November 23, 2011
BRUCE A. BRENNAN BLOG FROM THE WORLD AND MY MIND
The news as I see it and the views as I want them.
November 23 is … National Cashew Day
I mentioned yesterday that President Kennedy was granted special permission by the Catholic Church to eat meat on the Friday he was assassinated. The meatless Friday issue was addressed for the entire Church membership by the Second Vatican Council.
The Second Vatican Council was convened by Pope John XXIII. He died while the Council was still working on the update of the Churches traditions. The Council was in session from 1962 through 1965. The goal of updating the Church while improving membership has failed miserably.
If we compare the Catholic Church in general before the Second Vatican Council to the modern day church today, we can see MANY differences. Obviously these differences vary parish to parish and all may not apply to all parishes, though there is no doubt these changes are widespread:
Traditional Church | New Church (1969 and later) |
Full churches on Sundays and Holy Days | Near-empty churches on Sundays and Holy Days. |
Abundant religious vocations (priests and nuns) | Drastic drop in religious vocations |
Altar used | Altar replaced with a table |
Tabernacle kept on altar in center | Tabernacle removed or moved to the side |
Crucifix over the altar | Crucifix removed, and other pictures such as that of John Paul II are hung instead |
Communion rail | Communion rail removed |
Statues of Jesus, Mary, Angels & Saints | Most if not all statues removed |
Veneration of Saints | Little or no veneration of Saints |
Little variations in churches across parishes | Large variations across parishes |
Modesty regulations strictly adhered to | Modesty regulations lax or abolished |
Goal of the Church to convert others to Catholicism | Conversions no longer a goal – instead Ecumenism is preached |
Heresy strictly forbidden by the church | Heresy no longer discussed |
Staying in the state of grace and receiving the sacraments mandatory to save our souls | Sacraments optional. Little emphasis on the state of the soul, mortal sin, penance, judgment or hell |
Liturgy and sacraments consistent throughout the centuries | Liturgy changed and validity of the sacraments now questionable |
Tradition held sacred in every aspect | Modernism now replaces tradition |
Priests ordained with traditional rite | Priest validity of ordination questionable due to changes in ordination rituals |
The Changes to the Catholic Mass
If we compare traditional Catholic Mass (before the Second Vatican Council) to the modern “new mass” that exists in churches today, all of the differences below have also been witnessed. Again, these differences may vary parish to parish and all do not apply to all parishes, but nevertheless, these changes are undeniably.
WIDESPREAD:
Traditional Mass (followed since the earliest days of the Church) | New Mass (1969 and later) |
Mass was the solemn worship of God offered as a “sacrifice” for our sins | Mass now more of a memorial, instructional service or meeting |
Mass said in Latin for centuries | Mass inaccurately translated to English |
Rituals & prayers untouched since the early days of the Church | Rituals & prayers changed or removed despite prior Popes' disapproval |
Priest faces Our Lord in the Tabernacle | Priest has his back to tabernacle (if there is a tabernacle) |
Communion received on the tongue | Communion received in the hand |
Communion received kneeling | Communion received standing |
Communion distributed by priest only | Communion distributed by anyone |
Silence, reverence & devotion during Mass | Talking and little devoutness during Mass |
Sisters sing beautiful hymns at Mass | Modern, profane music at Mass |
Priest reverent and restrained during Mass | Priest very casual and frequently joking |
Frequent signs of the cross & genuflections by priest and laity | Far fewer signs of the cross & genuflections |
No variations in Mass across parishes | Large variations across parishes (ONE Church should have NO variation) |
High Mass with incense | No more high masses or use of incense |
Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament | Benediction completely changed or abolished |
Altar boys only | Altar girls |
Only clergy and altar boys in sanctuary | Anyone in the sanctuary |
Only Traditional missal used according to decrees of Council of Trent | Traditional missal discarded, contrary to decrees of Council of Trent |
Traditional Canon of the mass intact and is a true sacrifice with true transubstantiation | Words changed – true transubstantiation doubtful which likely makes the new mass no longer a true sacrifice. This change is the single most devastating change that resulted from Vatican II |
Notice that many of the changes to the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council resemble changes proposed by Luther in the 16th century, many of which are seen in Protestant churches today. During the Reformation, Luther's motive was to destroy the belief that the Catholic Mass is a true sacrifice and to also push ecumenism (i.e. one religion is as good as another).
How can this “new mass” and new doctrine, forbidden by prior Popes and forbidden throughout the history of the Church be true and pleasing to God?
Looking at the changes to the Catholic Church and Mass above, it is not surprising that there has been a drastic drop in religious vocations and people practicing their faith today. Clearly many characteristics in today’s Catholic Church have similarities to Protestant churches. Since there were Protestant ministers involved with the “renewing” of the Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council, is this not a surprise? If you were born after 1969 and have only attended the “new mass” in English and have always thought it was the norm, you have now been shown it is NOT the norm.
KEEP IN MIND:
Truth doesn’t change. If the traditional mass was right before Vatican II, then it is right now. If the new mass was wrong before Vatican II, then it is also wrong now.
”Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.” Thessalonians 2:2
Looking at the changes to the Catholic Church and Mass above, it is not surprising that there has been a drastic drop in religious vocations and people practicing their faith today. Clearly many characteristics in today’s Catholic Church have similarities to Protestant churches. Since there were Protestant ministers involved with the “renewing” of the Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council, is this not a surprise? If you were born after 1969 and have only attended the “new mass” in English and have always thought it was the norm, you have now been shown it is NOT the norm.
KEEP IN MIND:
Truth doesn’t change. If the traditional mass was right before Vatican II, then it is right now. If the new mass was wrong before Vatican II, then it is also wrong now.
”Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.” Thessalonians 2:2
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. By their fruits you shall know them. (Matthew 7:15-16)
Just a couple of thoughts I had and you should too or at least think about.
BRUCE A. BRENNAN
DEKALB, IL 60115
COPYRIGHT 2011
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www.barnesandnoble.com (do a quick search, Title, my name)
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Book Titles:
Holmes the Ripper
A Revengeful Mix of Short Fiction
Public EneMe?
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