From the Mailbag --
Hello, Matthew,
In case people want to know more about me, below represents one part of an exchange with an SSPX priest in early January, and this was the last part, which was never answered. It is edited as I also wrote about other issues, but this may be helpful to those whom visit your site. Much of this, objectively, is nothing new, but some people do not otherwise know me so here it is. Post or do not post as you wish.
Dear Father,
You are right that I have been nearer to the mindset of the SSPX and its priests since my departure from the Novus Ordo. I love the Society and have always been drawn to its stance against not just the Novus Ordo but also Americanism and other anti-Catholic mindsets inherent in both the Novus Ordo and in many Traditional circles as well. However, since my move out of the Novus Ordo, in addition to any 62 Missale issues I already had, much has happened in the Society that has not pleased me. I think too much recognition was given to the merely MATERIAL advantages obtained for Tradition in 2007 and 2009, with the Motu Proprio and the “lifting” of the excommunications respectively. My understanding is that these two conditions laid down by the Archbishop for the beginning of any agreement with Rome were made specifically because he believed that when they were done by Rome, it would signify a move back to Tradition. Obviously, neither of the two items represented this and the then Pope Benedict clearly stated as much both times. But the Society represented to the world at the end of the 40th anniversary video in 2010 that the conditions had been met and I cannot believe for a second that the bishops and priests from the Society can actually believe that with a straight face, let alone the laity. It makes no sense, Father. Then, in 2012, there was the Doctrinal Preamble in June, and specifically number 7, which states that the new rites of the mass and sacraments were LEGITIMATELY promulgated by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II. Well, no they were not. Legally? That is debatable but I would say that the answer is yes. Legitimately? Absolutely not. It is true that Archbishop Lefebvre did say that the aforesaid rites were promulgated, without the word “legitimately” being included, in May of 1988, but that is it. His stance, which made the SSPX so necessary, was precisely the opposite. “Bastard Mass”, if I recall, were his exact words. The new mass is illegitimate as are the new sacraments, and that is all there is to it.
So, while I do love the Society, I also have some big issues right now with its current direction, based upon a bad foundation. More could be said but I think what I wrote above is enough. Does this make me a “Resistance”priest? No, although I do believe that their position is simply and substantially the old hardline SSPX stand, and I therefore do support them.
Oremus pro invicem,
Father Sretenovic
PS. As for my history, briefly, Ordained in 2002 for the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. Left late 2004, as alluded to in that recent thread, and joined Our Lady Help of Christians in early 2005, just before my 31st birthday. Was there until mid 2019 when I took a step back because of things I did not agree with there on a personal and pastoral level. While away, Monsignor Ruscitto died and I was asked to take over by some of his old parishioners, which I did officially on December 1st. It took me forever to do the conditional Ordination for a variety of reasons, but I always did want to do it, even though I do think that it will be proven that I was a priest all along. I believe that I did it at exactly the Providential moment. No regrets.
Topic: Mass to be offered in Denver area - Fr. Stretenovic (Read 2818 times)