FSSP launches Prayer for Benedict XVI: the FSSP left the SSPX for the Church

(Tridentine South (and Southern) Africa; c.f. FSSP France (Catholic; Religious Order; French) __/__/__; FSSP Englsih (Catholic; religious Order; English speaking)__/__/__; Zenit News Service: French Edition (American; Catholic; Independent) 13 / 02 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

According to Zenit News: French Edition: the FSSP is launching a prayer campaign for supporting the current pontiff: Pope Benedict XVI: who was born in Germany.

The FSSP (Fraternal Society of Saint Peter), has a history: they are a group created within the church: of those returning from the SSPX (FSSPX : Fraternal Society of Saint Pius X) suspended movement. They have lamented what they term to be attacks on the church via media: and have asked for the following:

The Priestly Society of Saint Peter: has requested that we start a Novena on today: the 14th February, until the Fest of the "Chair/See of Saint Peter", on the 22nd of February.

The Novena will consist of the following:

Novena for the Pope

An "Our father", three "Hail Mary"'s, a "Glory Be"

and this prayer:

(we have tried to translate the french prayer: suggest a better translation to us if you know one!:

"Pray for our Holy Father: Pope Benedict XVI.
May the Lord guard him, He gives life, make it (the pope?) happy on earth and do not offer him to the power of his enemies.

V. You are Peter. (quoting bible: Peter and rock are the same word: pope: referring to successor of Peter)
R. And on this rock I will build my Church.

God eternal and almighty, have mercy on your servant, our Pope Benedict XVI, and in your goodness, guide him into the path of eternal salvation, so that by the gift of your grace, it (he) looks as it (he?) pleases and the performance (in the performance?) of its (his?) power. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mater Ecclesiae, ora pro nobis
Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis"

Daily for that period!

For your comprehension

"Mater Ecclesiae, ora pro nobis" is Latin for:
"Mother Church: Pray for us"
"Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis": "Saint Peter, Pray for us"

A better translation that that is given by the English speaking section of FSSP:

"Novena for the Pope:
Pater Noster, 3 Ave Maria, Gloria Patri


Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory be.

V. Orémus pro Pontífice nostro Benedícto.
R. Dóminus consérvet eum, et vivíficet eum, et beátum fáciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in ánimam inimicórum eius.


V: Let us pray for our Pope Benedict.
R: May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

V. Tu es Petrus.
R. Et super hanc petram ædificábo Ecclésiam meam.


V. Thou art Peter,
R. And upon this Rock, I will build My Church.

Orémus.
Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, miserére fámulo tuo Pontífici nostro Benedícto : et dírige eum secúndum tuam cleméntiam in viam salútis ætérnæ : ut, te donánte, tibi plácita cúpiat, et tota virtúte perfíciat. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. R. Amen.


Let us Pray,
Almighty and everlasting God, have mercy upon your servant, Benedict, our Sovereign Pontiff, and guide him in your goodness on the way of eternal salvation; so that, with the prompting of your grace, he may desire what pleases you and accomplish it with all his strength. Through Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.

Mater Ecclésiæ, ora pro nobis.
Sancte Petre, ora pro nobis.


V. Mother of the Church. R. Pray for us
V. St. Peter. R. Pray for us

"

http://www.fssp.org/objet/com20090212.htm

pray either the Latin or the English.

mentioning this effort, is not an endorsement of it!

Response of Una Voce: To our article about their request for prayers, for an SSPX Priest

(Tridentine South Africa)

Introductory note by Marc Aupiais

Due to a request by Una Voce: our normal copyrighting does not apply to this press release: it may not be freely distributed, under our normal conditions, by those who normally could distribute it, or by those who can't.

We neither endorse, nor guarantee the content of what Una Voce has to say: their words are their own, not ours. Note: rely on this information at your own risk!

"Una Voce SA stands by its decision to post news of the murder of Fr. Eldred Leslie and to ask for prayers for the repose of his soul.

This is simply an act of Christian charity for a man who was by all accounts a good and holy priest and well loved by many in KZN.

Una Voce SA's policy is not to comment on other Catholic groups (traditionalist or otherwise) or their members or activities."

Una Voce South Africa: Laments SSPX death?

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Having contacts affiliated with the SSPX is useful, in that they often show up what others say, to sometimes have another possible element: by their own words. Una Voce South Africa, mysteriously decided to ask for no comments, after saying that a Priest had died: Fr. Eldred Leslie, who is noted as supporting pro-life and the "Traditional" (Tridentine form Latin) Mass.

While asking for prayers for the repose of his soul, Christopher Cordeiro: of Una Voce South Africa, does not note that the man he asks viewers to pray for: is in fact SSPX: a member of an organization which, while its leadership have had their automatic excommunication lifted; are still at odds with the papacy on many issues.

Una Voce, usually does not choose to respond on discussions about the SSPX, and their American site, has been sited as somewhat sympathetic to the irregular grouping. Christopher, does not seem to permit comments on the irregular grouping on his blog.

Tridentine South Africa, is not affiliated with the Una Voce, or the SSPX movements: rather: it is purely based on helping Catholics to obey the Papacy, in a manner: which is proper, and which best allows for their diversity, and views: without coming into the dangers of radical traditionalism.

As Una Voce South Africa: have explicitly asked that no comments be placed on their article about this death, we have not done so. We have asked, via Christopher's, or possibly Una Voce's email address ( unavocesa@gmail.com ) for his opinion, and hopefully, will be able to note his voice on this issue.

SSPX Bishops re-"communicated"

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

In a seemingly politically motivated move: Benedict XVI; has lifted automatic excommunications, incurred under canon law: by four SSPX bishops, who: on being consecrated, committed what was then termed and largely perceived to be: an act of schism. While the excommunications no longer carry weight: this probably is not a precident for reintroducing others who incur the excommunication: rather: it seems to be a pre-condition for begining dialogue for the complete reunification of the Society, and the Catholic Church. It does not seem that all issues have been resolved overnight. This may be a start, but many things are still vague and unclear.

It was not because of the excommunications alone: that Catholics have been discoraged from attending society masses, and whether or not the SSPX priests will now be allowed by the Vatican to perform mass ligitimately, or if their actions are still considered illigitimate, is not something we can comment on. This is not the end of the issue, but the beginning of it.

We have asked for ecclesiastical assistence in covering this issue, so as to give a fuller view: whether by direct statements being quoted, or by indirectly quoting sources: so as to give an inside perspective. We hope to gain such.

As for the mean-time: it is still important that the valid tridentine mass be pursued in the mainstream church, within diocesan structures. Many SSPX priests' sermons might still carry certain bias, as with parishioners there.

Doubt still hangs over the organization, and until talks are entered into, in a meaningful manner, and a comprehensive clarification, and negotiation take place: there will still be a cloud over the society. When comprehensive regulations for this situation come to be meted out: perhaps, a clear answer can be made.

Pursuing the unquestionably valid Summorum Pontificum instituted Tridentine (Latin) Mass, within normal church hierarchical structures, remains not ony the clear, and legally sure way to proceed, but also means enjoyment of something special, within, without risking accepting some controversial, if not radical views, and without taking a political stand.

Until the situation becomes less vague: the isolation of the "Society" in the mainstream will likely continue. Negotiations have not happened adequately yet; so as to actually physically and properly reincorperate the controversial Swiss based "Society "of" Pius X", in a proper, and civilized, complete manner: nor is it clear that this shall ever occur, nor if the society will ever manage to regain credibility, and fulfill a beneficial function in the mainstream of the church. So far, ecumenism with SSPX has been at great cost to Catholic-Judaic relations, and the controversial views of the organization, and a particular member of it: could cause further issues.

For now: the best thing to do: is stop, and wait.

It is very dangerous to see this in more than its ecumenical (political) light so far, and it is still advisable to avoid SSPX masses, for those in the mainstream: until such time as more information is given; and it is likely important to wait for negotiations, and meetings: before determining if any headway has been made between the Vatican, and their biggest "irregular" canonical apponent. Whether this is the Vatican calling an SSPX bluff, or if it is genuinely the offering of a palm leaf: it certainly is political. Benedict XVI, is famed for his "Ecumenical" abilities. Hopefully, it may someday yield the fruit of curing the chasm between SSPX and mainstream laity and pastors, and others.

The meaning and ramifications of this ecclesiastical move are unclear. Benedict XVI's representation, seems clear that this has nothing to do with SSPX views on the world. The SSPX bishops were excommunicated for being consecrated, not for their views. The lifting of such excommunication: therefore says nothing of the validity of their views.

It is a political (Ecumenical) move: it is still unclear what status the SSPX churches have in this situation: and whether or not this will mean the lifting of the censure on the SSPX priests: which bans them from "ligitimately" offering the mass.

SSPX Masses have been considered Valid (The priests are considered to truly perform the Eucharistic Sacrifice, in the sense normal priests do), but illegitimate (illegal), it is not immediately clear if warnings against attending their masses, will be lifted, now that the first real move to dialogue has been made.

The Ball is in the SSPX's court. We hopefully may follow this story further.

Latin mass in Port Elizabeth: a success: our contact

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article By Marc Aupiais

We apologize for the time it took to get this out, there were both physical, and other problems on both sides. We ourselves received this on the 19th of January, that's about two days ago; from our contact in Port Elizabeth (PE).

They say this of the Latin Mass, we were involved in new media promotion of:

"The Mass on New Years Day at Corpus Christi Church was well attended:

over 100 people in attendance, many of them parishioners of this church, others from further afield.

Mgr John Clark offered a beautiful Low Mass and the response from those in attendance was generally very favourable.

Photos were taken and I hope - even at this late stage, over 2 weeks later - to post these. Mgr Clark continues to offer this Mass every Friday at 5:30pm at St Vincent's Church (his parish). We are hoping to organise more frequent public Masses at other parishes in the near future, and you will be kept informed - more speedily than this time!"

(we have added lines in between, but not altered the text itself.)

The Mass in Question was held on January first.

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Province, South Africa: Tridentine (Latin) mass to be practiced officially in PE

(Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa; c.f. Una Voce South Africa (in no way affiliated with us) 18/DEC/2008;Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth Picture and location; Parish of Corpus Christi Webpage __/__/__)

Article by Marc Aupiais

There will be a Tridentine Rite Mass, performed officially in Port Elizabeth, in January: It is being done by "Monsignor John Clark", of St.Vincent's Parish. However, it will be performed at Corpus Christi Parish, in Humewood.

We have in fact confirmed with the Parish in Question: Corpus Christi Parish, La Roche Drive, Humewood : that there will be a mass, according to the tridentine rite of the mass: at 09:00AM on Thursday January 1st 2009. It will be performed by a priest visiting from another Parish in Port Elizabeth. Future dates at Corpus Christi Parish Humewood: have yet to be finally decided, but Mgr. Clarke will continue to do this Mass in his own parish of St. Vincent's, Algoa Park, Port Elizabeth.

The Parish email of the parish hosting this occurance's email address is corpuschristi1@telkomsa.net. We will attempt keep you informed on these events.

To confirm:, if you desire to come, from where you can invite friends: our facebook group : tridentine South Africa has created an event, to confirm or deny any desire to attend this:

PE Latin Mass: p.s. complictions as to subsequent ones will be explained!


All Information in this dispatch is purely based on information we have received, we do not guarantee accuracy, however: this event appears highly likely and ligitimate.

Cathedral of Christ the King,Central Johannesburg, South Africa: Latin Mass to continue at Cathedral

(Tridentine (South And Southern) Africa; c.f. Una Voce South Africa (Not Affiliated with us)07/12/2008; 10/12/2008)

c.f.
http://www.google.com/reader/shared/11659342930035021176

Article by Marc Aupiais

With a large success, and following, the Tridentine Mass efforts in Johannesburg by the Cathedral of Christ the King will continue as is, with a single Latin Mass on a Sunday, but with few exceptions: the same schedule is followed on other days.

With the exception of Thursday the 16th, and 25th of December, for the remainder of December, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Latin Mass Schedule will continue as is:

Tuesdays: 17: 30 (5:30 PM)
Thursdays 17:30 (5:30PM)
Saturdays at 07:30 (7:30 AM)

There will be one Sunday Latin Mass at the Archdiocese this December:

Sunday 21st December: 11:30 AM (Tea is said to be served afterwards)

There Will be a Sunday Latin Mass in January:

Sunday 4th January: 11:30 AM

Both will be "Low Masses"


On the 16th  of this Month, the 17:00 mass will not take place, it will instead change to a 10:00 AM on that same day: Tuesday 16th December: due to a public holiday!

The 17:00 mass on Thursday 25th is not to occur on Thursday, but will be on Friday 26th of December at 10:00AM instead.

Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa: Latin mass is wonderful: soft, and tribal, and elegant and poignant

(Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The horrid, ugly, rude : selfish actions of drivers, who continuously broke the law, not a traffic officer in site, made us arrive 50 minutes late. We took seats in the Cathedral, outside a small: overflowing chapel. Black and white stood, knelt, and sat on time; black and white replied in Latin. All desired to be there, it was like a soft, Irish Gaelic countryside event. It was soft, and God was attending with our help.

I noticed as hooting continued, and an ambulance moves, glided past, and a truck loudly hooted. Outside: twisting, ugly chaos: we were in a foreign sanctuary, a natural, earthy, universal, simple: elaborate lover's theater. We truly saw the sacrifice of Calvary. We sensed it softly: the obedience and love of God: our sacrificed unblemished lamb.

Truly, here, we felt privy to a secret, an uniting bond beyond all bonds!

Suddenly, our angers and frustrations went, they flew forth, our minds naturally clear: all secular worries were no longer there. We were at peace, we were privy to beauty, and secret: a small dusk bound village ritual of such dedicated love; charismatic fellowship and sharing.

I had never before attended a Latin mass: it has been illicit in Johannesburg for over 40 years, even my parents scarcely recall any of it.

Yet, I sat outside: listening in the Cathedral: the small chapel overflown with loving, considerate people, hardly hearing distinct foreign words; I sat and I marveled, and enjoyed, cherished greatness, as faint yellow and gray light filled my soul with healing peace. Here was truth, here was essence, here was mystery: my God was being crucified through time, beyond time: beyond me, as I sensed, or felt like I sensed all things pass. The ritual folded space and time, and retold history in soft spoken words of love. I had came late, and was a spectator, but witness to greatness, like one in cold snow, watching laughter around a fireplace. I loved the peace, and refused to listen to music afterward, when classical sounds turned to talking.

The peace was naught only from the Cathedral, a marvelous entity of God: the Latin mass was the source of the peace. I have never felt so soft a grace: I have never looked forward to anything but the Eucharist in mass, or perhaps the speaking with pretty, and beautiful Catholic girls and ladies afterward, or perhaps obedience or some things else: yet I look forward to Thursday, when again I can be part of a small: secret, hidden, special ritual: Sometimes not understanding: is wondrous: what a mystery, like roasting marshmallows in the bushvelt: like lying down, counting clouds and stars in the grand Drakensburg, on our backs: we experienced mystical miracles: in the sacraments and sacramentals and ritual and word. Let us all begin to attend the Valid Latin Mass, now we have it again: what a ritual: what a powered miracle: softly watching as God is killed for us!

My heart was combined, as it never is in normal mass: no foolish concerns: Christ occupied our minds and hearts, as all other worries, they came for moments, but past, and peace, in darkness: heavenly light remains. What cherished morsels, what delightful radiance of Christ.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa: Official church's Cathedral to host Latin Mass: Tridentine Mass comes to Johannesburg Archdiocese: JHB Central: Cathedral of Christ the King: first time in 40 years!

(Tridentine South (And Southern) Africa; c.f. Una Voce South Africa 27/11/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

A source I have been in contact with: Christopher Cordeiro, of Una Voce, has informed me of something which is verified with another source, which wont be mentioned for reasons of non-affiliation:

The Cathedral of Christ the king is to have the Valid (i.e. this is officially done by the church, with Vatican's blessing: Summorum Pontificum) Latin mass, starting December:

Christopher had previously via email informed me of Fr. Shawn van Lillienfeld, parish preist of the Cathedral, the priest I assume will be conducting the rite:

According to Christopher, it will occur at Cathedral of Christ the King: Corner of End Street and Saratoga Avenue, Berea, Johannesburg:

Tuesday 02/12/2008 17:30
Thursday 04/12/2008 17:30
Saturday 06/12/2008 07:30

If successful, this initiative will continue.

To not be lost in the ancient rite, download a copy of the missal:

Hard copy, to buy (has Latin, unsure if English):
http://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/1962+DAILY+MISSAL+BURGUNDY+LEATHER/cid=34/page_no=1/edp_no=16849/shop.axd/ProductDetails

The online copy linked to has english and latin: giving meaning and when to do what:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/LITURGY/TRIDMASS.TXT


While Una Voce has had problems in America, their South African site seems okay for now. These details fit also information gathered from reliable sources. Christopher also appears a reliable source, orthodox.

To contact the Cathedral,

P O Box 23686
Joubert Park

2044

Or

+27 11 402 6342

or see their information at:

http://www.catholic-johannesburg.org.za/dms/contacts/dms_contact-view?contact_id=2690

Tridentine South Africa- the mysterious impact of the harder path

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

When scaling a mountain- or simply walking on the streets- a relatively steep slope is easier to mount than a cliff-face, and once one has been walking on this- it slowly become the norm.

The opposite occurs when one is walking slowly along, and suddenly comes across impassable terrain. Here, the untrained wisely refrain, and the trained take joy in their training.

Now, the mass trains us through rituals in intuition- so as to gain the right path to God. When the meaning of the signs is altered, so as to have no basis- not only is this "Superstition", a mortal sin, but it also takes away from any effect of the Divine Liturgy. When we make mass easier for the sake of ease, we sow in shallow ground, and the seeds here quickly find root, but also quickly die. The parishioners who are treated too softly, by church and self- often wither to dust, when faced with the cliff-face of morality. Those who enter faith knowing the cost- see the cliff-face and continue as they had- slowly mounting the impossible. Jesus himself says that conversion is impossible- before adding that this is not impossible with God.

This is why we subscribe as Orthodox Roman Catholics- to the firm belief that softening the path beyond meaning is dangerous- because we lose grace- and then what is possible to God- truly is impossible.

An argument for the Latin Liturgy, is not complete without stating that Vatican II desired and stated this was to be the norm. What we argue for here- is not simply reintroducing a wider use of the Latin mass, but also that one not fear losing persons by not watering down the faith- rather- if we water it down- they only believe they are Catholic, but never truly take root. If we enforce every rule and regulation with utmost detailed power- at least we are building a foundation- even if our beliefs are rejected.

Now, as to the Latin- firstly, it is asked of the church in Vatican II that this be the norm, and secondly- it is not a sin of the laity- should the bishops in their area, or their pope forbid this practice. Quite simply- that sin rests squarely, and only on the competent authority. This is where one must realize the errors of those who reject the Ecclesiastical authority. The actual degree is as follows, as quoted from Vatican II:

"CONSTITUTION
ON THE SACRED LITURGY
SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM
SOLEMNLY PROMULGATED BY
HIS HOLINESS
POPE PAUL VI
ON DECEMBER 4, 1963"
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html


"36. 1. Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.

2. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended. This will apply in the first place to the readings and directives, and to some of the prayers and chants, according to the regulations on this matter to be laid down separately in subsequent chapters.

3. These norms being observed, it is for the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned in Art. 22, 2, to decide whether, and to what extent, the vernacular language is to be used; their decrees are to be approved, that is, confirmed, by the Apostolic See. And, whenever it seems to be called for, this authority is to consult with bishops of neighboring regions which have the same language.

4. Translations from the Latin text into the mother tongue intended for use in the liturgy must be approved by the competent territorial ecclesiastical authority mentioned above."
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html

Now, when the venacular is to be used- it is to be of benefit to the people- this is why the ecclesiam has allowed it largely- but where it has been caused as the only form- bishops have in fact condemned thousands to hades- in the leaving of these people from the flock, and also in many abuses, and problems with liturgy. In other words- the venacular is allowed by God where it creates fruit- but the manner in which it has been abused, and has been overused- has in fact done the opposite- it has encouraged laxity- taken away from some of the mystery- set us further apart from our Greek brothers, and further has caused a different balance in the mass, and therefore in the spirituality of Catholics- whereby vast majorities of faithful in many countries, especially in South Africa- actually fall under the excommunication, anathema, or condemnation of the church.

Now, when we allow a less defined liturgy- we allow less defined morality- and when we allow shallower public worship, we allow shallower spirituality.

When one takes effort to worship God as in the Tridentine rite- one realizes the purpose of the mass- and more than this of life- that we are worshiping and praying to God.