I don’t think anyone who is at all familiar with the SSPX and/or Abp. Lefebvre didn’t already know that he signed all the Vatican II documents.
The issue is what those documents actually mean, versus what they were later asserted to mean.
The SSPX is in imperfect communion with the Holy See, which is definitely a problem, and must be addressed as soon as possible. It should also be remembered that there are many parts of the “regular” Church in the cultural West (U.S., Europe, Australia, etc.) are at in at least as irregular a situation, when one considers what actually goes on at the average parish.
Part of the problem is that those who want something done about his/her parish becoming “Happy Catholic”...
1. Have no clue what is needed
2. Are instantly shut down by those in power
3. Do not know the difference between an abuse and an innovation.
Example, the “Hands Extended” (orans) position used by the laity is an abuse. In the GIRM it is directed to the Priest and Deacon ONLY. Never even to an Altar Server. For the laity to use this, is an abuse.
However, holding hands is an innovation. This prayer position is never addressed in the GIRM and therefore people use it. In the Cleveland Diocese, they encouraged a “modified orans” (looks like a ‘stickup up’ gesture, I kid you not) so as to discourage handholding. It’s still wrong.
Reasonably, any one would think that if it is not mentioned in the GIRM it is not allowed (laying prostrate is not mentioned either nor BBQing in the choir loft), because the GIRM doesn’t mention what one cannot do (a huge catagory) but rather what one should do.
Therefore innovation took off.
"Imperfect communion"?! Do you deny that the SSPX is in schism?
It should also be remembered that there are many parts of the regular Church in the cultural West (U.S., Europe, Australia, etc.) are at in at least as irregular a situation, when one considers what actually goes on at the average parish.
"At in at least as irregular". Although I agree there are terrible abuses in some parishes which need to be addressed, surely you aren't attempting to draw some false equivocation between liturgical abuses and the schism of consecrating four bishops in defiance of the Pope? Are you part of the SSPX?
Good post. I wonder how the Church will look back on the leferbristswhateverists in 500 years.
Freegards