vatican: Positions of Three Other Bishops of SSPX Will Be Considered 'Separately and Singularly'
Benetton Backs Down After Holy See Objects to Disrespectful Use of Photo of Holy Father
Details of Meeting Between Bishop Fellay and CDF Last Week
Traditional Confirmations At New Brighton on 29 June
Traditional Confirmations in Stoke on Trent
Sodality of Five Wounds' Pilgrimage to Shrine of St Augustine
Sung Mass for Feast of Corpus Christi in Swansea Cathedral
Mass of Ages Summer Edition Published
Ascension and Corpus Christi Mass Listings for England and Wales
Sodality of Five Holy Wounds Next Meeting This Friday (11 May)
Photos from High Mass at Oxford Oratory
Photos from the LMS Priests' Training Conference
Novena for Success of Holy See-SSPX Talks
Vatican Sources: Decision on SSPX This Month
Positive Sounds From Senior SSPX Priest
High Mass Tonight (Friday) at the Oxford Oratory
Rome-SSPX Negotiations: Superior of SSPX German District Hints at Possible Agreement
Latest Traditional Position Paper Published: The Use of the Vulgate
Bishop Rifan of Campos, Brazil to visit Britain this Summer
SSPX Chaplain: 'We Cannot View Events As Though This Were Still 1988'
The Starbucks Coffee chain has openly come out in support of the redefinition of marriage to allow same-sex 'marriages'.
Starbucks' executive vice-president Kalen Holmes has described gay 'marriages' as 'core to who we are and what we value as a company'. The company is supporting legislation in the US to redefine marriage.
One reaction to this misuse of corporate resources has been the creation of the 'Dump Starbucks' campaign. So far over 40,000 people have signed their online petition pledging not to buy any more Starbucks products until they change their corporate policy. You will recall that a similar public campaign in the UK a few months ago against Tesco's financial support for Gay Pride forced a partial backdown by Tesco.
You are encouraged to sign the Dump Starbucks petition which can be seen here.
In a similar vein, if you have not yet signed the Coalition for Marriage's petition against the UK government's proposed legalistion of same-sex 'marriages' (over half a million people already have), or sent in your response to the Government's consultation process, please do so now. The C4M petition and consultation response form are here.
It is with great sadness that we announce that Chris Inman, one of our Vice-Presidents and a former Chairman of the LMS, died peacefully on Friday evening.
We have been given to understand by Chris’s widow, Ilsa, that his funeral will be a private family affair.
We have also been informed there will be a memorial service at some point in the future, at which Chris's many friends and colleagues will be able to pay their respects. No details are available at this time.
May his soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
We are very grateful to Melanie Bullivant, LMS member and RE Co-ordinator at St John Fisher's Catholic Primary School at West Heath in Birmingham, for sending us her report on a School Mass held last week:
'On Thursday 24 May 2012, Fr. George Grynowski celebrated Mass according to the usus antiquiorfor the Junior school children of St. John Fisher Primary School, West Heath, Birmingham.
'It was our second annual Extraordinary Form Mass with the children and was preceded by an assembly in school the day before, during which Fr. George gave the children a short talk about the history of the Mass and explained the differences between the Ordinary and Extraordinary forms.
The Low Mass included three commentaries, which the children read before the Offertory, before the Canon and after Holy Communion. The Regina Caeli was sung after Mass, following a request from one of the children in the assembly.
'The children completed a written reflection about the Mass when they returned to school. The many positive comments included, “I liked that it was spoken in Latin, how it should be all the time”; “It is silent and more peaceful” and “It was quiet which gave me more time to pray”. One third of the children in Year 5 said they preferred Mass in the Extraordinary Form.'
Last week the USCNS released parts of its recent interview with Bishop Fellay concerning the possible reconciliation with the Holy See (see here for the first part). Now they have released the second instalment, focusing on interviews with professors and seminarians at the SSPX's seminary at Econe, Switzerland. Click here to view on YouTube.
We encourage all people of good will to continue praying for a successful outcome to the negotiations between the Holy See and the SSPX.
The annual Traditional Paris to Chartres Pilgrimage takes place this Whitsun weekend. The LMS has sponsored 12 young pilgrims to take part in this most impressive of Traditional witnesses to the Catholic Faith (the British chapters depart from London this morning - 25 May). Some 10,000 people are expected to take part in what all agree is a pretty gruelling three days of walking up hills, through forests and across the fields of France to the medieval cathedral of Chartres.
One of our LMS office staff, George Steven, is taking part and we hope to post his report of his experiences on the pilgrimage after his return next week. Likewise, LMS Chairman Dr Joseph Shaw will also be walking the 70 or so miles from Paris to Chartres and, no doubt, his report and pictures will be posted to the Chairman's Blog in due course. Please keep them and all the pilgrims in your prayers.
As they say, you couldn't make this stuff up! Rorate Caeli has an excellent posting on the latest 'declaration' from the heretical Hans Küng. Mr Küng who "in his writings, has departed from the integral truth of Catholic faith, and therefore ... can no longer be considered a Catholic theologian nor function as such in a teaching role" (CDF 1979) is claiming that, should Pope Benedict XVI regularise the canonical status of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX), this would count as a schismatic act. As Rorate points out, this means that Küng would become a sedevacantist! Fr Tim Finigan also comments on the post in the Hermeneutic of Continuity.
Given that the most extreme liberals and heretics are opposing the reconciliation of the SSPX and by so doing directly attacking the Holy Father, this is the time to redouble our prayers for a successful outcome to the negotiations. Our Novena for this intention is over halfway through, but there is still time to join in.
A last minute change for anyone living in Essex. There will be Mass this Sunday, 27 May (Pentecost) at St Philip's Priory, 178 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AR, starting at 9.00am.
Everyone is welcome to attend the LMS's first One-Day Conference in central London on Saturday, 9 June, on the theme of 'Traditional Liturgy and Catholic Life' which will explore some of the many ways in which attendance at the Traditional Mass impacts on the way that Catholics live out their Faith in the Church and in the world.
Our support for the Traditional liturgy is not, as some have suggested, an arcane obsession with forms and gestures unrelated to real life, but, on the contrary, the spiritual engine that drives our lives in the world. It is for many a springboard towards a better catechesis and knowledge of the Catholic Faith and the motive force in becoming involved in lay apostolates to defend and promote the Church's teachings. Do book a place and encourage other Catholics you know to listen to the excellent speakers who have agreed to appear for us.
VENUE: Regent Hall, 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ
(opposite BHS, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Oxford Circus)
Conference Theme: 'The Traditional Liturgy and the Catholic Life'
Does the form of Mass we attend affect our everyday lives as Catholics? Does the Traditional Mass produce more 'active' Catholics in other fields of Catholic endeavour? Are the 'liturgy wars' simply about the Mass itself, or does our choice of Mass affect other parts of our Faith?
Come along and listen to the excellent range of speakers we have lined up for you and hear what they have to say about the challenges of living the Faith in contemporary society in the context of the liturgy. Bring your Catholic friends. These talks will get you thinking. All are welcome.
The Conference timetable is as follows:
9am Low Mass at St James's, Spanish Place.
10am Doors open.
10am -11am Registration. Stalls in the Conference Hall will be available to browse
11am - 11.50am 1st talk: Dr John Rao (Roman Forum):
‘From Darkness Into Light: Contemporary Barbarism, the Traditional Liturgy, and the Construction of a Civilised Society’
12 noon - 12.50pm 2nd talk: Stuart McCullough (Good Counsel Network):
‘Spiritual Warfare and the End of Abortion’
Lunch
2pm - 2.50pm 3rd talk: Fr John Zuhlsdorf (Fr Z):
(Title of talk to be confirmed)
3pm - 3.50pm 4th talk: Fr Tim Finigan (columnist and blogger):
'Traditional Liturgy in the Modern Parish’
4pm - 4.50pm 5th talk: John Hunwicke (of the Ordinariate):
‘Education without Religion a pure Evil?’
5pm - 6pm Panel discussion
6pm Close
BOOKING INFORMATION:
Admission is by ticket only.
Ticket prices:
LMS Members £15
Non-LMS Members £20
(includes morning and afternoon refreshments)
You can buy your ticket by phoning the LMS office on 020 7404 7284, sending a cheque (payable to 'LMS') to LMS, 11-13 Macklin Street, London WC2B 5NH or online here:
The monthly Juventutem London Mass and Social takes places on Friday, 18 May at 6.45pm at St Mary Moorfields. Full details on the Juventutem London Facebook page.
The latest Traditional Position Paper has been published by the International Federation Una Voce. The latest (the sixth) is on 'Liturgical Pluralism and the Extraordinary Form'. A copy can be downloaded here.
Thursday, 17 May is the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, 40 days after the Resurrection.
The Vatican Information Service office issued the following report today:
'Also during the traditional greetings in different languages to the more than 11,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Benedict XVI highlighted that tomorrow [Thursday] celebrates the Solemnity of the Lord's Ascension. This feastday "invites us to look to Jesus who, ascending to heaven, entrusts the apostles with the mandate of carrying His message of salvation to the entire world... The Lord has prepared a place for each of us and it is waiting for us. May our thoughts and our deeds be directed toward our heavenly homeland".'
In unity with the Holy Father, Traditional Catholics will celebrate the Ascension tomorrow. We can only pray that the decision of the CBCEW to transfer the feast day to next Sunday (but only in the New Calendar) will soon be reversed and that they will reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on the biblical day of Thursday.
There are many Traditional Masses in England and Wales to enable you to celebrate this great feast fittingly. Our full listing can be downloaded here.
The following announcement has been made by the Vatican Information Service:
'Communique on the Society of St. Pius X'Vatican City, 16 May 2012 (VIS) - Early this afternoon, the Holy See Press Office issued the following communique regarding the Society of St. Pius X:
'"As reported by news agencies, today, 16 May 2012, an Ordinary Session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith met to discuss the question of the Society of St. Pius X.
'In particular, the text of the response of Bishop Bernard Fellay, received on 17 April, 2012, was examined and some observations, which will be considered in further discussions between the Holy See and the Society of St. Pius X, were formulated.
'Regarding the positions taken by the other three bishops of the Society of St. Pius X, their situations will have to be dealt with separately and singularly".'
The Vatican Information Service has just just announced that the fashion chain United Colors [sic] of Benetton has agreed to withdraw photos of the Holy Father from its so-called 'UnHate' Campaign. Essentially, Benetton had used a photo of Pope Benedict to create an offensive image. Following protests by the Holy See's lawyers, Benetton has agreed to end further use of the photo, to apologise to the Pope and what it terms 'believers', and make a payment to a Church charity as compensation.
The Benetton 'UnHate' Campaign says 'Global love might be a utopian dream but global unhate is maybe something we can hope for.' It is far from clear what this actually means, but the campaign seems to have moral relativism underpinning it. However, Benetton have fallen foul of their own objective by treating an image of the Holy Father with contempt and giving grave offence to Catholics. Not a very good start! Maybe if they wish to end hatred in the world they should base their campaign on the teaching of the King of Peace.
Rorate Caeli Blog carries a report from the Italian newspaper La Stampa about the meeting held last Wednesday, 16 May, in Rome between the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) and Bishop Fellay, Superior general of the SSPX. Here's the report:
'Vaticanist Andrea Tornielli reports the following for La Stampa's Vatican Insider:
'"One further step towards the resolution of the crisis willed by Benedict XVI: Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior of the Society of Saint Pius X, was in Rome in the past few days for a meeting of clarification with the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei. From what Vatican Insider has learned, some modifications to the doctrinal preamble proposed by Fellay were examined and discussed. The outcome of the meeting appeared to be positive. On Wednesday, May 16, in the morning, in the Palace of the Holy Office, the "Feria Quarta" meeting of the Cardinals and Bishops of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith will take place, called to express itself on the modifications to the text sent by the Lefebvrian Superior. The result of this collective discussion, which includes Cardinals and Bishops of the Roman Curia, but also of relevant dioceses - among others, Jean-Pierre Ricard, Archbishop of Bordeaux, and Christoph Schönborn, Archbishop of Vienna, will be present -, will be delivered to the Pope in the following days.
'"Benedict XVI will receive from the hands of the Prefect of the Congregation, Cardinal William Levada ... the opinions expressed by each one of the Fathers of the "Feria quarta" and will thus be able to evaluate not only the outcome of the final vote, but also the individual reasonings of each, in order to then make his decision in full autonomy.
'"From what has been learned, the modifications proposed by Bp. Fellay insist on underlining the importance of Tradition as a stable element. The essence of the preamble, the point of departure, was the nucleus of the doctrinal part of the agreement signed in 1988 by Abp. Marcel Lefebvre, who declared the "acceptance of the doctrine contained in number 25 of the Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium of the Second Vatican Council on the ecclesial Magisterium and the adherence which is due to that magisterium." Regarding the dissent from some conciliar passages, he affirmed: "With regard to certain points taught by the Second Vatican Council or concerning later reforms of the liturgy and law, and which seem to us able to be reconciled with the Tradition only with difficulty, we commit ourselves to have a positive attitude of study and of communication with the Holy See, avoiding all polemics." [Rorate note: Tornielli is quoting the words of the May 5, 1988, protocol, not a present text.]
'"Surprises are always possible, but what already took place in the previous "Feria quarta" meeting dedicated to this matter, as also the opinions already declared by Bishops and Cardinals, lead to believe with great probability in a positive outcome. An outcime which would have been favored also by the latest meeting of Fellay with Ecclesia Dei.
'"What has on the other hand caused concern in the Vatcan was the content of the letter that Bishops Tissier de Malleraus, de Galarreta and Williamson sent one month ago to the Lefebvrian Superior Fellay. A very stern letter, opposed to the agreement, to which Fellay responded with a very significant missive, in which he provided the reasons for his decision, in response to a personal appeal of the Pope. The publication of the reserved correspondence between Fellay and the three confrères has caused not little concern beyond the Tiber, because it made clear the existence of a consistent opposition, against the re-entry into full communion with Rome, not only by individual priests, but also by three of the four Bishops ordained by Lefebvre in 1988. Bishops whose excommunication Benedict XVI had lifted in January 2009."'
His Lordship, Bishop Mark Davies will visit the Shrine of SS Peter, Paul and Philomena on the patronal feast of Ss Peter and Paul (Friday, 29 June) to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. To register, please contact Canon Meney at the Shrine: canon.meney@institute-christ-king.org
A reminder that the LMS will be holding its annual Traditional Confiormations in London on Saturday, 24 November at St James's, Spanish Place. For enquiries and further information, please phone the LMS office on 020 7404 7284
Many thanks to Matthew Doyle for the following report on Confirmations in the Traditional Rite yesterday near Stoke on Trent. Matthew writes:
'Bishop David McGough confirmed six youngsters today (Sunday, 13 May 2012), according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Pontificale, at St Joseph's Church in Burslem near Stoke-on-Trent. The Church is under the care of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, a society of Pontifical Right who have been singing the traditional Latin Mass every Sunday at 6pm since their arrival in the Midlands.
'The Sacrament of Confirmation is the last of the Catholic Rites of Initiation, usually following Baptism and First Holy Communion. It is traditionally administered by the local Bishop, and provision using the Extraordinary Form has been very sparse. It is usually only an annual ceremony in London organised by the Latin Mass Society.
'After the ceremony the regular Sunday evening Mass, commemorating the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, was sung in its solemn form before His Lordship who sat in Choir, and who preached on various issues at large today, of particular significance to 'traditionalists'.
'The evening culminated in a hearty supper prepared by regulars to the Franciscan's family days, which happen once per month. It was truly an honour to have such ceremony outside the capital.'
The Sodality of the Five Holy Wounds is pleased to announce its 2012 pilgrimage to the new Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate – St Augustine's Church. Fr Marcus Holden, Parish Priest, has extended a warm invitation to Sodality members and our friends, to go there on Friday, 15 June 2012, Feast of the Sacred Heart. The schedule will be as follows:
12 noon Missa Cantata
Picnic lunch (bring your own) 14:00 Tour of the church by Pugin Society
15:00 Talk by Fr Marcus Holden about Saint Augustine and the significance of the Shrine followed by devotions towards 16:00 Benediction and veneration of the relic of St Augustine
16:15 Tea in cafe at side of church overlooking the sea
More details are available on the Sodality's blog.
There will be a Missa Cantata on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Thursday, 7 June, at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Greenhill, Swansea SA1 2BX. Mass begins at 7pm and will be followed by a Procession.
If you live or work in or around Swansea, please go along and support this important event.
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Also in Menevia Diocese, there will be Mass in Fishguard at 11am on the Feast of the Ascension (Thursday, 17 May) at the Church of the Holy Name, Vergam Terrace, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, SA65 9DF.
The latest edition of the LMS's quarterly magazine is now available to buy (see below).
Items include photo reports on the LMS's York Pilgrimage and the Establishment of the ICKSP Shrine at New Brighton, an interview with Fr Tim Finigan, an article on Church music by composer James MacMillan, an article from theologian Fr Brian Harrison on 'altar girls' and why they are an anomaly, a feature on planning for wider provision of the Sacred Triduum next year, pieces about St Francis of Assisi's relics in Liverpool, the Traditional Catholicism of a famous football manager, a new regular interview with one of our local reps, plus all the regular features - our Diocesan Digest of events around the country, Family Notebook, Macklin Street, Chairman's message, Diary, the Prayer of Art, In Illo Tempore (our look back into the LMS archives), full Mass Listings for the coming quarter, and much more. All this (56 full colour pages!) for £2.50 plus postage.
Alternatively, subscribe to the LMS (thereby supporting our campaign for the Traditional Mass) and receive the magazine automatically.
Please select the correct postage rate from the drop-down menu.
Listings for Traditional Masses celebrated on the feasts of the Ascension (Thursday, 17 May) and Corpus Christi (Thursday, 7 June) can be downloaded here.
If you know of any Masses not listed, please let us know. We have also included early listings for the Feasts of the Sacred Heart (Friday, 15 June) and SS Peter and Paul (Friday, 29 June).
The Sodality is a very worthwhile initiative to support if you live in or around London. For more details of their activities check out their blog.
Their Secretary Angela Gibbons writes:
'The Sodality of the Five Holy Wounds will meet at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen this Friday (11 May 2012), at 7.30pm. Devotions will be held in the Church with Fr Finigan giving the allocution, followed by discussion in the Small Hall over refreshments. All are welcome to come and join the Sodality. Details of how to get to the church road or public transport can be found on the parish website: http://www.blackfencatholic.org/?page_id=284
'Looking ahead, please make a note that the Sodality will be holding a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Augustine at Ramsgate on Friday 15 June 2012, Feast of the Sacred Heart. There will be Mass, spiritual and historical talks, and Benediction.'
The Oxford Oratory resounded to the sound of William Byrd's Mass for Four Voices last Friday evening (4 May 2012), as the Oratorian Fathers celebrated their annual High Mass to mark the Feast of the English Martyrs. The celebrant was Fr Dominic Jacob, Deacon was Fr Richard Duffield and Sub-deacon was Br Oliver Craddock. The homily was given by the Provost Fr Daniel Seward.
A selection of photos can be seen here.
Here is a selection of photos taken at the LMS's recent Training Conference at Belmont Abbey in Hereford. The event was a great success and our thanks go to the Abbot and Community of Belmont for the warm welcome and kind hospitality.
A small selection can be seen here. A full set can be viewed here.
It is now pretty evident that there is much good will on both sides of the negotiations for a successful outcome. We note that the SSPX have asked their supporters to offer a Novena requesting the necessary graces for the Holy Father and Bishop Fellay (Superior of the SSPX) in this matter from 8 May until the Vigil of the Ascension (17 May).
The LMS is asking all people of good will to offer up a similar Novena for the success of the current negotiations. The Novena should start on Friday, 18 May and conclude on the Vigil of Pentecost (Saturday, 26 May). Please pray the prayers Veni Creator Spiritus followed by the Memorare.
Thanks to Rorate Caeli for this:
'From the French-language religious news agency I.Media:
"Benedict XVI's decision regarding the return of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) to the full communion of the Church will take place from now up to the end of the month of May 2012, Vatican sources close to the dossier have indicated to I.MEDIA. For the moment, the response of the SSPX to the "doctrinal preamble" prior to any agreement, delivered by Rome in September 2011, is still being studied by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Received on April 17, the response of the Superior General of the SSPX, Bp. Bernard Fellay, will be submitted to Benedict XVI afterwards. The latter has made multiple gestures, since 2005, with a view to obtain an agreement that would mark the end of a breach of nearly 24 years."'
Rorate Caeli Blog has a report on an address given at a very recent conference by Fr Niklaus Pfluger, First Assistant to the Superior General of the SSPX, Bishop Fellay. What follows is a translation (from German) of the official summary (by the SSPX) of the content of the conference:
'But then the conference hall in Hattersheim (Germany) got more and more excited as Fr. Pfluger unexpectedly started to unveil the events of the past years up until now. And he also announced that these events prompted Bishop Fellay to place aside the principle that guided negotiations with Rome.
'The Pope’s desire of a solution
'“No practical solution without doctrinal agreement” – such was the principle upon which the Society had started the talks with the Holy See. But the negotiations of the past years have revealed that the different positions regarding central questions of doctrine cannot be bridged.
'Recent weeks have revealed that the Pope is so much interested in a canonical solution for the Society that he is ready to seal a deal, even if the Society does not recognize the disputed texts of Vatican II and the New Mass. Would the Society, however, refuse an agreement even under these circumstances, then new excommunications are a possible outcome.
'The freedom to continue working in freedom
'Under these circumstances the Superior General, Bishop Bernard Fellay, does not consider it possible to reject the Pope’s proposal. It would be tantamount to a lapse into Sedevacantism if one would still isolate oneself from the Pope’s wish, if this wish does not entail acknowledging false doctrine. It also is a matter of prudence/wisdom not to cut all connections with Rome. One should keep at least one door open, even if at this moment there seems to be no proximity in doctrinal matters.
'It is, of course, a pre-condition that an agreement will cover the assurance that the Society will be able to disagree from Rome’s positions in disputed matters and that it will have the freedom to continue her work in her entire apostolate. Part of an autonomous status would also be the right to criticize the Council and Modernism.
'The offer to Archbishop Lefebvre and historical parallels
'By way of support for Bishop Fellay’s decision Fr. Pfluger recalled the way of action of Archbishop Lefebvre in 1987 and 1988. At that time the Archbishop proposed a far-reaching proposal for an agreement with which he wanted to arrive at a pragmatic interim solution which would have benefited the whole Church. The arrangement that the Archbishop was willing to sign at that time demanded far more concessions from the Society than what Pope Benedict demands at the moment.
'Moreover, one has to realize how much false doctrines have spread throughout the Church. Even if a theological conciliation between Rome and the Fraternity would have been achieved, it could not be expected that by a word of command from the Pope all false doctrines would suddenly disappear from the face of the earth. Fr. Pfluger points to parallels in the history of the church: after the condemnation of Arianism, this false doctrine was still spread widely for quite some time, in some regions even for many decades. And even fifty years after the Council of Trent, the Archishop of Milan asks Rome for advice, for almost all of his clergy have wives and children. What is he to do? – The response from Rome shows how the church reacts with wisdom and common sense in such situations: if he cannot replace the clergy, then he simply has to keep it.
'The relentless reinforcing of Tradition
'The acknowledgement of the Society would, after all, be an official confirmation of the importance of Tradition, something that would be very important and influential throughout the Church. And it would rectify the injustice of her stigmatization. Is there not a danger of hostile local bishops using the arrangement to fight and impede further working of the Fraternity? – Against this foreseeable argument the First Assistant holds the development of recent years: the movement in the direction of Tradition – and mainly the wish of young priests to say the Old Mass – has become unstoppable, despite intimidation and oppression. In fact, this movement is now so strong that the Fraternity will be able to resist such claims from modernist Bishops.'
There will be a High Mass at 6.00pm tonight (Friday, 4 May) at the Oxford Oratory, 25 Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HA for the Feast of the English Martyrs. If you are in or around Oxford this evening, do make the effort to go along to Mass in this impressive and beautiful church.
Thanks to Rorate Caeli Blog for this report. It is noteworthy that Fr Franz Schmidberger, Superior of the SSPX's German District was formerly the Superior of the Society prior to Bishop Fellay and has been involved in the negotiations with the Holy See. His words are therefore particularly interesting.
'Editorial of the May 2012 issue of the monthly of the German District of the Society of Saint Pius X, Mitteilungsblatt, penned by the District Superior, and former SSPX Superior General, Father Franz Schmidberger:
'Stuttgart, April 20, 2012
'Dear friends and benefactors, dear faithful,
'“We hold fast, with all our heart and with all our soul, to Catholic Rome, Guardian of the Catholic faith and of the traditions necessary to preserve this faith, to Eternal Rome, Mistress of wisdom and truth.”
'“We refuse, on the other hand, and have always refused to follow the Rome of neo-Modernist and neo-Protestant tendencies which were clearly evident in the Second Vatican Council and, after the Council, in all the reforms which issued from it.”
'In this statement of Abp. Lefebvre of his epochal declaration of 21 November 1974 are contained two inseparable fundamental principles: on one hand, the rejection of the spirit of the Council, of some of the declarations of the council and of some of the reforms that arose from the Council – and we have devoted ourselves with all our force to this task since the foundation of the Fraternity in 1970. On the other, unbreakable relations with Rome, insofar as it portrays eternal Rome. We cannot expect, however, that after the conciliar and post-conciliar collapse everything will be perfect again in the Church Militant within one day. The Church has in her bosom both saints and sinners. Amongst her human imperfections can even be counted errors, if they do not directly oppose the revealed truth. A Church Militant filled with saints only is the heresy of Jansenism, which has been condemned expressly by the Magisterium. Of course every Christian has the duty to fight sin and error, each according to his possibility and his position in the Church; however, we must always start with ourselves and align our lives with the principles of the Catholic faith.
'During and after the Council, the following slogan was issued time and time again: Ecclesia semper reformanda est – the Church is always being reformed. This statement is ambiguous and was shamefully abused by those who want to reform. It is only Catholic when we mean: the Church is always to be reformed in its members, the life of faith and morals must always be renewed, and even the discipline of the Church is sometimes to be adapted to new circumstances. But the structure of the church is God-given and cannot be altered nor “renewed” by man.
'Let us then not forget in the heat of our battle the first principle of Abp. Lefebvre: the Church was founded by Christ on Peter. To him he entrusted the keys of heaven, to him he gave the mandate to feed the sheep (Mt. 16, 18ff; Jn 21, 15ff). And the field of the Church may be filled with tares, so full that one can hardly see the wheat – the Church has the promise of eternal life; the Lord is with her all the days until the end of times (Mt. 28, 20). It is His Church, not ours. We do not have the right to dispose of her. We cannot see the Church in a too human, too political, or too diplomatic way. However much St. Athanasius, in the fourth century A.D., saved the faith in the divinity of Christ, however much he safeguarded the survival of the Church – he was but a tool of Divine Providence, with which the promise of the Church’s perpetual existence was to be accomplished. Had he flinched from this mission, God would have called upon another tool. And it is like this with Archbishop Lefebvre and the Society of Saint Pius X that he founded: the founder and his work have significantly contributed to upholding for the Church the true Holy Mass, the doubt-free sacraments, and the deposit of the faith during stormy times. And yet, the great confessor-bishop, the priests that he ordained, the bishops that he consecrated, they are but unprofitable servants (Lk 17, 10), who are in the service of Divine Providence and promise. How much grace, greatness and joy lay in this being allowed to serve! And yet, the tools do not possess the promise of eternal life, but the Church does, as the Mystical Body of the Lord. And this is why we hold fast, with all our heart, to eternal Rome, and why we want to be neither heretical, nor schismatic, but simply Catholic.
'If Rome now calls us back from the exile to which it expelled us in 1975 with the abrogation of the [canonical] approval [of the Society], and even more in 1988 with the decree of excommunication, then that is an act of justice and without doubt also an act of authentic pastoral care of Pope Benedict XVI. And for that we are grateful.
'With priestly benediction in the risen Lord and His most Holy Mother.
Yours,
Father Franz Schmidberger'
The latest in the series of traditional Position Papers from the International Federation Una Voce (FIUV) has been published, this time on 'The Use of the Vulgate and the Ancient Latin Psalters'. The full document can be downloaded here.
The Position Papers set out succinctly (circa 1500 words) Traditional Catholic principles and thinking on a number of issues surrounding the liturgy that are being discussed, or are likely to be so in the near future. Although intended to meet academic standards, they are also designed to be read and understood by the educated layman and we would urge everyone to do so. The full series can be viewed here.
The next paper will be published on 15 May (on liturgical pluralism).
The Latin Mass Society is pleased to announce that Bishop Fernando Rifan, Apostolic Administrator of the Personal Apostolic Administration of Saint John Mary Vianney in Brazil, will be visiting Britain this summer and will celebrate Pontifical High Masses at three locations across England and Wales at events organised by the LMS.
The main events are as follows:
Saturday, 30 June, 3pm: Pontifical High Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 294 Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6LE
Sunday, 1 July, 2.30pm: Holywell Pilgrimage, St Winefride’s Catholic Church, Well Street, Holywell, Flintshire CH8 7PL (Pontifical High Mass)
The Mass and Pilgrimage will be filmed by EWTN. There will be a coach leaving for Holywell from London (Contact Graham Moorhouse on 01322 409231) and also, we hope, from Birmingham (phone 020 7404 7284), Liverpool (phone Jim Pennington on 0151 426 0361) and Wirral (phone Anthony Sibert on 0151 625 9033).
Saturday, 7 July, 11.00am: Annual General Meeting and Pontifical High Mass at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, London SE1 6HX (Mass at 11.00am, AGM at 2.00pm, addressed by the bishop).
We are hoping to run coaches from Cambridge, Reading and Brighton if there is sufficient demand. Please phone the LMS office (020 7404 7284) to book a place or for more information. There will be a buffet lunch at the AGM for all paid-up members of the LMS. The cost per head will be £5, payable on the door. But if you are intending to come, please tell us beforehand so that we can budget for the catering. If you are not an LMS member, but would like to join, you can do so here.
Bishop Rifan will also be visiting Scotland during his time in Britain and will celebrate Mass in Edinburgh (venue to be announced by Una Voce Scotland) on Monday, 2 July at 7pm.
This promises to be a wonderful week of events in the summer giving full witness to the Traditional Mass and the Faith that goes with it. We warmly encourage everyone to make the effort to attend at least one of the Masses.
H/T to Rorate Caeli Blog for this incredible and encouraging report.
'From the May 2012 issue of Seignadou, the newsletter of the chaplaincy of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) for the schools of the Traditional Dominican Sisters of Fanjeaux (France) - chaplain, Father Michel Simoulin, SSPX, former (1988-1996) director of the International Seminary of St. Pius X in Écône, Switzerland:
'"Following our Jubilee [pilgrimage] in the year 2000, Rome took the initiative of establishing new relations. Today, the same Cardinal, having become Pope, has told us that the Tridentine Mass has never been abrogated (July 7, 2007: "It is, therefore, permissible to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass following the typical edition of the Roman Missal promulgated by Bl. John XXIII in 1962 and never abrogated"); he rehabilitated our four Bishops (January 21, 2009); he accepted that we pursue doctrinal discussions for two years... all things that Abp.Lefebvre did not demand in 1988. It is not an exaggeration to say that Bp. Fellay achieved more than what Abp. Lefebvre asked for, without having the latter's prestige or moral authority. Should we then be even more demanding than Abp. Lefebvre or Bp. Fellay?
'"Whatever the state of Rome may be, of all that still remains that is disturbing in Rome, plain common sense and honesty should lead us to consider the current situation with different eyes than those of 1988! Recalling the saying of one of our bishops, we cannot be "eighty-eighters"! We are neither in 1975 with Paul VI nor in 1988 with John Paul II, but in 2012 with Benedict XVI. It can be said as much as one may wish to that the state of the Church is still of great concern, that our Pope has a theology that is at times strange, etc... we have said it enough, it seems to me; but let it not be said that the state of things is the same as in 1988, or worse. This is contrary to the reality and to the truth, and it cannot but be the effect of a more or less secret refusal of any reconciliation with Rome, perhaps of a lack of faith in the holiness of the Church, composed of poor sinners but always governed by her head, Jesus Christ, and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. The Society of Saint Pius X is not the Church, and it can only "respect its founder's heritage" by preserving his spirit, his love for the Church and his desire of serving her as a loving son, with faithfulness to her founding blessings.
...
'"Nobody still knows the conclusion that Benedict XVI will wish to give to these twelve years of slow work, of seeking a better understanding, of amassed prayers and rosaries. The time is come for prayer, as Bp. Fellay has called us to do, and for trust in the Church. The Immaculate Virgin, whom we will particularly honor in this month of May, will find out how to obtain for us all graces necessary, if we wish for nothing else than the victory of her Son and of the Church."
'[Excerpts; tip and source: Fecit Forum]'