Discord Among the Brethren II

Since writing the first article, more on this subject has come to light and I thought it worth a little further discussion. One thing that has come up is GMA News here in the Philippines is putting up a story about a parish priest here and his actions during the Misa de Gallo Mass on Christmas Eve. Here is a link to the video and you can see why it attracted attention both here and, of course, online. GMA News identified the priest as Fr. Falbert San Jose of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal in Biñan, Laguna Philippines. San Pablo Bishop Buenaventura Famadico has issued a statement apologizing for the event.

Naturally enough, the original video, posted by one of the folks of that Parish, was seized upon by an organization that calls themselves “NOVUS ORDO Insider” and promoted as indicative of all the evils of Vatican II. I’m sharing their link not to promote their cause (which I have absolutely no desire to do) but to show, by way of the comments section, the exact attitude that I delineated in the first article. Their caption on the video that they posted on their Facebook page states their position very clearly: “Say a Rosary for this priest and attend a Latin Mass”. I’m presuming that mean a LATIN Rosary.

Decently and in Order

Before beginning this discussion, I want to point out that I am no more in favor of “clown Masses” as the Novus Ordo Insider folks call them than I was in minsters of Evangelical Christian churches back in the 70’s and 80’s having a “throw a pie in the pastor’s face” day or any other such inappropriate bids for publicity and attention. Saint Paul admonishes the Corinthians in Chapter 14 that all things should be done decently and in order. In short, we are not to do things that detract from the solemnity of both the location and the Mass.

According to the Diocese’s statement, this incident occurred at the end of the Service before the final blessing that would have ended the “official” part of the Mass. Many parish priests take this time to address their parishioners in a more personal way. This was Father San Jose’s “gift” to the people of his Parish on Christmas Eve. The quality of his singing, pointed out rather cattily by several commenters on the Novus Ordo Insider page, is neither here nor there. He is a Pinoy singing in English with an accent. Since, however, it was done at the point that the Bishop says that it was it is indeed inappropriate and detracted from the solemnity of the Mass. The statement didn’t elaborate o rather it would have been proper after the final blessing.

Small but Vocal

In thinking about this subject since the first was published, and especially since this video came to light, a couple of thoughts have come to mind. First, let’s put this in a little perspective. In the article, I pointed out that within Evangelical Christianity there exists those who, for one reason or another, view themselves as “superior” Christians. I failed to mention one group and they are actually closer to “Latin Mass Only” folks than the others.

There is a small, but vocal, segment of Evangelical Christianity that believes that only the Textus Receptus and the translations done from it are truly the “Word of God”. The English language Bible is the King James 1623 and later translation. Because of that this segment, mostly found in Baptist churches, is called “KJV Only” and the churches that are of that persuasion make a point of putting that right in the banner head of an advertisement. They view any other translation… and those who use them… as “tools of the devil” bent on destroying Christianity.

Note the Similarities

Just like the “KJV Only” crowd, that is a small segment of Evangelical Christianity and not representative of the whole, the same is true of the “Latin Mass Only” crowd. Both groups, however, would wear that as a badge of honor since everyone but them is on the “broad road that leads to destruction” and only they have “entered at the strait gate” of Matthew 7:13-14. They alone are the faithful remnant. The Pope and the Magisterium of the Church from Vatican II on are wicked and corrupt, and only they have the true Catholicism. Not very much difference…except for one thing. The KJV Only, you’d expect to occur in an environment where private interpretation is the rule. But the “Latin Mass Only” is another story.

What Makes Us “Roman” Catholics?

In the comment section of the article on the Facebook page you’ll see a discussion I had with a Catholic priest who seems to be a supporter of the Latin Mass Only position. The question I asked him at one point is a key question that has to be asked of every supporter of the Latin Mass Only and reflects some of what I asked in the first article. If Rome, with the exception of a handful of Latin Only Cardinals, is to be disregarded, denigrated and viewed as “tools of the devil” at what point do we cease to be Roman Catholics? Furthermore, if such is the case, what is the difference between us and the Protestants (whose influence upon the Church they so fear). They too despise Rome and the Pope and rebel from following their leadership.

One final thought: The Filipino people are very demonstrative in their worship especially on special occasions such as Sinulog, which is the celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino de Cebu in January. If the sight of a priest on a Segway (it’s not a “hover board”) is offensive… and people were “offended” before any actual facts were known… then I recommend that you avoid the Mass that is celebrated for it. You’ll see a Bishop dancing with the Santo Nino image (which has historic significance) right up next to the altar.

And I’ll put the solemnity, faithfulness and devotion of the Filipino people and the impact of Catholicism in their lives up against any other peoples any day of the week. Believe me, many others will come up short.