Attending The New Mass
Several of you have asked about attending the New Mass.
Many Catholics are gravely concerned by the daily innovations
they are subjected to at the New Mass. To many Catholics,
attending the New Mass has become a heroic act of patience
done only out of their sense of obligation.
New novelties are introduced daily into the Mass as it moves
further and further away from the true Faith . Chris Inman,
president of the Latin Mass Society, in a recent article notes
that Mass attendances have declined in the USA from 71% in 1963
to 25% in 1993 with the only discernible growth in congregations
being where the Traditional Latin Masses are celebrated .
Mr Inman believes that by the millennium in France there will be
more worshippers attending the Traditional Latin Masses, either
in the centres of the Society of St Pius X or under the
permission of the "indult", than attending New Masses. ``What a
judgement on the `renewed' mode of worship in the Eldest Daughter
of the Church.''
To assist in making the proper decision, let us consider several
points:
I. The Law of Praying is The Law of Believing : Catholics
are weekly subjected to irreverance such as the use of
laypersons to distribute Communion, Communion by hand,
sermons which are often not in keeping with what the Church
teaches, altar girls... One's attendance at such Masses
will surely have an effect on his views. Exposed to this
weekly, Catholics risk losing touch with the real Faith.
II. Almost all of the New Masses today include :
* Communion by hand
* No more kneeling
* Laypersons handling the Eucharist..
Catholics are not expected to attend the Mass, when it
means participating in sacrilege. Moral Theology tells us that
in such cases where we are faced with sacrilege or where our
spiritual welfare is at risk, the normal obligations of the
law cease to apply; this is known as grave neccessity.
III. There are serious concerns about the validity of the
New Mass, especially when said in the vernacular. Quite often
the words of the Consecration are ad-libbed and thus the Mass
becomes invalid.(even if the translations are valid) When
there are serious doubts as to whether one has attended a
valid Mass or not, it is best to err on the side of caution
and avoid the Novus Ordo altogether.
Moral Theology And Canon Law provide for such situations :
-Canon 1248.2. states that those who through inconveniece or
moral impossibility cannot fulfil the Mass obligation can pray
at home ; "personally or in a family or, as occasion offers,
in groups of families."
-Canon 1323. States that one incurs no penalty for violating a
precept when he acts from serious inconvience or even percieved
fear.
Moral impossibility, can in short, be defined as when
you believe that it is wrong to act in a given situation. (i.e
attend the Novus Ordo)
Now, if you find the Novus Ordo to be a near occasion of sin,
or sacrilege, or a danger to your spirituality-- you are in a
situation where you cannot take action (i.e-- you cannot attend
the Novus Ordo )
* Qutoes From Moral Theologians :
Jone and Adelman (English translation 1961) :
"Any moderately grave reason suffices to excuse one from assistance
at Holy Mass, such as considerable hardship or corporal or spiritual
harm either to oneself or another."
He gives various examples including "those that have a long way
to church". Spiritual harm would include heretical sermons,
even in a Mass which was otherwise fine, so there is certainly
no obligation to attend the Novus Ordo.
Prummer (1955) quotes St Alphonsus as follows :
"Any cause which is moderately grave excuses from the precept-
namely, any reason which involves some notable inconvenience
or harm to mind or body either of oneself or of another."
Certain things should be clear from this. Firstly, the
obligation is not absolute. Secondly, the obligation lapses
when it would cause "inconvenience" or harm which is considered
moderately grave. Such circumstances include mental distress,
monetary loss, even unnecessary disgrace. One example given by
Jone-Adelman is that of a pregnant unmarried girl - she may
absent herself from Sunday Mass so as to avoid suffering
disgrace.
Furthermore, it should be mentioned that in the case of doubts
about the validity of sacraments, Catholics are OBLIGED to stay
away. That is, if one doubts the validity of the Novus Ordo,
one cannot, under pain of sin, assist at it. All Moral
Theologians teach this, as they do the above-quoted doctrine
regarding the Sunday Obligation.
Are We Obliged To Observe laws Harmful to The Common Good ?
Questions have arised regarding certain ecclesiastical laws which
are viewed as harmful by traditional Catholics. This brief work will
examine when such ecclesiastical laws are binding. While we will deal
mainly with the issue of attending the Novus Ordo Mass, the principles
given may be applied to most ecclesiastical laws.
Q. What is a law ?
Law is "an ordinance of reason that aims at the common good, in so far
as it deviates from right reason it is called an unjust law. In such a
case it is no law at all, but rather a species of violence" (Leo XIII).
Ecclesiastical law is part of human law while the Divine law is immutable
and of God Himself. Every binding rule which a superior or master gives to
his subordinates is a command; the command, however, is only a law when it
is imposed upon the community for the attainment of the common welfare.
Q. Does to Pope have the power to enact laws which harm the Church ?
The Pope has power only "unto edification and not unto destruction"
(II Cor 13:10) of Christ's Church.
"For, the Holy Spirit was not promised to the successors of Peter that by
His revelation they might disclose new doctrine, but that by His help they
might guard sacredly the revelation transmitted through the apostles and
the deposit of faith, and might faithfully set it forth" (Vatican Council I).
Q. If the Pope or any other human authority enacts laws contrary to the
common good, are we obliged to obey them ?
"Since then the lawgiver cannot have in view every single case,
he shapes the law according to what happens most frequently,
by directing his attention to the common good. Wherefore if a
case arise wherein the observance of that law would be hurtful
to the general welfare, it should not be observed."
[ St. Thomas states that if the observance of a law would be
harmful to the common welfare, it SHOULD NOT be observed. ]
"If, however, the peril be so sudden as not to allow of the delay
involved by referring the matter to authority, the mere necessity
brings with it a dispensation, since necessity knows no law."
[ When possible, we must have recourse to our superiors to
dispense us from a law. However, in a situation of *necessity*
one is automaticaly dispensed: Necessity knows no law ]
(Summa Theologia,II Q.96,A6)
``If, then, by any one in authority, something be sanctioned out of
conformity with the principles of right reason, and consequently
hurtful to the commonwealth, such an enactment can have no binding
force of law, as being no rule of justice, but certain to lead men
away from that good which is the very end of civil society....But
where the power to command is wanting, or where a law is enacted
contrary to reason, or to the eternal law, or to some ordinance of
God, obedience is unlawful, lest, while obeying man, we become
disobedient to God `` (Pope Leo XIII, Libertas 10,13).
Q. In what circumstances do ecclesiastical laws cease to oblige ?
* WHEN THERE IS DOUBT-
"When there is a doubt of law, laws do not bind even if they be
nullifying and disqualifying ones..." (1917 Code of Canon Law,
canon 15; 1983 Code of Canon Law, canon 14)
* WHEN THEY CANNOT BE OBSERVED (physically or morally)-
"No positive law obliges where there is grave inconvenience"
(1917 Code of Canon Law, canon 2205;
1983 Code of Canon Law, canon 1323, 40).
There certainly is such a grave inconvenience when observance would be
detrimental to souls, for "the salvation of souls must always be the
supreme law of the Church" (1983 Code of Canon Law, canon 1752).
Conclusion
==========
The Novus Ordo places our souls in danger and thus is not binding,
as the salvation of souls is the supreme law.
By their fruits you shall know them--
The New Mass is harmful to the common good. This is clear to
anyone who has observed the sad changes in the Church for the
past 30 years.
Thus, obedience in this case is -unlawful- (cf. Pope Leo XIII, Libertas).
Therefore, in accordance with the teachings of the Church,
Catholics are obligated to avoid the Novus Ordo.
================================================
When One Can Not Assist At Mass
Several of you have asked what Catholics should do if they can not
in good conscience attend the New Mass and do not have access
to the Traditional Latin Mass.
Those who feel certain that the New Mass may be harmful to their
spiritual welfare, are dispensed from the Mass obligation morally
and canonicaly (Canons 1248 , 1323).
It is most important for those who do not have access to the Holy
Mass and Sacraments to at least exercise some pious devotions.
Even if you are unable to assist at Holy Mass on Sundays and other
days of obligation, you must abstain from servile work. Devote Sundays
and holy days to family prayer, or other spiritual exercises. Sundays
and Feast Days are days which are devoted to God. Sanctify the
Lord's day by :
* Developing a daily prayer life--
This is particularly important for those who cannot assist at Mass.
You will want to make your morning offering shortly after you wake up,
and always remember to say grace before and after meals. Devote at
least 30 minutes each day, to some form of prayer or spiritual reading.
These might include:
- Reading the propers of the Mass for that day,
- Praying the Divine Office or the Little Office of the B.V.M.
- Making acts of Faith, Hope and Charity
- Praying the Rosary devoutly and meditating on each Mystery.
- Praying the various litanies alone or in the family (such as the
Litany of St. Joseph, Litany of Loretto, Litany of the Saints..)
- Make Frequent Acts of Spiritual Communion:
* Trust In The Providence of God --
We know that He never sends us tribulations beyond our limits, nor
will he deprive us of the graces necessary for salvation if we turn to
Him. This should be a source of great consolation for you during those
difficult times ; " I am with you always " said our Lord.
PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS
Spiritual Communion
``My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since
I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually
into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and
unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated
from Thee. `` (Indulgence of 3 years under usual conditions)
---
Act of Spiritual Communion
By Raphael Cardinal Merry del Val
At Thy feet, O my Jesus, I prostrate myself, and I offer Thee the
repentance of my contrite heart, which is humbled in its nothingness and
in Thy holy presence. I adore Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, the
ineffable Eucharist. I desire to receive Thee into the poor dwelling
that my heart offers Thee. While waiting for the happiness of
sacramental Communion, I wish to possess Thee in spirit. Come to me, O
my Jesus, since I, for my part, am coming to Thee! May Thy love embrace
my whole being in life and in death. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee,
I love Thee. Amen.
--
Another Act of Spiritual Communion
As I cannot this day enjoy the happiness of assisting at the holy
Mysteries, O my God! I transport myself in spirit to the foot of Thine
altar; I unite with the Church, which, by the hands of the priest,
offers Thee Thine adorable Son; I offer myself with Him, by Him, and in
His Name. I adore, I praise, and I thank Thee, imploring Thy mercy,
invoking Thine assistance, and presenting Thee the homage I owe Thee as
my Creator, the love due to Thee as my Saviour. Apply to my soul, I
beseech Thee, O merciful Jesus, Thine infinite merits; apply them also
to those for whom I particularly wish to pray. I desire to communicate
spiritually, that Thy Blood may purify, Thy Flesh strengthen, and Thy
spirit sanctify me. May I never forget that Thou, my divine Redeemer,
hast died for me; may I die to all that is not Thee, that hereafter I
may live eternally with Thee. Amen.
--
My God, I Believe in Thee
"My God, I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things
with all my soul, with all my heart and with all my strength; I love Thee
because Thou art infinitely good and worthy of being loved; and because
I love Thee, I repent with all my heart of having offended Thee; have
mercy on me, a sinner. Amen."
--
Prayer Before A Crucifix
"Behold, o good and most sweet Jesus, I fall upon my knees before Thee,
and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee that Thou wouldst
impress upon my heart a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, true
repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. And with deep
affection and grief, I reflect upon Thy five wounds, having before my eyes
that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, o good Jesus: "They have
pierced my hands and feet, they have counted all my bones." Amen.
--
Our Lord was comforted by a holy Angel whilst He suffered agony in the
garden at Gethsemani, on the Mount of Olives. These are two prayers to
that holy Angel:
O holy Angel who didst strengthen Jesus Christ our Lord, come and
strengthen us also; come and tarry not! [Indulgence of 300 days]
I salute thee, holy Angel who didst comfort my Jesus in His agony, and with
thee I praise the Most Holy Trinity for having chosen thee from amongst all
the holy Angels to comfort and strengthen Him who is the comfort and
strength of all that are in affliction. By the honor thou didst enjoy and
by the obedience, humility and love wherewith thou didst assist the sacred
Humanity of Jesus, my Saviour, when He was fainting for very sorrow at
seeing the sins of the world and especially my sins, I beseech thee to
obtain for me perfect sorrow for my sins; deign to strengthen me in the
afflictions that now overwhelm me, and in all the other trials, to which I
shall be exposed henceforth and, in particular, when I find myself in my
final agony. Amen. [Indulgence of 500 days]
--
Prayer of Pope Pius XII
"O Lord Jesus, King of martyrs, Thou art the comfort of the afflicted and
firm support of all who suffer for love of Thee and by reason of their
loyalty to Thy Spouse Holy Mother the Church. In Thy mercy give ear to our
fervent prayers in behalf of our brethren of the "Church of Silence" that
they may never be disheartened in the struggle nor waver in the faith;
rather may they taste the sweetness of the consolations reserved by Thee
for those souls whom Thou dost vouchsafe to number among Thy companions on
the hill of the cross.
To those who must suffer torments and violence, hunger and fatigue, be Thou
the invincible strength sustaining them in their trials and assuring them
of the rewards pledged by Thee to those who persevere unto the end.
Many, on the other hand, are exposed to moral constraints, which oftentimes
prove much more dangerous inasmuch as they are more deceitful; to such then
be Thou the light to enlighten their mind, so that they may clearly see the
straight path of truth; be Thou also to them a source of strength for the
support of their will so that they may triumph in every crisis and never
yield to any vacillation of weakness.
Finally, there are those who find it impossible to profess their faith
openly, to lead a normal Christian life, to receive the Holy Sacraments
frequently, and to converse familiarly with their spiritual guides. To
such be Thou Thyself a hidden altar, an invisible temple, a plenitude of
grace and a fatherly voice, helping and encouraging them, providing a
remedy for their aching hearts and filling them with joy and peace.
May they be helped by our fervent prayer; let our fraternal solidarity
assure them that they are not alone. May their example redound to the
edification of the whole Church; especially may it be profitable to us who
regard them with so much affection.
Grant, O Lord, that their period of trial be shortened and that very soon
all, including also their converted oppressors, may enjoy the freedom of
serving and worshipping Thee, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest
and reignest forever and ever. Amen."
+ Indulgence of 3 years. (S.P. Ap. July 16, 1957)
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