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Traditional Catholic Faith => Crisis in the Church => Topic started by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 03:15:04 PM

Title: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 03:15:04 PM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?

(https://media.tenor.com/4OTDjhkTX7UAAAAM/jeopardy-theme.gif)
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 03:19:59 PM
Is the "necessity" broadly in place due to the general state of extreme Crisis in the Church or is it situational?

That is the underlying question here.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 20, 2023, 03:28:46 PM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?

(https://media.tenor.com/4OTDjhkTX7UAAAAM/jeopardy-theme.gif)

According to the SSPX itself, it doesn't matter:

"In brief, as long as the extreme necessity of the individual or the grave necessity of many demands it, one can lawfully, indeed, one must under pain of mortal sin do all that he is able to do validly in virtue of the power of order. The necessary jurisdiction is acquired at the request of souls. The 1917 Code of Canon Law (can. 2261, §§2,3) states that the faithful can "on account of any just cause" demand the sacraments from an excommunicated priest [whom the Church has deprived of jurisdiction] and at that time the one excommunicated, so requested, can administer them. Fr. Hugueny, O.P. remarks that "the demand [of the faithful] gives to the excommunicated priest the power of administering the sacraments."[30] This means that, in necessity, the exercise of the power of order to the full extent necessary is called into act not by the will of the hierarchical superior, but directly by the state of necessity. "The action otherwise prohibited... is rendered licit and permitted by the state of necessity...And Pope Innocent XI, cutting off every argument on the subject, establishes definitively that in necessity the Church supplies jurisdiction lacking even to heretical, infamous, and excommunicated vitandi priests."

http://archives.sspx.org/1988_consecrations_study/1988_consecrations_theological_study_part_3.htm
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 20, 2023, 03:34:47 PM
Is the "necessity" broadly in place due to the general state of extreme Crisis in the Church or is it situational?

That is the underlying question here.

I recall Fr. Iscara telling me in the seminary that it doesn't matter if here and there, there is an isolated pocket of orthodoxy. You are not compelled to seek that pocket (but 21 years later, I do not recall what his rationale was).
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 2Vermont on April 20, 2023, 03:57:58 PM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?

(https://media.tenor.com/4OTDjhkTX7UAAAAM/jeopardy-theme.gif)
Given the Resistance priest is much more likely to be a valid priest, I don't think one needs to worry about choosing SSPX.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: BigFLAVA on April 20, 2023, 04:56:23 PM
Given the Resistance priest is much more likely to be a valid priest, I don't think one needs to worry about choosing SSPX.
What would make a resistance priest more valid than an sspx priest 
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 2Vermont on April 20, 2023, 05:12:50 PM
What would make a resistance priest more valid than an sspx priest
The fact that there are more and more NO priests that are not conditionally ordained in the Old Rite.  The fact that it's looking much more likely that the SSPX will now have New Rite bishops ordaining priests. 

Bottom line:  The Resistance doesn't have any of this going on...that I know of or heard of.  As a sedevacantist, if they were my only choices and I knew nothing about the priests other than their affiliations, I would choose the Resistance priest hands down.   
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Angelus on April 20, 2023, 06:16:23 PM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?

(https://media.tenor.com/4OTDjhkTX7UAAAAM/jeopardy-theme.gif)

Your question implicitly assumes a false premise: namely, that a true, traditionally-ordained sacerdotal priest cannot validly absolve without permission from a Bishop. This is false.

A validly-ordained traditional Roman Catholic priest has the power to absolve normal (non-reserved) sins through his ordination itself. He is ontologically a priest. As such, he is transformed and conformed to the image of Christ. He is not just some employee of a diocese or a groveling subject of "Pope Francis." Although the New Rite priests are ordained to be such (as the words of their rite indicate).

For traditionally and validly-ordained priests, only "reserved cases," as discussed in the docuмents of the Council of Trent, cannot be absolved by a simple priest, outside of a situation of necessity. But very few sins are "reserved" to higher authorities in 1917 Canon Law. 
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Comrade on April 20, 2023, 06:29:22 PM
The fact that there are more and more NO priests that are not conditionally ordained in the Old Rite.  The fact that it's looking much more likely that the SSPX will now have New Rite bishops ordaining priests.

Bottom line:  The Resistance doesn't have any of this going on...that I know of or heard of.  As a sedevacantist, if they were my only choices and I knew nothing about the priests other than their affiliations, I would choose the Resistance priest hands down. 
So, faculties from the local ordinary is never required? It has never been required that priests to receive their ministry from the local ordinary to preach or give valid absolution even when the circuмstances are reasonably be labeled as not an state of emergency?
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 06:55:07 PM
Given the Resistance priest is much more likely to be a valid priest, I don't think one needs to worry about choosing SSPX.

We're assuming for the sake of argument that they're both valid.  Despite some NO infiltration, 99% of SSPX priests are validly ordained.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 06:57:42 PM
Your question implicitly assumes a false premise: namely, that a true, traditionally-ordained sacerdotal priest cannot validly absolve without permission from a Bishop. This is false.

:facepalm:  I'm not assuming anything.  I'm stating the well known fact that ordinarily a priest who lacks faculties cannot validly absolve without jurisdiction / faculties from his Bishop.  Quesition is why it is permitted here in this scenario when there's no actual situational necessity due to there being a priest with faculties that one can easily go to for Confession.

Canon 879 (retined in 1983 Code #973):
Quote
To hear confessions validly it is required that jurisdiction be expressly granted in writing or orally.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 07:09:25 PM
According to the SSPX itself, it doesn't matter:

"In brief, as long as the extreme necessity of the individual or the grave necessity of many demands it, one can lawfully, indeed, one must under pain of mortal sin do all that he is able to do validly in virtue of the power of order. The necessary jurisdiction is acquired at the request of souls. The 1917 Code of Canon Law (can. 2261, §§2,3) states that the faithful can "on account of any just cause" demand the sacraments from an excommunicated priest [whom the Church has deprived of jurisdiction] and at that time the one excommunicated, so requested, can administer them. Fr. Hugueny, O.P. remarks that "the demand [of the faithful] gives to the excommunicated priest the power of administering the sacraments."[30] This means that, in necessity, the exercise of the power of order to the full extent necessary is called into act not by the will of the hierarchical superior, but directly by the state of necessity. "The action otherwise prohibited... is rendered licit and permitted by the state of necessity...And Pope Innocent XI, cutting off every argument on the subject, establishes definitively that in necessity the Church supplies jurisdiction lacking even to heretical, infamous, and excommunicated vitandi priests."

http://archives.sspx.org/1988_consecrations_study/1988_consecrations_theological_study_part_3.htm


Typical SSPX self-serving butchery of Canon Law.  2261-3 clearly states the following:
Quote
But from a banned excommunicate and from others excommunicated after a condemnatory
or declaratory sentence has come, only the faithful in danger of death can ask for sacramental
absolution according to the norm of Canons 882 and 2252 and even, if other ministers are lacking,
other Sacraments and Sacramentals.

So let's have a look at 882 and 2252, shall we?

882:

Quote
In danger of death all priests and bishops, even those not approved for confessions, validly and
licitly absolve all penitents whatsoever of all sins and censures whatsoever, no matter how reserved
or notorious, even if there is present an approved priest, with due regard for the prescription of
Canons 884 and 2252.



Let's look at 3 Canons before 882, namely, 879:
Quote
To hear confessions validly it is required that jurisdiction be expressly granted in writing or orally.


2252:
Quote
Those constituted in danger of death can receive from a priest, without special faculties,
absolution from any censure of man or from a censure most specially reserved to the Apostolic See

It's rather pathetic that SSPX would attempt to cite 2 Canons indicating that IN DANGER OF DEATH the faithful might seek Sacramental absolution from a priest without jurisdiction.

So the "any just cause" Canon is specifically about the OTHER Sacraments, but then #3 says that for absolution they can only seek out a priest without jurisdiction IN DANGER OF DEATH.  And 2261-3 indicates that the faithful may seek out such a priest only when OTHER MINISTERS ARE LACKING ... which is precisely the scenario presented here, where there is no OTHER MINISTER LACKING (and of course we're not talking about danger of death).
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 20, 2023, 07:11:29 PM
:facepalm:  I'm not assuming anything.  I'm stating the well known fact that ordinarily a priest who lacks faculties cannot validly absolve without jurisdiction / faculties from his Bishop.  Quesition is why it is permitted here in this scenario when there's no actual situational necessity due to there being a priest with faculties that one can easily go to for Confession.

Moral impossibility is one reason:

Many FSSP or diocesan priests will not hear your confession if they know you are an SSPXer (who they consider to be formal schismatics).

I was refused on this basis when I was transitioning between indult and SSPX.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 6 Million Oreos on April 20, 2023, 07:16:36 PM
Common error is enough to supply a priest the necessary jurisdiction to hear confessions.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 07:17:07 PM
Moral impossibility is one reason:

Many FSSP or diocesan priests will not hear your confession if they know you are an SSPXer (who they consider to be formal schismatics).

I was refused on this basis when I was transitioning between indult and SSPX.

OK, maybe ... if when you go in the Confessional they happen to ask you if you're SSPXer.

But this isn't really the scenario.  SSPX priests have jurisdiction to hear Confession from Bergoglio, whereas a Resistance Priest or Independent R&R priest do not.  Why can I go to the Resistance or Independent Priest when, say, "right across the street" you have an SSPX priest (known valid) to whom one could go to Confession.  Even the "Danger of Death" provision in Canon Law states that one can only approach a priest w/o jurisdiction/faculties if no other minister (with jurisdiction) is available.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 20, 2023, 07:18:20 PM
Typical SSPX self-serving butchery of Canon Law.  2261-3 clearly states the following:
So let's have a look at 882 and 2252, shall we?

882:



Let's look at 3 Canons before 882, namely, 879:

2252:
It's rather pathetic that SSPX would attempt to cite 2 Canons indicating that IN DANGER OF DEATH the faithful might seek Sacramental absolution from a priest without jurisdiction.

So the "any just cause" Canon is specifically about the OTHER Sacraments, but then #3 says that for absolution they can only seek out a priest without jurisdiction IN DANGER OF DEATH.  And 2261-3 indicates that the faithful may seek out such a priest only when OTHER MINISTERS ARE LACKING ... which is precisely the scenario presented here, where there is no OTHER MINISTER LACKING (and of course we're not talking about danger of death).

Physical death is analogous to spiritual death.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 07:20:44 PM
Common error is enough to supply a priest the necessary jurisdiction to hear confessions.

That's not the question, and "Common Error" is another SSPX butchery of Canon Law.  This term does not refer to "widespread Modernism" but, rather, a common reasonable belief that a priest has jurisdiction.  So a priest from Cleveland takes a seat in a confessional in Chicago and starts hearing Confessions.  Faithful start lining up to go to Confession.  They have no reason to believe he doesn't have jurisdiction.  So the reference in Canon Law about Common Error refers not to theological or doctrinal error but to error regarding the fact of whether a priest has the necessary jurisdiction to hear Confessions.

So, again, that's not the question.  Question is whether IF YOU HAVE TWO VIABLE SOURCEs, i.e. an SSPX priest (with jurisdiction from Jorge) and a non-SSPX Priest (Resisitance or Other), you can go to the non-SSPX priest.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 6 Million Oreos on April 20, 2023, 07:23:21 PM
  Even the "Danger of Death" provision in Canon Law states that one can only approach a priest w/o jurisdiction/faculties if no other minister (with jurisdiction) is available.
Indeed. I believe Cajetan says that when you are on your deathbed, if you the visiting priest doesn't have faculties, and you know there to be one down the street who is equipped,  you have to crawl to the other one.

L0L
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 07:23:39 PM
Physical death is analogous to spiritual death.

That's not what Canon Law declares.  Everyone who's not in a state of grace is already in "spiritual death".  But this does not mean that at any time prior to Vatican II you could just grab any excommunicated priest and request Confession.  SSPX butchered "any just cause" when it referred to other Sacraments outside of Confession, which it explicitly states can only be done in danger of real (physical) death.

Does going to the SSPX priest for Confession cause a danger of spiritual death?
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 07:28:48 PM
Most Canon Law exceptions are SITUATIONAL only.

If it's in fact the case that Jorge is the true pope and he has granted SSPX jurisdiction for Confessions, I submit that if you have ready access to an SSPX priest, one cannot validly receive absolution from a non-SSPX Traditional priest without jurisdiction.  No matter how I turn this over, I can't find a compelling reason why this would be valid.

Now, if Jorge at al. are really Antipopes and couldn't provide any more jurisdiction than Father Cekada's Aunt Helen could, that's a different story altogether.

If you're a sedeprivationist, the answer is somewhere in between probably.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 6 Million Oreos on April 20, 2023, 07:32:41 PM
That's not the question, and "Common Error" is another SSPX butchery of Canon Law.  This term does not refer to "widespread Modernism" but, rather, a common reasonable belief that a priest has jurisdiction.  So a priest from Cleveland takes a seat in a confessional in Chicago and starts hearing Confessions.  Faithful start lining up to go to Confession.  They have no reason to believe he doesn't have jurisdiction.  So the reference in Canon Law about Common Error refers not to theological or doctrinal error but to error regarding the fact of whether a priest has the necessary jurisdiction to hear Confessions.

So, again, that's not the question.  Question is whether IF YOU HAVE TWO VIABLE SOURCEs, i.e. an SSPX priest (with jurisdiction from Jorge) and a non-SSPX Priest (Resisitance or Other), you can go to the non-SSPX priest.
I know that's not the question. That's because the question is asinine.

Common Error allows priests to hear confessions when they don't have faculties either way. So who cares about the original question anyway when we all know that it is going to devolve into the same unsolvable ecclesiological debate?

Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Emile on April 20, 2023, 07:33:40 PM
Great topic!
Interesting points, citing Benedict XIV, in Fr. Woywod's article:

"...,it is certain that Confirmation given by a priest in virtue of delegation by a bishop is null and void."

"it is the consent of the Supreme Authority, tacit or explicit, that gives priests power to confirm."


https://archive.org/details/sim_homiletic-pastoral-review_1938-05_38_8/page/846/mode/1up


Edit:
:facepalm: Sorry, meant to post in other thread!
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: mcollier on April 20, 2023, 07:35:27 PM
The SSPX is joining/has joined the schismatic Conciliar sect of modernists. The Resistance is all about resisting this heresy and holding fast to the Catholic faith. There is more at issue here than the validity of the priest or if they SSPX were given jurisdiction to hear confessions from the heretic Bergolio.

The issue is do you choose to remain Catholic and let God answer the question about what happens to these heretical churchmen? 
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 20, 2023, 07:40:09 PM
This whole thread is nonsense, in light of the confirmation thread having reached a consensus that a priest cannot validly confirm without delegation.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Angelus on April 20, 2023, 09:00:23 PM
:facepalm:  I'm not assuming anything.  I'm stating the well known fact that ordinarily a priest who lacks faculties cannot validly absolve without jurisdiction / faculties from his Bishop.  Quesition is why it is permitted here in this scenario when there's no actual situational necessity due to there being a priest with faculties that one can easily go to for Confession.

Canon 879 (retined in 1983 Code #973):

Quote
Quote
To hear confessions validly it is required that jurisdiction be expressly granted in writing or orally.

Here is Canon 892 (1917 CIC):

§ 1.  Pastors and others to whom in virtue of their task is granted the care of souls are bound by the grave obligation in justice of hearing, themselves or through others, the confessions of the faithful committed to them, as long as they reasonably ask for them to be heard.

Lad, you have to understand how Canon Law works. Certain canons (like Canon 879 that you quoted) state things in apparently universal terms, but other canons limit the universality of the application of the Canon you quoted.

1917 Canon Law always has escape clauses that allows those things that are for necessary for the salvation of souls. Canon Law is not a spiritual ѕυιcιdє pact.

As I said, except for sins specifically reserved to the Bishop or the Apostolic See, all traditionally-ordained Priests can validly absolve when the faithful "reasonably ask for them to be heard." And in the danger of death, reserved cases do not matter.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Plenus Venter on April 20, 2023, 09:19:12 PM
“In order to save the fundamental laws of the Church, we are forced not to observe certain particular laws. In all of this who is right, who is wrong? Clearly right are those who pursue the mission of the Church. The particular laws are made to support the fundamental laws, which is the salvation of souls, for the glory of God, for the continuation of the Church. It is perfectly clear…

“Now, even in its particular laws, the Church has had the wisdom to always include an open door for the salvation of souls. The Church has foreseen cases which could be extraordinary. This applies to the question of jurisdiction for confessions. Practically, it is the individual who seeks out the priest in order to receive the Sacrament of Penance who gives the priest the jurisdiction through the intermediary of the Code of Canon Law. Even if an individual were to seek out an excommunicated priest to hear his confession, this priest would receive the necessary jurisdiction (canon 2261)…

“This is why we must absolutely maintain our traditional line, in spite of the appearance of disobedience and the persecutions of those who use their authority in an unjust and often illegal manner…

“…the progressive priests challenge us whenever they can, saying: "You do not have the jurisdiction, you do not have the right to hear confessions." Soon everything that we do would be invalid according to them. It is almost as if to say that our Mass would be accused of being invalid. This is the state of mind among those fanatical progressives who oppose and insult us. We must not hesitate in responding that it is necessary to take advantage of the laws of the Church which the Church permits in exceptional circuмstances of extreme gravity.

“God knows that we are confronted with those circuмstances!”

-  Archbishop Lefebvre, Priests Retreat, Econe, September 1986


Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 09:40:01 PM
“Now, even in its particular laws, the Church has had the wisdom to always include an open door for the salvation of souls. The Church has foreseen cases which could be extraordinary. This applies to the question of jurisdiction for confessions. Practically, it is the individual who seeks out the priest in order to receive the Sacrament of Penance who gives the priest the jurisdiction through the intermediary of the Code of Canon Law. Even if an individual were to seek out an excommunicated priest to hear his confession, this priest would receive the necessary jurisdiction (canon 2261)…

Unfortunately, this is false.  We've already looked at Canon 2261.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 09:43:01 PM
But my opinion is that the Church in General is in such crisis that the Church (i.e., Christ) is supplying jurisdiction for the necessary Sacraments very broadly to those priests who remain Catholic, since the Conciliar Church is not the Catholic Church and are withholding "jurisdiction" from orthodox Catholics priests as persecution for them resisting their false religion.

But let's not butcher Canon Law here to pretend that there's some kind of "NORMAL" canonical justification for this.  We are not in a normal time and the Church is supplying jurisdiction ad salutem animarum.  Canon Law was designed to govern the NORMAL functioning of the Church under normal and ordinary circuмstances, and the Church has had a history of dispensing whenever the good of the faithful commends it, from those citations from the Catechism of Trent encouring priests to administer Confirmations in mission territories, etc.  That has always been the mind of the Church.  To act as if Canon Law were the same as Divine Law in abnormal situations is to have a bit of a Pharisaical attitude.  It's always been the mind of the Church that the superme law is the salvation of souls.  Under normal circuмstances, the order imposed by Canon Law is conducive to the right order of the Church, but in these times God will not use it as an obstacle to carry out the mission of the Church, which is the salvation of souls.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 09:50:03 PM
Here is Canon 892 (1917 CIC):

§ 1.  Pastors and others to whom in virtue of their task is granted the care of souls are bound by the grave obligation in justice of hearing, themselves or through others, the confessions of the faithful committed to them, as long as they reasonably ask for them to be heard.

Lad, you have to understand how Canon Law works. Certain canons (like Canon 879 that you quoted) state things in apparently universal terms, but other canons limit the universality of the application of the Canon you quoted.

You need to stop attempting to mansplain stuff constantly when you're shown serious ignorance on other topics.  Can you even read?  This is a reference to PASTORS and others who have received the TASK (by appiontment) of taking care of souls.  Your "analysis" isn't even close to being over the target.

But, to my point, this isn't a question of Canon Law, which is mean to govern the right order of the Church in ordinary normal circuмstances and assumes a normally-functioning hierarchy and Church.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 09:53:26 PM
This whole thread is nonsense, in light of the confirmation thread having reached a consensus that a priest cannot validly confirm without delegation.

Confirmation thread is wrong an idiotic, and if there's no valid Confirmation, then the Confessions are invalid also.  There's zero difference, your idiotic distinction between jurisdiction and delegation notwithstanding.

And, no this thread isn't nonsense because you don't want to face reality.  Based on Canon Law alone, there's zero justification for going to Confession to a Resistance priest when you have access to an SSPX priest who does have jurisdiction.  Zero.

Really, the only justification is the abnormal times in which we live and the nature of Canon Law (as per my posts above).  In that case, however, the same goes for Confirmation.

This is absolutely typical of you.  You have some emotional attachment to a prior opinion and not rational argument is capable of wresting it from your brain, like a toddler who refuses to let go of a pacifier.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: TKGS on April 20, 2023, 10:09:16 PM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Are you suggesting that your personal belief that Bergoglio is the pope has any bearing whatsoever on the validity of confession?
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 20, 2023, 11:02:51 PM
Are you suggesting that your personal belief that Bergoglio is the pope has any bearing whatsoever on the validity of confession?

No, but it would inform whether or not in good conscience one might approach the priest in this scenario for Confession.  Someone who believes NO priests are not doubful might receive Holy Communion from a Mass by an un-conditionally-ordained NO priest, whereas someone who has positive doubt about it would not.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Plenus Venter on April 21, 2023, 02:03:02 AM
Typical SSPX self-serving butchery of Canon Law.  2261-3 clearly states the following:
So let's have a look at 882 and 2252, shall we?

882:

Let's look at 3 Canons before 882, namely, 879:

2252:
It's rather pathetic that SSPX would attempt to cite 2 Canons indicating that IN DANGER OF DEATH the faithful might seek Sacramental absolution from a priest without jurisdiction.

So the "any just cause" Canon is specifically about the OTHER Sacraments, but then #3 says that for absolution they can only seek out a priest without jurisdiction IN DANGER OF DEATH.  And 2261-3 indicates that the faithful may seek out such a priest only when OTHER MINISTERS ARE LACKING ... which is precisely the scenario presented here, where there is no OTHER MINISTER LACKING (and of course we're not talking about danger of death).
Ladislaus, I think you have read the Canon Law wrongly and misjudged the Archbishop and the SSPX. Please have another look:

Canon 2261

(1983 CIC 1331, 1335)

§ 1. One excommunicated is prohibited from confecting and admin­istering licitly the Sacraments and Sacramentals, except for the exceptions that follow.
§ 2. The faithful, with due regard for the prescription of §3, can for any just cause seek the Sacraments and Sacramentals from one excommu­nicated, especially if other ministers are lacking, and then the one who is excommunicate and approached can administer these and is under no ob­ligation of inquiring the reasons from the one requesting.
§ 3. But from a banned excommunicate and from others excommuni­cated after a condemnatory or declaratory sentence has come, only the faithful in danger of death can ask for sacramental absolution according to the norm of Canons 882 and 2252 and even, if other ministers are lacking, other Sacraments and Sacramentals.

# 2 means exactly what it says, nothing whatsoever about "other sacraments" than absolution.

# 3 is referring specifically to particular types of "excommunicates": "banned" (vitandi), and those under a condemnatory or declaratory sentence.

Bouscaren and Ellis explain: "Except as provided in #3, the faithful can for any just cause ask for the sacraments and sacramentals, of one who is excommunicated, especially if there is no one else to give them; and in such cases the excommunicated person so asked may administer them, and is not obliged to ask the reason for the request (c.2261#2). But from an excommunicated vitandus, or one against whom there is a declaratory or condemnatory sentence, the faithful may only in danger of death ask for sacramental absolution according to canons 882, 2252, and also for other sacraments and sacramentals in case there is no one else to administer them (c. 2261, #3)".

Canon 2258:
#1. Some excommunicates are banned (Vitandi), others are tolerated (Tolerati).
#2. No one is banned unless so named as an excommunicate by the Apostolic See, the excommunication is publicly announced, and it is expressly stated in the decree or sentence that he must be avoided with due regard for the prescription of Canon 2343 #1, n1)

(FYI c2343 relates to laying violent hand on the Pope)

So, you can see the truth of Archbishop Lefebvre's explanation, which, note, was in 1986 and therefore was not intended as a justification of the situation in the SSPX after the Consecrations and "excommunications":

“Now, even in its particular laws, the Church has had the wisdom to always include an open door for the salvation of souls. The Church has foreseen cases which could be extraordinary. This applies to the question of jurisdiction for confessions. Practically, it is the individual who seeks out the priest in order to receive the Sacrament of Penance who gives the priest the jurisdiction through the intermediary of the Code of Canon Law. Even if an individual were to seek out an excommunicated priest to hear his confession, this priest would receive the necessary jurisdiction (canon 2261)…"

So, given the extraordinary crisis we are living through, I don't think too many Trads, of whatever variety, need to have any concerns regarding absolution from their sins (unless it is a question of validity of orders). "The faithful... can for any just cause seek the Sacraments and Sacramentals from one excommu­nicated", and let's face it, what bishop or priest in Tradition is validly excommunicated anyway? A just cause is certainly to keep the Faith. That is why the Resistance exists. That is why the Sedes are Sedes. That is why the SSPXers are SSPXers. That is why some float between the lot... 

My advice to everyone, is to learn from the great prelate that God raised up to lead us in this crisis (ABL, of course!), and be less ready to be his judge!
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Stubborn on April 21, 2023, 05:31:13 AM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?
I read the whole thread and some do not understand what you are saying.

Whether the pope is the pope or not does not change the fact that we live in a crisis of faith, granting all valid trad priests supplied jurisdiction. The pope granting SSPX jurisdiction is merely stating or confirming what (most?) trads already knew. 





Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 21, 2023, 05:37:44 AM
Ladislaus, I think you have read the Canon Law wrongly and misjudged the Archbishop and the SSPX. Please have another look:

Canon 2261

(1983 CIC 1331, 1335)

§ 1. One excommunicated is prohibited from confecting and admin­istering licitly the Sacraments and Sacramentals, except for the exceptions that follow.
§ 2. The faithful, with due regard for the prescription of §3, can for any just cause seek the Sacraments and Sacramentals from one excommu­nicated, especially if other ministers are lacking, and then the one who is excommunicate and approached can administer these and is under no ob­ligation of inquiring the reasons from the one requesting.
§ 3. But from a banned excommunicate and from others excommuni­cated after a condemnatory or declaratory sentence has come, only the faithful in danger of death can ask for sacramental absolution according to the norm of Canons 882 and 2252 and even, if other ministers are lacking, other Sacraments and Sacramentals.

# 2 means exactly what it says, nothing whatsoever about "other sacraments" than absolution.

# 3 is referring specifically to particular types of "excommunicates": "banned" (vitandi), and those under a condemnatory or declaratory sentence.

Bouscaren and Ellis explain: "Except as provided in #3, the faithful can for any just cause ask for the sacraments and sacramentals, of one who is excommunicated, especially if there is no one else to give them; and in such cases the excommunicated person so asked may administer them, and is not obliged to ask the reason for the request (c.2261#2). But from an excommunicated vitandus, or one against whom there is a declaratory or condemnatory sentence, the faithful may only in danger of death ask for sacramental absolution according to canons 882, 2252, and also for other sacraments and sacramentals in case there is no one else to administer them (c. 2261, #3)".

Canon 2258:
#1. Some excommunicates are banned (Vitandi), others are tolerated (Tolerati).
#2. No one is banned unless so named as an excommunicate by the Apostolic See, the excommunication is publicly announced, and it is expressly stated in the decree or sentence that he must be avoided with due regard for the prescription of Canon 2343 #1, n1)

(FYI c2343 relates to laying violent hand on the Pope)

So, you can see the truth of Archbishop Lefebvre's explanation, which, note, was in 1986 and therefore was not intended as a justification of the situation in the SSPX after the Consecrations and "excommunications":

“Now, even in its particular laws, the Church has had the wisdom to always include an open door for the salvation of souls. The Church has foreseen cases which could be extraordinary. This applies to the question of jurisdiction for confessions. Practically, it is the individual who seeks out the priest in order to receive the Sacrament of Penance who gives the priest the jurisdiction through the intermediary of the Code of Canon Law. Even if an individual were to seek out an excommunicated priest to hear his confession, this priest would receive the necessary jurisdiction (canon 2261)…"

So, given the extraordinary crisis we are living through, I don't think too many Trads, of whatever variety, need to have any concerns regarding absolution from their sins (unless it is a question of validity of orders). "The faithful... can for any just cause seek the Sacraments and Sacramentals from one excommu­nicated", and let's face it, what bishop or priest in Tradition is validly excommunicated anyway? A just cause is certainly to keep the Faith. That is why the Resistance exists. That is why the Sedes are Sedes. That is why the SSPXers are SSPXers. That is why some float between the lot...

My advice to everyone, is to learn from the great prelate that God raised up to lead us in this crisis (ABL, of course!), and be less ready to be his judge!

He doesn’t want to understand anything that doesn’t affirm his narrative.

Let him believe whatever he wants.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Pax Vobis on April 21, 2023, 08:57:22 AM
You're quoting the 1983 code?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Yeti on April 21, 2023, 09:13:09 AM
So here's a scenario to ponder (thought occurred to me on the thread about Confirmation ... though I've thought about this before).

Let's say that I believe that Jorge is the Pope.  Now let's say that I have two chapels near me, one SSPX and the other Resistance (or Independent R&R of some kind ... not to mention SV alternatives).

Can I receive valid absolution from the Resistance priest when I could just as well go to the SSPX priest?  SSPX priest has jurisdiction to validly absolve (from Pope Jorge).  But the Resistance priest does not.  Why is there a sufficient necessity there for me to go to a priest without jurisdiction when I could go to one that has it?  If I go to the Resistance priest without such necessity, would I validly receive absolution?

(https://media.tenor.com/4OTDjhkTX7UAAAAM/jeopardy-theme.gif)
.

Your post seems to imply that the validity of confession can be dependent on the opinions of the penitent on things like ecclesiology and canon law. I kind of doubt that's the case. The only acts of the penitent required for confession are an examination of conscience, accurate confession of sin, and things like that. As far as I know. :cowboy:
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Pax Vobis on April 21, 2023, 09:22:21 AM
Quote
Your post seems to imply that the validity of confession can be dependent on the opinions of the penitent
Likewise, the opinion of a priest on the pope does not make a mass sinful.  But that's another matter.

Lads point is that the faithful can't just go to any priest for confession/mass.  Jurisdiction does apply to all catholics.  In saner times, everyone belonged to a parish and you had to obey your parish priest above all others.  You were not allowed to church-hop to find a priest you liked.  V2 destroyed all of this.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: 2Vermont on April 21, 2023, 11:03:49 AM
We're assuming for the sake of argument that they're both valid.  Despite some NO infiltration, 99% of SSPX priests are validly ordained.
I re-read your OP.  I think the main issue is whether the person going to confession considers the Conciliar Church (and those who it gives "jurisdiction" to) is actually the Catholic Church.  I think if one does, then one would need to go to the SSPX priest.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Plenus Venter on April 21, 2023, 07:22:01 PM
You're quoting the 1983 code?  :facepalm:
I can only imagine you are addressing this to me, Pax? 
Certainly not, they are the Canons from the Pio-Benedictine Code, and it is not I who introduced them.
There are, however, equivalents in the New Code.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Pax Vobis on April 21, 2023, 07:42:04 PM
Ok, my mistake.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 22, 2023, 08:27:33 AM
I re-read your OP.  I think the main issue is whether the person going to confession considers the Conciliar Church (and those who it gives "jurisdiction" to) is actually the Catholic Church.  I think if one does, then one would need to go to the SSPX priest.

Yes, absolutely.  I see no way around this.  I personally believe that the Church (i.e. Our Lord) is supplying jurisdiction to all Traditional Catholics priests in this horrific Crisis, and that normal Canon Law is not in effect, except where it's a reflection of Divine Law of course, when the good of souls is at stake.  But from the perspective of an individual's conscience, if a person believes that the Conciliar Church is the Catholic Church and the Conciliar hierarchy is the hierarchy, if you have access to a priest who has jurisdiction (i.e. an SSPX priest), you couldn't in good conscience go to a priest who lacks Bergoglian jurisdiction.

There's a distinction here between the objective and the subjective.  I personally believe that it's objectively true that the Church supplies to all these priests, but subjectively the person can't in good consciences go to the non-jurisdictional priest.

So, for instance, let's say, for the aske of argument that the NOM is valid.  But I have doubts about its validity.  Even though I'm wrong, because of my doubts I cannot receive Holy Communion consecrated at a NOM (except in danger of death when there's no alternative).  I've written aobout this scenario before.  I see a $100 bill on a table.  It's actually mine, but I had forgotten that it's mine and think it belongs to someone else.  If I take it, I commit the sin of theft, even though objectively speaking it's not theft.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 22, 2023, 10:58:19 AM
I re-read your OP.  I think the main issue is whether the person going to confession considers the Conciliar Church (and those who it gives "jurisdiction" to) is actually the Catholic Church.  I think if one does, then one would need to go to the SSPX priest.

I don’t know any resistance clergy or faithful who consider the conciliar church the Catholic Church.

That’s a +Fellay/neo-SSPX thing.

That aside, the notion that you must choose a priest with jurisdiction to hear confessions over one with supplied jurisdiction is unfounded.  

Jurisdiction is jurisdiction, howsoever the priest obtained it.

I do not suppose that when St. Athanasius was excommunicated, he ceased hearing confessions on the grounds that there was an orthodox priest only 10 miles away, saying, “You must go to him.  He still has jurisdiction, and therefore I can’t hear your confessions.”
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: trento on April 22, 2023, 12:44:55 PM
I don’t know any resistance clergy or faithful who consider the conciliar church the Catholic Church.

That’s a +Fellay/neo-SSPX thing.

That aside, the notion that you must choose a priest with jurisdiction to hear confessions over one with supplied jurisdiction is unfounded. 

Jurisdiction is jurisdiction, howsoever the priest obtained it.

I do not suppose that when St. Athanasius was excommunicated, he ceased hearing confessions on the grounds that there was an orthodox priest only 10 miles away, saying, “You must go to him.  He still has jurisdiction, and therefore I can’t hear your confessions.”

Not so actually.

The classic R&R position holds that Francis and the ordinaries of the dioceses in communion with him to be obeyed when they act within their authority for the Faith, but not when their commands go against the Faith.

Then we have Fr. Chazal and the sedeprivationists that insists post-Conciliar popes have no authority whatsoever due to their heresies.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: SeanJohnson on April 22, 2023, 01:05:42 PM
Not so actually.

The classic R&R position holds that Francis and the ordinaries of the dioceses in communion with him to be obeyed when they act within their authority for the Faith, but not when their commands go against the Faith.

Then we have Fr. Chazal and the sedeprivationists that insists post-Conciliar popes have no authority whatsoever due to their heresies.

Please specify which part of my post you are addressing.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Marulus Fidelis on April 22, 2023, 01:43:22 PM
I don’t know any resistance clergy or faithful who consider the conciliar church the Catholic Church.

That’s a +Fellay/neo-SSPX thing.

That aside, the notion that you must choose a priest with jurisdiction to hear confessions over one with supplied jurisdiction is unfounded. 

Jurisdiction is jurisdiction, howsoever the priest obtained it.

I do not suppose that when St. Athanasius was excommunicated, he ceased hearing confessions on the grounds that there was an orthodox priest only 10 miles away, saying, “You must go to him.  He still has jurisdiction, and therefore I can’t hear your confessions.”
St. Athanasius wasn't excommunicated by the Pope.
Title: Re: Validity of Confessions
Post by: Ladislaus on April 22, 2023, 05:48:01 PM
St. Athanasius wasn't excommunicated by the Pope.

That's debated.  It appears that he did sign a docuмent, under duress, but them rescinded it.  If it was done under duress, it would have been illegitimate of course.

But Sean's point is still legitimate.  Not only did they not stop hearing Confessions, but the Catholic bishops went around installing non-Arian bishops in sees that had been usurped by Arians.  "Jurisdiction" wasn't a particularly well-elaborated concept in those days anyway.  It was only later when "Auxuliary" or in the East "Chor" bishops started to become consecrated to help the primary Bishop with his duties that the distinction between a Bishop with jurisdiction and a Chor bishop without jurisdiction came to be clarified.