Murmurs, lies, holocaust reduction check: but is a recent newsletter by SSPX Williamson, a hint that reunification with Rome is on the horizon for the infamous fraternity

(SACNS Europe; Tridentine South Africa)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

For our source quotes, analysis, and additional information, please see:

SACNS Quote Analysis:

Murmurs of a separatist - SSPX Bishop alleges that Rome will accept their schism back

A recent newsletter sent out by Bishop Richard Williamson, of the SSPX, has raised eyebrows, suggesting that he may be reacting to a possible coming reunification with Rome.

Some context

The SSPX is a group which broke off from the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church through the consecration of four bishops, not authorized by the Holy See, including Williamson, by the late Archbishop Lefebvre, as the leaders of their Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX/SSPX) in 1988. The consecration saw Lefebvre, and his four bishops excommunicated. The SSPX believes that the Second Vatican Council, was not infallible in moral and doctrinal matters. It opposed the translation of the Catholic Latin Rite Mass into colloquial languages. According to the Vatican, all priests in the said priestly organisation, are in schism.

Recently, as part of negotiations with the fraternity, the Vatican official applicable, lifted the excommunications automatically incurred by the four leaders of what the Vatican sees as the SSPX schism. Just before this, an interview by a television station, conducted with Williamson was aired, in which he portrayed the Holocaust against Jews in World War II by the National Socialists of Germany, as much less than that believed to have occured by mainstream historians, and war records. In his view, the holocaust was only a minor event.

The bad publicity received by Rome, due to his interview, being released, caused an international storm, which Benedict XVI, was himself hit by, through choosing to take the full blame for the actions of the bishop, who lifted the excommunications, of the said SSPX four, as part of negotiations.

Traditionalist Catholic, and Latin Mass special interests coverage service, Rorate Caeli, has now released a copy of Williamson's recent newsletter, which besides its negative portrayal of the Vatican, suggests that seemingly because Benedict XVI will likely die soon, as the schismatic against Rome suggests, most popes do: that the Pope will pass over many doctrinal differences, and on condition the SSPX accept the Catechism of the Catholic Church, allow the group's members back into the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic church. Williamson, like many SSPX members, believes that Vatican II, considered infallible on morals and doctrine by the mainstream Catholic Church and hierarchy, has no legitimacy, and is heresy.

The logic of the SSPX bishop is highly flawed, but given the fact his holocaust denial interview was aired just before the excommunications were lifted by the bishop in charge of negotiating with the SSPX (contrary to media reports, Benedict XVI is not the negotiator, it is a bishop assigned the task), it may be possible that the SSPX bishop, is attempting to stifle an agreement his fellow bishops have made with Rome.

Latin Mass Schedules in November, December- quotation is not an endorsement

(Tridentine South Africa)

Note by Marc Aupiais

We have not noted an update from Una Voce South Africa, since their decision to endorse a schismatic, and subsequent failed attempt to send a message to our subscribers without our permission, in order to confront our service. We did, however, allow the group to give their response, as we also allowed the SSPX locally to.

Here is the schedule of masses, noted by the grouping in PE and Johannesburg. As our organization played a large role in publicising the Johannesburg Mass, we can confirm that it is in fact licit. The PE mass, we are somewhat sure, though not entirely confident: is licit, as we spent several hours researching a mass held by what seemed to be the same priest (who had been Mgr John Clark), but not seemingly at the parish then mentioned; via email and phone, with local authorities, when we were still co-operating with Una Voce, in the interest of the public:

We certainly do not endorse Una Voce South Africa, due to their glorification of schismatic actions, what will follow is a small quotation from their main and only website, a quotation made by us of them: for the public interest. We have not verified their claims:

This quotation is via "fair use":

"Port Elizabeth
Location: St Vincent's Church, Dennehout Street, Algoa Park.

Fridays at 5:30pm.

Johannesburg
Location: Christ the King Cathedral, cnr Saratoga Ave and End Street.

Sundays:
29th November 2009 11:30am
6th December 2009 11:30am

Weekdays & Saturday:
Tuesdays, Thursdays 17:30pm
Saturdays, 7:30am

Exceptions/Additional Masses
21st December Monday 17:30pm"

(Una Voce South Africa (Used its influence in the past to glorify a schismatic priest; "Catholic"; "Independent"; South African; not endorsed by our service) 18 / November / 2009: site address http://unavocesa.blogspot.com/)

Tridentine SA: LETTER ON REMISSION OF EXCOMMUNICATION LEFEBVRE BISHOPS

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As Predicted, by Rorate Caeli, the Papacy has announced Benedict XVI's intentions, and feelings on the Williamson issue.

Here is the release:

LETTER ON REMISSION OF EXCOMMUNICATION LEFEBVRE BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the remission of the excommunication of the four bishops consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre.

  

The Letter is dated 10 March and has been published in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese. The complete text of the English-language version is given below:

  

"Dear brothers in the episcopal ministry.

 VATICAN CITY, 12 MAR 2009 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the bishops of the Catholic Church concerning the remission of the excommunication of the four bishops consecrated by Archbishop Lefebvre.

The Letter is dated 10 March and has been published in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese. The complete text of the English-language version is given below:

"Dear brothers in the episcopal ministry.

"The remission of the excommunication of the four Bishops consecrated in 1988 by Archbishop Lefebvre without a mandate of the Holy See has for many reasons caused, both within and beyond the Catholic Church, a discussion more heated than any we have seen for a long time. Many bishops felt perplexed by an event which came about unexpectedly and was difficult to view positively in the light of the issues and tasks facing the Church today. Even though many bishops and members of the faithful were disposed in principle to take a positive view of the Pope's concern for reconciliation, the question remained whether such a gesture was fitting in view of the genuinely urgent demands of the life of faith in our time. Some groups, on the other hand, openly accused the Pope of wanting to turn back the clock to before the Council: as a result, an avalanche of protests was unleashed, whose bitterness laid bare wounds deeper than those of the present moment. I therefore feel obliged to offer you, dear brothers, a word of clarification, which ought to help you understand the concerns which led me and the competent offices of the Holy See to take this step. In this way I hope to contribute to peace in the Church.

"An unforeseen mishap for me was the fact that the Williamson case came on top of the remission of the excommunication. The discreet gesture of mercy towards four bishops ordained validly but not legitimately suddenly appeared as something completely different: as the repudiation of reconciliation between Christians and Jews, and thus as the reversal of what the Council had laid down in this regard to guide the Church's path. A gesture of reconciliation with an ecclesial group engaged in a process of separation thus turned into its very antithesis: an apparent step backwards with regard to all the steps of reconciliation between Christians and Jews taken since the Council - steps which my own work as a theologian had sought from the beginning to take part in and support. That this overlapping of two opposed processes took place and momentarily upset peace between Christians and Jews, as well as peace within the Church, is something which I can only deeply deplore. I have been told that consulting the information available on the internet would have made it possible to perceive the problem early on. I have learned the lesson that in the future in the Holy See we will have to pay greater attention to that source of news. I was saddened by the fact that even Catholics who, after all, might have had a better knowledge of the situation, thought they had to attack me with open hostility. Precisely for this reason I thank all the more our Jewish friends, who quickly helped to clear up the misunderstanding and to restore the atmosphere of friendship and trust which - as in the days of Pope John Paul II - has also existed throughout my pontificate and, thank God, continues to exist.

"Another mistake, which I deeply regret, is the fact that the extent and limits of the provision of 21 January 2009 were not clearly and adequately explained at the moment of its publication. The excommunication affects individuals, not institutions. An episcopal ordination lacking a pontifical mandate raises the danger of a schism, since it jeopardises the unity of the College of Bishops with the Pope. Consequently the Church must react by employing her most severe punishment - excommunication - with the aim of calling those thus punished to repent and to return to unity. Twenty years after the ordinations, this goal has sadly not yet been attained. The remission of the excommunication has the same aim as that of the punishment: namely, to invite the four bishops once more to return. This gesture was possible once the interested parties had expressed their recognition in principle of the Pope and his authority as Pastor, albeit with some reservations in the area of obedience to his doctrinal authority and to the authority of the Council. Here I return to the distinction between individuals and institutions. The remission of the excommunication was a measure taken in the field of ecclesiastical discipline: the individuals were freed from the burden of conscience constituted by the most serious of ecclesiastical penalties. This disciplinary level needs to be distinguished from the doctrinal level. The fact that the Society of Saint Pius X does not possess a canonical status in the Church is not, in the end, based on disciplinary but on doctrinal reasons. As long as the society does not have a canonical status in the Church, its ministers do not exercise legitimate ministries in the Church. There needs to be a distinction, then, between the disciplinary level, which deals with individuals as such, and the doctrinal level, at which ministry and institution are involved. In order to make this clear once again: until the doctrinal questions are clarified, the society has no canonical status in the Church, and its ministers - even though they have been freed of the ecclesiastical penalty - do not legitimately exercise any ministry in the Church.

"In light of this situation, it is my intention henceforth to join the Pontifical Commission 'Ecclesia Dei' - the body which has been competent since 1988 for those communities and persons who, coming from the Society of Saint Pius X or from similar groups, wish to return to full communion with the Pope - to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This will make it clear that the problems now to be addressed are essentially doctrinal in nature and concern primarily the acceptance of the Vatican Council II and the post-conciliar Magisterium of the Popes. The collegial bodies with which the congregation studies questions which arise (especially the ordinary Wednesday meeting of cardinals and the annual or biennial plenary session) ensure the involvement of the prefects of the different Roman congregations and representatives from the world's bishops in the process of decision-making. The Church's teaching authority cannot be frozen in the year 1962 - this must be quite clear to the Society. But some of those who put themselves forward as great defenders of the Council also need to be reminded that Vatican II embraces the entire doctrinal history of the Church. Anyone who wishes to be obedient to the Council has to accept the faith professed over the centuries, and cannot sever the roots from which the tree draws its life.

"I hope, dear brothers, that this serves to clarify the positive significance and also the limits of the provision of 21 January 2009. But the question still remains: Was this measure needed? Was it really a priority? Aren't other things perhaps more important? Of course there are more important and urgent matters. I believe that I set forth clearly the priorities of my pontificate in the addresses which I gave at its beginning. Everything that I said then continues unchanged as my plan of action. The first priority for the Successor of Peter was laid down by the Lord in the Upper Room in the clearest of terms: 'You ... strengthen your brothers'. Peter himself formulated this priority anew in his first Letter: 'Always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you'. In our days, when in vast areas of the world the faith is in danger of dying out like a flame which no longer has fuel, the overriding priority is to make God present in this world and to show men and women the way to God. Not just any god, but the God Who spoke on Sinai; to that God Whose face we recognise in a love which presses 'to the end' - in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. The real problem at this moment of our history is that God is disappearing from the human horizon, and, with the dimming of the light which comes from God, humanity is losing its bearings, with increasingly evident destructive effects.

"Leading men and women to God, to the God Who speaks in the Bible: this is the supreme and fundamental priority of the Church and of the Successor of Peter at the present time. A logical consequence of this is that we must have at heart the unity of all believers. Their disunity, their disagreement among themselves, calls into question the credibility of their talk of God. Hence the effort to promote a common witness by Christians to their faith - ecumenism - is part of the supreme priority. Added to this is the need for all those who believe in God to join in seeking peace, to attempt to draw closer to one another, and to journey together, even with their differing images of God, towards the source of Light - this is inter-religious dialogue. Whoever proclaims that God is Love 'to the end' has to bear witness to love: in loving devotion to the suffering, in the rejection of hatred and enmity - this is the social dimension of the Christian faith, of which I spoke in the Encyclical 'Deus caritas est'.

"So if the arduous task of working for faith, hope and love in the world is presently (and, in various ways, always) the Church's real priority, then part of this is also made up of acts of reconciliation, small and not so small. That the quiet gesture of extending a hand gave rise to a huge uproar, and thus became exactly the opposite of a gesture of reconciliation, is a fact which we must accept. But I ask now: Was it, and is it, truly wrong in this case to meet half-way the brother who 'has something against you' and to seek reconciliation? Should not civil society also try to forestall forms of extremism and to incorporate their eventual adherents - to the extent possible - in the great currents shaping social life, and thus avoid their being segregated, with all its consequences? Can it be completely mistaken to work to break down obstinacy and narrowness, and to make space for what is positive and retrievable for the whole? I myself saw, in the years after 1988, how the return of communities which had been separated from Rome changed their interior attitudes; I saw how returning to the bigger and broader Church enabled them to move beyond one-sided positions and broke down rigidity so that positive energies could emerge for the whole. Can we be totally indifferent about a community which has 491 priests, 215 seminarians, 6 seminaries, 88 schools, 2 university-level institutes, 117 religious brothers, 164 religious sisters and thousands of lay faithful? Should we casually let them drift farther from the Church? I think for example of the 491 priests. We cannot know how mixed their motives may be. All the same, I do not think that they would have chosen the priesthood if, alongside various distorted and unhealthy elements, they did not have a love for Christ and a desire to proclaim Him and, with Him, the living God. Can we simply exclude them, as representatives of a radical fringe, from our pursuit of reconciliation and unity? What would then become of them?

"Certainly, for some time now, and once again on this specific occasion, we have heard from some representatives of that community many unpleasant things - arrogance and presumptuousness, an obsession with one-sided positions, etc. Yet to tell the truth, I must add that I have also received a number of touching testimonials of gratitude which clearly showed an openness of heart. But should not the great Church also allow herself to be generous in the knowledge of her great breadth, in the knowledge of the promise made to her? Should not we, as good educators, also be capable of overlooking various faults and making every effort to open up broader vistas? And should we not admit that some unpleasant things have also emerged in Church circles? At times one gets the impression that our society needs to have at least one group to which no tolerance may be shown; which one can easily attack and hate. And should someone dare to approach them - in this case the Pope - he too loses any right to tolerance; he too can be treated hatefully, without misgiving or restraint.

"Dear Brothers, during the days when I first had the idea of writing this letter, by chance, during a visit to the Roman Seminary, I had to interpret and comment on Galatians 5:13-15. I was surprised at the directness with which that passage speaks to us about the present moment: 'Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another'. I am always tempted to see these words as another of the rhetorical excesses which we occasionally find in St. Paul. To some extent that may also be the case. But sad to say, this 'biting and devouring' also exists in the Church today, as expression of a poorly understood freedom. Should we be surprised that we too are no better than the Galatians? That at the very least we are threatened by the same temptations? That we must always learn anew the proper use of freedom? And that we must always learn anew the supreme priority, which is love? The day I spoke about this at the Major Seminary, the feast of Our Lady of Trust was being celebrated in Rome. And so it is: Mary teaches us trust. She leads us to her Son, in Whom all of us can put our trust. He will be our guide - even in turbulent times. And so I would like to offer heartfelt thanks to all the many bishops who have lately offered me touching tokens of trust and affection, and above all assured me of their prayers. My thanks also go to all the faithful who in these days have given me testimony of their constant fidelity to the Successor of St. Peter. May the Lord protect all of us and guide our steps along the way of peace. This is the prayer that rises up instinctively from my heart at the beginning of this Lent, a liturgical season particularly suited to interior purification, one which invites all of us to look with renewed hope to the light which awaits us at Easter

"With a special Apostolic Blessing, I remain Yours in the Lord".

BXVI-LETTER/EXCOMMUNICATION BISHOPS/... VIS 090312 (2540)

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!

Latin mass Schedule in Johannesburg for the Coming Months

(Tridentine South Africa )

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Following are details given to Scripturelink News , by a helpful, and efficient source at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Archdiocese of Johannesburg ,  Johannesburg:

Note from us, the following is a quotation, the information of external sources is not guaranteed, but usually accurate, nor is such an endorsement. The Cathedral has been successfully performing the latin Mass, under the guidance of the Hierarchy.

Release to us:

"Latin Mass at the Cathedral.

 

Pope Benedict XVI promulgated the Motu Proprio 'Summorum Pontificum" which made it clear that the traditional Latin Mass TLM had never been abrogated and could be celebrated.  On 2 December 2008 at the Cathedral of Crist the King, Fr Shaun Mary von Lillenfeld, Cathedral Administrator, celebrated the ancient Roman liturgy for the first time in South Africa.

The use of the Latin-English missallettes makes it possible for the faithful to prayerfully follow the age-old prayers and rubric and the congregation make the LAtin responses.  To date, Johannesburg Cathedral is the only Cathedral in South Africa where the TLM has been celebrated under the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum.

For those interested in attending, the TLM is celebrated three times a week.  On Tuesday and Thursday at 17h30 and on Saturdays at o7h30.  On the first and fifth Sundays of each month Mass is celebrated at 11h30.  Further information can be obtained at the Cathedral on 011 402 6342. 

However in the month of March the MTLM will be celebrated on the third and fith Sundays of the month at 11h30.

 

Hoping this is useful to you.

 

Kindest regards in Jesus name"

With Thanks to our source, from the Cathedral's Staff, for this valuable information, and all the help and effort gone to; this is the Schedule in coming months: so far.

This is the information they gave us.

Marc Aupiais
Editor
http://tridentinesa.blogspot.com

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.

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.

Tridentine South Africa: Latin Mass: Schedule so far for January

(Tridentine South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Johannesburg:

Cathedral of Christ the King:

___________________________________________________

With the Exception of January 1st: when there is not a Tridentine mass; on that Thursday:

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

Will continue as has been. On Sunday the 4th, expect a sung Latin Mass, at 11:30... It may be normal, but may be sung.
___________________________________________________


PE:

Corpus Christi Parish: Humewood:
___________________________________________________
1st January 2009: 09:00 AM
___________________________________________________

Cathedral of Christ the King: JHB: Changes and Exception to Tidentine Schedule: No mass Jan first 2009 in Latin form

(Tridentine South Africa; c.f. Una Voce SA 26/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

There will be no Tridentine mass on Jan 1st 2009, at the Cathedral.

This previous Saturday: the Mass time was changed to 10:00: those in our facebook groups were informed. We apologize for the time it took, we thought the details may have already been there!

The Sunday Mass on 4 January, will likely be sung.

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.

Tridentine South Africa; Una Voce South Africa (Non-Affiliated): Archdiocese of JHB Cathedral: Sunday Mass Possibility and Appeal

(Tridintine South (And Southern) Africa; c.f. Una Voce SA (non-affiliated with us) 17/12/2008)

Article By Marc Aupiais

Una Voce SA, whom I am in talks with, in the matter of the Johannesburg Archdiocese' Latin mass attempts: have said that the Cathedral of Christ the King is Prepared to set up the Latin Mass Further on Sundays: at 17:30, with the first Sunday at 11:30 AM. They need to be assured success. The place to say you can come is https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=9079266113473356336&postID=1579397646614851751&page=1.

This is in line with what a Vatican Source is quoted by mainstream Catholic News as his desire for the Latin Mass to compliment the Ordinary Rite, and be availible universally.

"Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos (bio - news), the president of the Ecclesia Dei Commission, told a June 14 press conference in London that the traditional Latin Mass should be reintroduced throughout the Catholic world. Asked whether the old liturgy would eventually be used in many parishes, the Colombian prelate replied: "Not many parishes; all parishes." "

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=59106

June 16 2008: Catholic World News: The First Catholic News Service which is said to have gone online.


Letter to the Bishops that accompanies the Motu Proprio Summorum ...
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20070707_lettera-vescovi_en.html

CNS STORY: Pope would like Tridentine Mass in each parish, Vatican ...
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0803186.htm

Catholic Culture : Catholic World News Feature Stories : Latin ...
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=59106

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

Catholic Women's league- encourages parishioners to thank priests on Sunday dedicated to priests- our disapproval of how this was and likely will be done in the given context!

(Tridentine South and Southern Africa; Catholic Connection 22/07/08; 23/06/01)

Article by Marc Aupiais

I went to the early mass today- the Saturday night one, and what should be happening in parishes across the country tomorrow- happened tonight. A speaker from the Catholic Women's League spoke, thanking the priest, from the women's league, and the congregation for his work. This far it is good, she then encouraged the congregation to show this, this point it is no longer so compliant with Catholic Traditions of Eucharistic respect.

It is perhaps an unwritten law, which is serious enough- that should this have been done during the mass, we could apply Benedict XVIs words to it, and say that the essence of the mass is lost. Quite simply, even if it was in the announcements, as many of these will be- it remains in the presence of the Eucharist, and is before the priest leaves, and before the final prayers are said, as likely will be with many parishes tomorrow.

In fact, some ancient groups within the church found it so serious to do similar things, that we have centuries old canons recorded in these areas, utmost forbidding clapping in worship.

Now, what purpose does the Catholic Women's League (CWL) have in this- perhaps political- the advancement of the league in public eye, and in the eyes of priests, perhaps genuine aims at appreciating priests, or perhaps knowing aims at "reforming" the church. The league does not give us much to go by as to judging if they are orthodox or spurious. Organizations without clear pledges of loyalty to Orthodox teachings and practice are often ones to watch- for anything spurious. Participation by leading figures in Canada's Catholic Women's League in a pro-abortion march recently is only further proof of this. Unfortunately, in South Africa- it is unlikely that these practices will be stopped, even as 9 out of ten catholics in my own archdiocese, do not attend mass, we still are not returning to the Orthodox practices of before, instead- many choose something almost protestant, or African Traditionalist in nature to worship to. The Pope himself recently stated that the church is not ours but God's. We are to worship God at church, not continue human traditions, or further human politics within a purely human organization. The danger of seeing the church purely as a body of people, is that it is not a human body, but a divine manifestation, which we will be punished if we misrepresent.

At Trinity church at Wits, the other day when I attended, there was use of bongo drums in worship. The use of modern drums may well be justified, in that the sounds made by these are far from those of early drums, and the effect on the audience of the early drums are prevented- in that these simply compliment music, and do not induce any real form of trance, or dance feelings, or the darker group emotions- if used in a respectful manner. It is noted in old testament regulations, that Israel was not to use drums in their worship, the reason was the effect these had on the people worshiping. Perhaps one day we will regain respect for the ancient ways in which Catholics have worshiped for thousands of years.

It is when Catholics have returned to Orthodoxy in that past, that the church has been revived, attempting to water down the faith will only hurt it more.

What should the Women's league have done- they should have asked people to stand in agreement, or perhaps take something a bit more protestant in agreement, and say "amen"- it is. The simple fact is, we are to love God firstly, with heart mind and soul, and that means respect also, and secondly our neighbor. No man should ever be clapped for in a church, even as sometimes, such as at priestly ordinations, clapping may be permitted, but this clapping must be for God, and his working, and not for the priests.

Please also read the works of Saint Thomas Aquinas's Summa theologica on "Superstition". Aquinas is one of only a few saints to be called a Doctor of the church, in Catholic Belief, his words carry more prominence than popes, and are often quoted by important figures... unless the pope speaks excathedra, in which case it is God we respect, and the pope's words, as regards morals and doctrine are to be taken as true.

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.