4/17/2023 Why by attending the Traditional Latin Mass doesn’t mean you are truly a traditional Catholic?Read Now This is about Catholics obeying the first two Commandments i.e. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” Matt.22: 37- 40. Why?! Because God commands us and it behove us to save our souls and to get to heaven our true home, to God, Our Father in heaven. Read on and you will know what I am getting at. Traditionalist Catholicism is in particular an attachment to the Tridentine Mass, also known as the Traditional Latin Mass the and the set of beliefs, practices, customs, traditions, liturgical forms, devotions, and presentations of Catholic teaching that existed in the Catholic Church before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). Thanks to these reforms, Catholics now fall into two categories i.e. those who follow the Novus Ordo Mass and known as Modern Catholics and those who want to hold true to tradition, the Traditionalists Catholics. Actually, in the past before 1965 and before the reforms of Vatican Council II, all Catholics were the same, they were traditional Catholics because Catholics around the world only attended the Tridentine Latin Mass, and practiced the traditions and there was no Novus Ordo Mass. Why the Traditional Latin Mass? It was thanks to Liberalism and Modernism that brought about the “reforms” and the Novus Ordo Mass, through Second Vatican Council. These reforms were suppose to enhance and propagate the Church, but instead it only resulted in the decline of the Church - the priesthood, monasteries, convents and vocations . The Church had been fighting Liberal Catholicism since the early 19th Century from the time of Popes Gregory XVI, Pius IX, Leo XIII, right up till Pius X in early 20th Century which were chiefly mentioned in their Encyclicals. Sadly, Liberalism was not totally stamped out in the Church and after the death of St. Pius X, it gradually grew again from strength to strength. (What was wrong with what was practiced for so many hundreds of years that there was a need for reforms? Wasn’t the hierarchy of the Church responsible to keep the Church in harmony and united) By their fruits you shall know them. What are the consequences of Vatican II? Note that in the Novus Ordo Mass, the priest faces the people and not to God as in centuries past in the Tridentine Latin Mass. In the Tridentine Latin Mass was the Sacrifice on Calvary whereas the Novus Ordo Mass is the commemoration of the Last Supper. The faithful have been deprived of the bountiful graces because it’s not the Sacrifice of Calvary and the changes made in the wordings of the Mass. Sacraments were “diluted” as formulas for the ceremonies like Baptism, Confirmation, Marriages, Sacrament of Penance were changed for example the wordings, and the use of different oils. It’s just like making a particular cake, the recipe must be followed closely otherwise the desired result will not be achieved. So similarly, the traditional ceremonies / formulas of the Sacraments should not be changed. The absence of the belief of the real presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Eucharist which resulted in irreverence during Mass and Communion in the hand. Immodesty in the Church - immodest dressing and profanities uttered. Dancing in the sanctuary during Mass. Before Vatican II vocations were already on the decline to about 28% but after Vatican II it dropped to 50%. Mass attendance dropped to more than 50% in many churches. In Europe churches have been abandoned and sold because of lack of attendance and funds to sustain the churches. One significant fact to note was that all the priests, Bishops, Cardinals and the Popes, before Vatican II and also those who were presiding the Council, were all ordained in the old rite and in the Tridentine Latin Mass. They were also obligated to the vow of only saying the Tridentine Latin Mass. It was thanks to Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who saw the errors of the reforms of Vatican II, that he founded the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) in 1970, a traditional Order of priests and seminarians, in the village of Écône, Switzerland, with the main intention of upholding traditional Catholicism; and now with the increasing number of Catholics who want to be true to the faith, there are Catholics who distinguish themselves as traditionalist Catholics. Priestly Ordination: The New Rite Vs. The Old Rite THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDECH by Michael Davies A "traditional Catholic" (or "traditionalist Catholic") is a Catholic who embraces the true tradition of the faith, a commitment to live one’s life according to what was taught and practiced before, who recognizes the errors of Vatican Council II in the presentation of Catholic teaching, who attends the Tridentine Latin Mass, who sees unwise pastoral decisions for what they are, who does all in his power to preserve the Holy Faith in a manner consistent with how it has always been understood, and who strives to support and preserve all of the liturgical rites and customs of the Church as they were before the "spirit of Vatican II" revolution. Traditionalists are not some "branch of the Church," or (necessarily) some "splinter group"; they are usually and quite simply Catholics to whom the adjective "traditional" applies. In short a traditionalist Catholic should be one who will strive “To restore all things in Christ” – “Instaurare omnia in Christo” the motto of Pope Saint Pius X, and living a supernatural life in union with Christ and His Mother, Our Lady. It was due to Vatican II ’s liturgical changes that which stripped the liturgy of its outward sacredness, eroding faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist; and also the teaching on ecumenism which has blurred the distinction between Catholicism and other Christians; that has many Catholics turning toward and appreciating the values of Traditional Catholicism. Traditionalist Catholicism History The growing trend of attending the Tridentine Latin Mass and other elements of traditional Catholic art and spirituality becoming more prominent on the internet and in news outlets has drawn more young people to the Latin Mass and realizing what they had been missing growing up in the seventies. Therefore, the numbers are growing at all Latin Mass centers and many of these Catholics, especially those who have been born after 1970, are still transitioning toward being completely traditional, because of the many years, of living and practicing the faith according to the changes made by Vatican Council II and attending the Novus Ordo Mass which was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969. Although these faithful are on the right track to becoming traditionalist Catholics, true Catholics; but until they have spend several years, regularly attending the Latin Mass, re-educating themselves and practicing the faith correctly, and living a supernatural life in Traditional Catholicism, as mentioned, they can’t truly call themselves traditionalists, especially if they have yet to totally embrace Catholic tradition and cut-off from the Novus Ordo Mass and the reforms. Quo Primum: Promulgating the Tridentine Liturgy. Pope Pius V - 1570 The traditional Catholic Latin Mass surely bring loads of graces to those who assist at Mass. But if a Catholic is not docile to the graces attained at Mass, and does not increase his knowledge and acquire the virtues*, practicing gentleness, humility and charity, living a supernatural life in Christ, have a devotion to Our Lady, attend annually a Marian or an Ignatian retreat, trying hard to imitate the Saints, one can’t truly be a traditional Catholic. My own transition began in 1994 when I first attended the Latin Mass. Besides the sermons, catechism from priests, prayers, and attending Ignatian retreats, it was reading good traditional Catholic books that helped me become truly Catholic. Let us be truly Catholic, traditional Catholic, as we were meant to be. "If you do not read, you will sooner or later be traitors (to the faith), because you will not have understood the root of the evil." Fr. Paul Aulagnier, Sept.17, 1981 Not everyone is inclined to reading but the knowledge and much spiritual inspirations, food for our souls, can be found in good Catholic books like the ones listed below which I read and highly recommend. They have inspired me to greater fervor and to love God more: The Love Of God In Practice: A new edition based on a translation by Rev. W. Frean My Imitation of Christ by Kempis, Thomas a' (1954) Popes Against Modern Errors Liberalism is a Sin They have uncrowned Him Open Letter to confused Catholics An Introduction to the Devout Life (Tan Classics) Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St Mary Magdalen (Author) The Blessed Eucharist Our Greatest Treasure Christ The King Lord Of History e-Book The Way of Perfection Sermons of St. Alphonsus Liguori: For All the Sundays of the Year Check out all the recommended books here. Besides reading , one could check out the good sermons on YouTube by good traditional Catholic priests and bishops like: Bishop Williamson, Fr. Chazal, Fr. Laisney, Fr. Couture, Bishop Fulton Sheen and so on. View the videos in the links below: https://www.youtube.com/@sermonsandconferencesofbis6845 https://www.youtube.com/@tradcathsermon https://youtu.be/e8bIUSMUD70 https://youtu.be/2JeL8irCKQc https://youtu.be/_I15uF2tmUA https://www.youtube.com/@traditionalcatholicsermons8507 A Moment in History: the Papal Tiara at the Basilica The following are some traditions, customs, and practices that maintain a genuinely Catholic home, which will certainly enhance one’s focus in becoming traditional Catholic : There should be no profanity in the house — and this applies as much to women as to men! St. John Chrysostom called the Catholic home “a church in miniature.” Just as we would not allow any profanities in Church? The husband and wife should never argue in front of the children! This is, as it were, the first “schism” that your children will encounter. It is as traumatic to the children as it has been in the Church. Disagreement should be polite. Arguments seldom are as they are often venomous, vindictive, self-righteous, and for all purposes verge on malice and hatred! This is the devil’s wedge in the family: disunity, animus, malice. Take your arguments elsewhere and far from the children! “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25) How did He do that? He died for the Church. You must die to yourself for your wife and your wife should die to herself for her husband — out of love for each other and for the sake of the children. The Cornerstone is Christ, and Christ is God, and God is Love. Love cannot co-exist with enmity. You, as a father, will have the most important role in setting the example for your children, especially your sons. If your sons see that Dad is a manly Catholic, unafraid and unashamed to express his Catholic Faith in the home and even, when called for, in public discourse, they in turn will be very likely to follow your example. People — even children — are not converted through intellectual arguments … but by example. This is especially true of what children observe in your behavior when they know that you do not see them watching you. We cannot stress the importance of this. A child unexpectedly opening his father’s bedroom or office door at home and finding father in prayer on his knees will say more to the child than years of lectures on the importance of praying. A mother found lying in bed or sitting in a chair praying the Rosary when she thought the children were out a play will strike them more forcefully by the example she sets than by her words encouraging them to pray the Rosary. In you, the father, they will first encounter Christ … or not. In your wife they will see Mary … or not. They will understand the Fatherhood of God (which He has participated to you) and the Motherhood of Mary (which is the exemplar for perfect motherhood) through each of you. Say grace before every meal — in the house or at a restaurant: if you are ashamed to acknowledge God … they will be, too. If you have that strength, they will acquire it, too. When you pray, make the Sign of the Cross slowly and reverently -- if you teach them reverence by example … they will become reverent. If you show them that it is no cause for shame to make the Sign of the Cross in public at a restaurant … they will not be ashamed … of Christ. There should be a Crucifix in every room of the house (that depict Christ crucified) and beautiful pictures of Mary and statues of Saints special to you. Remember that you are not creating a monastery, but a devout Catholic home. Pray with your children every night before bed — once again, prayerfully, not quickly as though simply to “get it over with”. Always bless each of your children at bedtime: it is your right as a father, and your duty as a Catholic. Trace the Sign of the Cross over your child’s forehead, while invoking God’s blessing over them. “May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father ✝, and the Son ✝, and the Holy Ghost.✝Descend upon you and remain with you forever and ever , Amen.” Enthronement of the Sacred Heart: Have the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthroned in the home. Say your family prayers in front of this image which should be placed above your home altar. Remember the 12 promises of Our Lord for having His image enthroned in a home. Go to Mass as a family every Sunday (a Tridentine Latin Mass whenever possible — this is very important given the lack of reverence and the pointless homilies prevalent in nearly all Novus Ordo Churches and offer yourselves and your children up to God in union with the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ at every Mass (as Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen exhorts us say “I die with Thee, O Christ on Calvary!”). Your house should be blessed by a priest (there are specific prayers for a house, each room, and even your car!) There is a formula for this which a priest should have (and a Traditional priest will have one), or lacking one, his blessing in his own words. You should have a small container Holy Water and Consecrated Salt protect your house from the evil one. Pray the Rosary together as a family. Set apart a time of the day or night for this. After Rosary, each family member should mention a special intention and the family should respond, “Amen”. It is a time to unite your family in prayer under the protective veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Go to Confession as a family. None of us are free from sin, especially venial sins, and so the need for weekly or at least monthly Confession is for all. If you are fortunate enough to own your own home and have an area in the yard available, create a Mary Shrine. It need not be a large area, but sufficient for a statue of the Blessed Mother, a Crucifix, and perhaps some small statues of Angels and Saints. Remember that it will be place for prayer and reflection and made beautiful in your own way that is befitting the Mother of God. You can have a bench there or simply bring a chair. Pictured below is a more elaborate one, but the simplest statue and smallest Crucifix in the most humble arrangement is as pleasing to God and our Holy Mother Mary as the grandest one possible. It should be blessed by a priest. You should have a Holy Bible (the Catholic Douay-Rheims version only) and it should be both in Latin and English. In addition to celebrating birthdays, Catholics should also celebrate the day of their Baptism. A careful record should be kept with the names, dates, and the priests and bishops who conferred the Sacraments on your family members: including Baptism, First Penance, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage or Ordination or Profession of Vows, and Extreme Unction (Last Rites). Also the dates of each of your Patron Saints. These should become special days for you throughout the year. There is so much more to celebrate in a Catholic home than a secular home. Collection of downloadable prayers for mobile devices. What all traditional Catholics who fit the label have in common are:
To become truly Catholic, study, to learn the Faith as it has always been understood. Read older catechisms. Read the recommended books mentioned, and, finally, find a place where traditional Catholics are welcome -- a place to worship that offers not only the traditional Mass, but all of the traditional sacramental rites, and sound catechisms. Let us live exemplary like Our Lord, in gentleness, humility and charitable toward one another especially in helping those who are new to tradition who need help transitioning smoothly, overcome the modernist mentality and “erroneous habits” which many have been living the past fifty odd years after the reforms of Vatican II. Let us all become truly Catholics, traditional Catholics as we were meant to be from the Apostolic days. https://www.fisheaters.com/traditionalcatholicism101.html https://www.fisheaters.com/conversionoftheheart.html |
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AuthorAn artist, entrepreneur, a loving family man, 30 years a Catholic traditionalist upholding traditions for the love of God. Shop for Catholic giftsArchives
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