Let's say there's a priest who no longer believes the doctrines of the Church, specifically regarding transubstantiation. He has no intention of consecrating the Eucharist because he doesn't believe it is possible, or real. Isn't that a "retraction" even if he doesn't formally announce it?
Now let's suppose, not that this could ever happen /sarcasm, this priest becomes an active agent for satan, wouldn't he be more effective as such if everyone in his parish etc. was unaware that he secretly retracted his intention?
If the priest never formally retracts his intention, then his celebration of sacraments is valid.
Thank you for posting that! You saved me a lot of verbiage, and made points similar to my own using some very good, concise language. Thanks!
Use a real live example of a heretical former priest ... maybe John Dominic Crossnan