more on new Mass and rubrics QUESTION from Kim January 22, 2000
Thank you for your kind receipt of my follow-up on standing or kneeling during the Agnus Dei. I, in turn, appreciate your comments as regards priests taking liberties with any form of worship and join with you in prayers that all legitimate means of worship will be faithfully carried out. It is most important for all of us to bear in mind that we are not called to appear holy, rather to BE holy. I am, however, concerned that you classify priests who take liberties with the Tridentine Mass as schismatic. If we can classify these liturgical innovators as schismatic, then, so too the numerous priests (and bishops) who celebrate the New Order Mass contrary to its laws and norms. In my limited understanding, it is not just the taking of liberties within the liturgy that makes one schismatic. Finally, I mentioned in my letter that my family attends the Indult Tridentine Mass. Your readers may be interested to know that these Masses are termed such because they have the full approval and encouragement of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, as well as explicit permission from the local ordinary. Pax Vobiscum, Kim ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on January 22, 2000
Dear Kim, In my response I noted that the Tridentine Mass that I attended in New England was a REBEL Mass. In other words it did not have the permission (indult) of the local bishop. Priests and bishops who disobey liturgical law are DISOBEDIENT. The handful of priests and bishops who belong to pseudo Traditionalist groups like SSPX, SSPV, OSJ (Wathenites), and OFM (trad) are SCHISMATIC and have cut themselves off from Communion with the Universal Church. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding. In Christ, John Miskell Back to Index Page