The SSPX (is a Cult?) (From EWTN Q&A)

EWTN Catholic Q&A ^ | 7/11/2003 | "Anne"

[Pyro7480]

SSPX
Question from Anne on 07-10-2003:

Dear Fr. Levis,

Thanks so much for the work you do on this forum. I love reading Catholic Q&A, and you are my favorite expert.

I’ve read quite a few postings on the SSPX lately, some of them regarding the possibility of their joining full communion with the Church. Some people have seemed interested in joining because they're fed up with abuses some priests and bishops do in the Novus Ordo. I belonged to an independent church, then the SSPX for 19 years, and through the grace of God am back in communion with Rome. The SSPX does not believe the Novus Ordo mass is valid. My brother still belongs to the SSPX and was ordered by his priest to decline the invitation to be a groomsman in our wedding because of the “invalidity” of the mass. They are a cult, with the Archbishop Fellay holding the same power as the Pope in the eyes of their followers, though they will adamantly deny both of these facts. In many ways the SSPX holds a “Cafeteria Catholic” view, in that they pick and choose which teachings of the Pope fit their agenda. They claim they are only keeping tradition alive, and will merge back with the Church once the Pope “comes to his senses”, nullifies the Novus Ordo and reinstitutes the Latin Mass. This is simply not true even if this were ever to happen, because the bishops do not want to lose the power they hold over their flock, and although they claim they are only keeping the Latin Mass alive, they have made many new laws of their own. An example: My brother was not allowed to propose to his fiancé until he had his engagement blessed because his priest told him to break off an engagement is a mortal sin. Many priests in the SSPX also teach that Natural Family Planning is sinful because they claim it leads to contraception. They keep a tight grasp on their people, and as is typical of many cults, attempt to control almost every aspect of their lives. So many people suffer from scruples due to the over-pious fanaticism taught. The SSPX can be very appealing to those who love the Tridentine Mass, but they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many dioceses offer Indult Masses (which the SSPX claim is “a step down” because the priest saying the mass “compromises”). So if you love the Tridentine Mass, find an indult mass, but stay FAR FAR away from the SSPX!

Thanks and God Bless

Anne

Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 07-11-2003:

Dear Anne, A wonderful story of your journey to a healthy Catholic life in a hectic time! Yes, what you say of the SSPX is true. Unfortunately as it grows older, more and more heresies will find their way in and the poor people will be led astray. Yes, keep them all in your good prayers. God bless you. Fr Bob Levis

[Wrigley]

Was it imprudent he got caught on film, or that he kissed that book?

[Snuffington]

I like the Latin Mass but our bishop will not allow it...

You realize that if your bishop doesn't allow it he is in disobedience to the pope? Isn't that the same thing you're concerned about with the SSPX?

(I'm only being slightly hyperbolic here. This is a real concern.)

[Saint Athanasius]

I believe the reason why is because it doesn't stop just there...

it just snow balls... till we admit that he is the Anti-Christ.

[Alex Murphy]

You ain't seen a lynching on my part.

Apparently not yet, anyway :)

[drstevej]

***it just snow balls... ***

true.

[drstevej]

***Was it imprudent he got caught on film, or that he kissed that book? ***

Both.

[Polycarp]

Was it a sin???

Until you and I receive the 8th gift of the Holy Spirit (reading mens' souls) I guess any conjecture on its sinfulness is...well...judgemental? Presumptuous? Folly? I don't know what to call it.

Until then, neither of us should hold our breath awaiting that gift, and neither of us knows why he did it, if it was even thought out beforehand, or simply an uncomfortable act performed in a moment of not knowing proper protocol to respect his hosts, or any reason whatsoever etc.

Frankly, I think internal and external enemies (who probably think they themselves have never committed any gaffes in their own lives) of Christ's Church have blown its significance way outta proportion simply to advance their own agenda.

[Polycarp]

I must admit, I am leading up the cause for Torquemada's sainthood ;-)

[drstevej]

Has the Pope not discussed this event and explained his motives? I am asking out of ignorance.

I agree that his motives are key for any who consider this more than imprudent.

I sure have done my share of dumb things. I usually admit them.

The first church where I was senior pastor and the first time I led communion I passed the cup and then the bread. It created quite a stir. Some thought I was refreshing and innovative, others questioned my orthodoxy. In reality it was simple absent mindedness. I didn't even realize it until after the service and it was called to my attention.

The next Sunday I shared the variety of comments I had heard and then acknowledged my flub. I reminded them that sometimes we draw conclusions that miss the mark entirely.

-drstevej

[traditionalist]

There is wisdom in the good priest's words, but he makes one factual error: the SSPX do in fact recognize that the Novus Ordo is valid.

[Pyro7480]

They do????

[Land of the Irish]

Yes, they do.

[rogator]

U.R.
Father Levis has made several mistakes in the facts of his responses from time to time. He is 80 something years old and he sometimes shoots from the hip like many other 80 something year olds. (Ask Mel Gibson about this.)
I agree that the question set him up. Where it really came from only God knows.
Like others have said, he has been a champion of the Traditional Mass under nearly constant persecution by vicious, decatholicizing, and unworhy bishops who collectivly are not 1/10 the man he is.
While not agreeing with his answer, I feel we should cut him some slack, ignore his obviously deficient answer, and focus our energy and prayers on the real enemy, Satan and the bishops and others, who wittingly and unwittingly are doing his bidding.

[ultima ratio]

I had never heard of him before. I judged only the response published here--and it was offensive. But I agree, if he's getting on, we should cut him some slack.

[ultima ratio]

We have a right to judge actions when they become patterns and promulgate error. These have been not only revolutionary, but offensive to the faith. I speak of Assisi I and II, of the Pope's apology to Islam, of his praying WITH animists in the Togo forest, of his permitting Aztec dancers and other heathen worshipers to take part in papal ceremonies, including Masses. The same people who supported his opposition to Archbishop Lefebvre think it's wonderful how he gets along with witchdoctors and voodoo priests.

[ultima ratio]

I had said they do earlier today. You apparently didn't believe me.

"The SSPX has never claimed the Novus Ordo was invalid--only that it is deficient and therefore dangerous to the faith. It is true that it argues many Novus Ordo Masses are made invalid because of notorious abuses, but this is a separate issue. Countless publications by SSPX would testify to what I say, and so does the fact that in its negotiations with Rome the issue of validity never comes up. What this writer claims is simply not true."

What part of this didn't you understand?

[american colleen]

And both are thoroughly infected with Feeneyites.

Funny you should mention the Fennyites. The other day I was reading some recommended links from here and found this caveat: "this page is good and informative, but the site it's on belongs to a group that is "irregular" and thus not recommended!" --- the page is from the St. Benedict Center in Still River, Ma. I thought they were the "original" Feenyites but have reconciled whatever differences they had with Rome and are now not "irregular." I find their site lovely and I get their "From the Rooftops" little magazine which is quite orthodox and seems fine to me.

Do you know anything about these guys? I'd like to write to the Mission Church and let them know that the Still River Benectines are not irregular anymore.

[Pyro7480]

I don't think I read that. I apologize.

[Pyro7480]

I think I've actually read that before. I must have forgotten. The way some of the discussions go, it seems like some on here don't think the NO is valid. This is how I ended up leaning towards the tradition Liturgy. I went to a Catholic chapel on my college campus, and there were a bunch of liturgical abuses, between the "freestyle" Pentitential Rite, no kneeling during the Eucharistic Prayer (which was actually an aesthetical issue, since they really packed people in the chapel), and the placing of the tabernacle in a completely separate room.

[ultima ratio]

And there are heretics in the Novus Ordo Church. Does that make the Church heretical? Give me a break. Sedevacantists have their own societies, they don't need the SSPX for support. But of course you WANT to believe the Society is seething with people who believe the Pope has abandoned the Chair of Peter, rather than with those who know he simply hasn't used it wisely. It helps demonize it in lieu of a rational argument.