A Catechetical Refutation

A Catechetical Refutation

Regarding Certain Objections Made to Bishop Williamson’s Comments on the Novus Ordo Missae (the New Mass)

Sean Johnson

In no way is this treatise a defense of the New Mass, which the author continuously refers to as evil – In the same Q&A exchange from which Bishop Williamson is falsely accused of promoting the New Mass (which would be in violation of the SSPX’s Pledge of Fidelity), he has actually condemned it no fewer than 12 times! – Ignorance as an exceptional cause for attendance at the New Mass applies only to Conciliar Catholics, not Traditionalists – Archbishop Lefebvre fully vindicates and corroborates the prudent, charitable approach of Bishop Williamson – A key part of the debate is in distinguishing between the objective principle and the subjective application, the former asserting that nobody should attend the New Mass and the latter allowing for certain exceptions (extreme spiritual necessity, ignorance, etc.) – These distinctions are found in the Catholic science of “casuistry” – While the New Rite is intrinsically evil, it does not necessarily follow that those who attend are automatically committing an intrinsically evil act – On Eucharistic miracles in the Novus Ordo, it’s not only possible but a miracle is present in every validly performed Novus Ordo consecration (few as they may be) – Bishop Williamson’s adversaries attack his character rather than answer his arguments (because his arguments are beyond reproof, as this study clearly shows). 

That’s only a brief look at what this theological Refutation covers.  The author proves his case (the Church’s case) with references from such impeccable sources as the Council of Trent, St. Thomas Aquinas, the Summa Theologica, the Catholic Encyclopedia, and approved works of Catholic Theology.  He quotes Archbishop Lefebvre, Fr. Peter Scott, the Dominicans of Avrille, Fr. Francois Chazal and other learned men to further substantiate the Catholic position on the topic at hand.

Author Sean Johnson is to be commended for an excellent and irrefutable defense of Church teaching on a subject that has many Resistance Catholics confused, arriving at false conclusions, turning against Bishop Williamson and carelessly following shepherds that are leading them astray. It behooves all concerned to read, study and disseminate this important work, written by an articulate and zealous defender of the Faith.