Editorial de Nouvelles de Chrétienté - February 2002 - No. 72
Followed by the Declaration by the Priests of Campos concerning their recognition by the Holy See
CAMPOS
18th January 2002
A victory for the Mass of Saint Pius V
by Fr Paul Aulagnier, SSPX
An Historic Act
There are some acts that are historic.
The one that took place in the Cathedral of the diocese of Campos in Brazil on the 18th of January 2002, on that day which was traditionally dedicated to the Chair of St Peter - dates have their significance - is one of those acts. And eminently so!
That was the historic day of the juridical recognition by the Church of the "priests of Tradition" of the diocese of Campos.
"Having considered everything and keeping before our eyes the glory of God, the good of Holy Church and that supreme law which is the salvation of souls (cf. Can. 1752 CIC), and being sincerely agreeable to accede to your request for admission into full communion with the Catholic Church, we acknowledge that you belong to it canonically."
That was the day when the Church established, at diocesan level, in the diocese of Campos, Brazil, a "Personal Apostolic Administration" which goes by the name of "Saint John Marie Vianney".
"At the same time, we inform you, Venerable Brother, that a legislative document will be drawn up which will establish the juridical form of the confirmation of your ecclesiastical property and guarantee respect for the property which belongs to you.
By means of this document, the Union will be canonically raised to the status of a Personal Apostolic Administration which will be directly subject to the Apostolic See and will have its territory in the diocese of Campos. The question of jurisdiction exercised concurrently with that of the Ordinary of the place will be dealt with. Its government will be entrusted to you, Venerable Brother, and provision will be made for your succession." (Letter of J.P. II 25. 12. 2001)
That was the day of the public appointment of Mgr Licinio Rangel as the bishop in charge of this Administration without any obstacle or difficulty arising, even though had been consecrated by Mgr Tissier de Mallerais.
"In order to provide for the government of the Personal Apostolic Administration "Saint Jean Marie Vianney" ... the Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II ... designates and appoints as Apostolic Administrator His Excellency Monsignor Licinio Rangel ..." (Decree 18. 01. 2002)
That was the day of the public lifting of the censures or canonical penalties which were considered to have been incurred by these Brazilian priests during the past thirty years of religious crisis and friendship with the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X.
"In this context, the Holy Father, "with profound joy" and "in order to facilitate full communion", grants the lifting of all canonical censures where they have been incurred" (communiqué published in the Vatican, on the 18th of January 2002)
That was above all the day - and this is a point of particular importance - of the recognition by the Church of the right to the Latin, Gregorian and Roman Mass of All Time, restored in its purity - centuries ago - by Pope Saint Pius V, a Dominican Pope!
"The Apostolic Administration will receive ratification of the faculty (facultas) to celebrate the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours according to the liturgical discipline of the Roman rite and in conformity with the precepts of our Predecessor Saint Pius V, with the adaptations introduced by his successors up to the time of Blessed John XXIII." (Letter of J.P. II, 25. 12. 2001)
What an occasion! What a ground-breaking event! What a splendid assertion!
These are priests who, by the express will of the Sovereign Pontiff, henceforth possess the faculty - the power - the right to celebrate the ancient Mass, the Mass of All Time. And they are recognised by the Church, the Roman Church...Whereas yesterday they were excluded from it because of their fidelity to that same Mass!
And the document was signed and accepted on the 25th of December 2001 with the express signature of the Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II in the 23rd year of his pontificate.
There is no end to the number of times we could quote this text, or read it or analyse it.
So the 18th of January was the day of the recognition of our legitimacy, of the legitimacy of our fight for the Tridentine Mass, formerly led on both sides of the Atlantic by Mgr de Castro Mayer and Mgr Lefebvre, and still being continued today by "their disciples".
It was the day of the canonical rehabilitation not only of our brother priests and friends, but also of the rehabilitation of the Holy Mass of All Time, a canonical rehabilitation, whole and entire, not simply a concession, not merely a permisssion, and certainly not an act of toleration, but purely and simply a recognition, - or rather the faculty - well and truly affirmed for the priests of Campos to celebrate this Mass. Today it is the affirmation of the faculty for these priests. Tomorrow it will be so for others: ourselves. The day after tomorrow, it will be for all who would like to have it!
Would everyone please take stock of this affair!
The 18th of January 2002, feast of the Chair of Saint Peter is for me a day of glory, a day of jubilation, a day of peace, a day of brotherhood. Honour to my Brazilian brother priests for having brought this fight - this battle - to a successful conclusion, without a trace of betrayal, using, moreover, the skilfulness enjoined on them by our Saviour Jesus Christ in the Gospels.
This is for them a practical, concrete and unprecedented situation which, in the diocese of Campos, will give them new-found happiness, a new position of strength, the strength of a legitimacy that is officially recognised and ratified. This legitimacy existed, certainly, but it was not, however, taken seriously. Now, today, we have it recognised. If anyone fails to appreciate that, it would, in my view, be staggering! I would have found it impossible abstain from sharing the happiness of my brother priests from the other side of the Atlantic with whom we have been united for the last thirty years in a common fight for the faith, fighting the good fight for the Mass. Our links of friendship and confidence are and still are too strong for us not to share this "family" happiness, the joy of fellow combattants.
So I caught an early morning plane on the 17th of January. It meant getting up at 5.45 if I wanted to get the plane to Fumicino in Rome. There is no doubt that when I was in Rome it was Providence that led me to meet Mgr Fellay. We had important things to discuss...particularly the attitude to adopt in the negotiations between our friends and Rome and now in face of the "results" obtained.
These days everyone knows the wide divergence of opinion concerning this affair. They have found their way into the newspapers, our newspapers too...That's inevitable. Rome is aware of them. Anyone who found that surprising would be lacking in knowledge of what makes people tick. Before we get to the stage of a happy consensus...there is a period of examination. That's the way it was at the time of the consecrations...when people expressed their opinions. I expressed my point of view...I was there in Rome to do so...in the shadow of the dome of Saint Peter.
To resume contact with Rome
I was - and am - in favour of reopening negotiations with Rome even before Rome expressed this desire after our pilgrimage in the jubilee year.
My reasons are simple.
t is now fourteen years since the consecrations took place. They saved Tradition, its expression, and its modus vivendi in the Church. Without them, the Church's treasure, for example, the Tridentine Mass would have disappeared from the Church...and we with it. Providence did not permit that...On the contrary, the mainstream movement of Tradition was strengthened, as was the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X together with its associated work in Europe, and both North and South America...
We must continue these efforts. We must continue this expansion. "He who does not go forward, goes backwards!". It is not enough to guard a treasure and keep it for ourselves. We have to make it shine forth, and be loved throughout the Church. That is, by the way, the meaning of the inscription on the tomb of Mgr Lefebvre: "Tradidi quod et accepi". ("I have passed on what I have received").
There we have a watchword, an example to imitate...We must hand on... So Rome is opening its doors? How astonishing! Of course, we must be prudent but not fearful or timid. The conditions proposed by Rome are unique...unprecendented...especially the exemption from episcopal jurisdiction, which is of the highest importance. They have just put forward the juridical structure- an Apostolic Administration. These were all things which Mgr Lefebvre was asking of Rome.
I would consider anyone who failed to take all that into consideration to be guilty of Faintheartedness and weakness, and think that they were timid and inward-looking. All such an attitude would achieve would be to weaken them in the immense doctrinal struggle which we have to undertake... Moreover, it is an unfortunate that divisions exist in the government of the Church. It is not a monolithic government. One can detect a certain cacophony.
Also, during these fourteen years, our legitimacy has become - for many - even in the Roman Curia, more evident, while our canonical penalties have become less certain.
Criticism of the liturgical reform has made itself heard in new places too. Even Cardinals speak out about it. Some examples I can point to as evidence are the recent statements reiterated by Cardinal Ratzinger, Cardinal Stickler, and Cardinal Mayer. You've got to be blind not to see it...But who these days reads and takes note of all that? There has never been a situation like it before.
Our brother priests in Campos see it all right.
The fact is that our efforts, as you can see, have borne fruit.
We must press on.
Things are coming to a head and the time is ripe for a new "strategy", a new stage in the proceedings...or at the very least a new way of looking at things.
Mgr Fellay has therefore summoned "his men" to a meeting in Menzingen. My friends from Campos were there, represented by Father Rifan, who came on behalf of Mgr Rangel.
The discussion was thrown open for all to have their say. Rome must lift the excommunications. "That is something which must be said". Rome must recognise the right, for every priest, to say the Mass of All Time.
Mgr Fellay listened, considered, judged and weighed up the pros and cons. He accepted the principle of dialogue with Rome. He set forth his conditions for it. He made these clear in a letter to Rome, and later through an intermediary...Complications began to set in. Rome could not accede to our demands concerning the Mass..."It would be too risky"... Rome wrote back. The situation drew to a close...
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, the Priests of Campos, with Mgr Rangel, were also weighing up the pros and cons. They were of a mind to go ahead. The new bishop is quite open-minded!...There are more advantages for them in gaining juridical recognition...in their diocese than in remaining in the status quo. Theirs is a particular situation, peculiar to themselves.
July 2001
One Friday at the end of July 2001, there I was driving along the road to Brussels. I was about to meet the community of which I was to take responsibility. It was about 5. 30 or 6 pm. My mobile rang: it was Fr Rifan.
He sounded as if he was just on the other side of the door! I was over the moon! He told me Mgr's decision...to go ahead with contacts with Rome. I encouraged him, congratulated him for having such manly fortitude. I thought of the circumspection of certain people. "It is perhaps easier for you to act in your domain. Your faithful and clergy are more united". I encouraged him to pursue his plans in that direction, and wished him good luck, adding that when the victory came to pass I would be with them in Campos for the celebrations...I thought to myself that they will surely be a model for us. Things are looking up!
It's a momentous event. What they have achieved on the juridical level, we could also achieve in our turn. One day. The experiment has been made. I remembered the patience which Rome showed towards Dom Gerard. It is rather a pity, I told him, that this initiative did not come from the Society...but never mind, to get out of the status quo is a good thing. We have nothing to fear with regard to the Campos Fathers. I know and appreciate their serious outlook, their theological rigour, their missionary sense. They have lived as long as we...they know Rome...they have fought against the enemy as much as we. They have supported Mgr Lefebvre as much as we...perhaps even better. They had no hesitation in crossing the Atlantic to be present at the consecrations. It was the right thing to do for the ageing Mgr de Castro Mayer, to cross the sea simply for the love of the good of the Church!
And then they have remained faithful in all they say and write. They have reiterated their assurances of friendship. They came to preach during the pilgrimage at Pentecost...There was Fr Rifan. What a sermon he gave, delivered with such fervour and passion!
We must trust them, I said to Fr Rifan. I agree with you. If you succeed, without making any compromises, of course, you will be our models, our example, our shield, even. That's what I had always thought and said to some people. They couldn't get over it and thought I was raving. I don't mind admitting it...I get mad that we didn't have the guts to throw ourselves into the "affair", but I understand the difficulty. We must be prudent, take time for reflection so that we can get a clearer view.
I quite understand the stance taken at Headquarters. But that should not stop them from being bold and analysing the situation correctly! Finally, my last words to him were: "If you succeed, I will come and be at your side on the day of celebration".
That day has arrived. Juridical recognition with the right, ratified, in writing, signed by the Pope, for them and their faithful, to celebrate the Mass of All Time. Some people in Rome must be grinding their teeth. Believe me! I could not fail to keep my promise.
Then came the time - the 25th of December 2001 - when our request was finally granted.
That was the time when "the possibility of continuing to have recourse to the integral and fruitful Roman Missal of Saint Pius V" was affirmed anew.
That was the fruit of 30 years of struggle.
That was the time when those in authority heard the anguished plea of the faithful, the same appeal which had been made by Jean Madiran. He never gave up requesting from the Holy Father both the catechism and the Sacred Texts of the Mass.
The Mass has been given back to us.
It was the first thing that was taken from us.
It is the first thing to be given back to us.
The rest...the catechism and the Sacred Texts will have to follow. The Church is holy...
The 25th of December 2001, A new juridical status for the Mass
The juridical status accorded to the old Mass by John Paul's letter of the 25th of December 2001 is radically different from the situation created - at the time - by the Motu proprio Ecclesia Dei adflicta.
The Mass of All Time has, on this occasion, been recognised as of right. It belongs, as of right, to the Personal Apostolic Administration which the Holy Father has just established in Campos, the Apostolic Administration of Saint Jean Marie Vianney.
This right, together with its exercise, no longer depends on the Ordinary of the place. It is the "property" of this Apostolic Administration...which has full jurisdiction over its members, clergy and faithful alike. In this Apostolic Administration there will no longer be any such thing as "biritualism", but completely and exclusively the rite so-called of Saint Pius V. It is a right which applies to every church, to every priest, to every member of the faithful who are in this Apostolic Administration. There is no longer any question of designating, where the need arises, diocesan churches and to draw up specific schedules, as is the case for the Fraternity of Saint Peter. Here, in the Apostolic Administration of Campos, the parish priest is by right fully in charge of his church. He has full jurisdiction. He enjoys full possession of his right. He has the cura animarum (the care of souls)...with his right - his "facultas" - to say the Mass of Saint Pius V including requiem Masses, nuptial Masses and celebrate all the other Sacraments according to the old rite.
The conditions which Cardinal Medina had laid down for the priests of the Fraternity of Saint Peter on the 18th of October 1999 do not apply here; they are not mandatory for the members and priests of the Apostolic Administration of Saint Jean Marie Vianney.
All that is over now...
Also the restrictive conditions contained in the Indult granted by the Motu proprio Ecclesia Dei have gone...Everyone knows, in fact, with what limitations and restrictions the bishops granted the benefit of the Indult. The old Mass still continued to exist, certainly, by means of the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei as well as under the 1984 Indult, but with what restrictions! A kind of "liberty under supervision". It was granted a degree of tolerance in the Church but in the way that one tolerates an evil.
The members of the Ecclesia Dei afflicta communities went, on day, to complain to Rome - I am referring to the 24th of October 1998 - about the policy of the bishops which is far too restrictive. I followed them there in order to hear for myself: I was criticised for doing so...
Now there is nothing like that with the "faculty" approved for the Campos priests to say the Mass. They have just been, quite simply, granted "the possibility of continuing", this time without any restriction, "to have recourse to the integral and fruitful Roman Missal of Saint Pius V".
Admit it, it's a great victory!
We must insist upon that.
This "faculty" to say the old Mass was granted to the Campos Priests without their being obliged to acknowledge the "doctrinal rectitude" of the new Mass. That was the case for the priests of the Ecclesia Dei communities. For their part, in order to be allowed to celebrate the Mass of All Time under the Indult, they had to:
- not only recognise the validity of the new Mass(which no one ever denied, and which we have no problem in accepting)
- but also, and especially, they had to acknowledge the perfect "legitimacy and doctrinal rectitude" of the new Mass.
The permission to say the old Mass was given, objectively speaking, only on this condition. That was expressly stated in the Indult letter Quattuor abhinc annos. That was the first condition to satisfy. And that condition was expressly repeated in the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei : in note 9 (small "c") in chapter 6.
It was again mentioned by Cardinal Medina on the 18th of October 1999: "The faithful, for their part, must genuinely accept the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, as well as the legitimacy and orthodoxy of the liturgical texts promulgated in the context of the liturgical renewal". "Bi-ritualism" was a "must"...
But there was a huge difference between the legal status of the two rites. Conciliar Rome waited ten years before bringing all the Ecclesia Dei communities to this confession of orthodoxy.
It was Dom Gerard who, on the 24th of October 1998, speaking on behalf of them all, stated to Cardinal Ratzinger:
"It is in this spirit of peace and community that I agreed, on the 27th of April 1995, to concelebrate with the Holy Father, wishing to show by that action that all of us who are fighting for the preservation of the old Missal believe in the validity and the orthodoxy of the new rite."
None of that was expected, this time, of Mgr Rangel and his priests. They would, however, have refused.
All they did was recognise what Mgr Lefebvre recognised: "The validity of the New Order of Mass promulgated by Pope Paul VI when it is celebrated correctly, with the attention of offering the true Sacrifice of the Mass".
In his declaration, solemnly proclaimed on the 18th of January, in the Cathedral of Campos, Mgr Rangel ensured that his audience - especially the diocesan clergy - accepted that the Mass is a true sacrifice (which is an unusual feat nowadays.)...The liturgical reform want to turn it into a Supper, a commemoration of Good Friday...an Easter event, or whatever. No, the Campos priests maintain the doctrine of the Sacrifice of the Mass. They made the diocesan priests of Campos - who were present in the Cathedral and who, I can assure you, were listening attentively - listen to this declaration: that the Holy Sacrifice of the Church is necessarily a true sacrifice, the sacrifice of Christ. Some of them were, by degrees, unconsciously and over a period of time, celebrating the new rite in the new Conciliar spirit, in the spirit of the reform which makes the new Mass into "a simple narratio institutionis...", to quote from the uncompromising words of the declaration. No! No! They heard, from the lips of Mgr Rangel, in the presence of two Cardinals of the Church, that, in order to be valid, the Mass, even the Mass of the liturgical reform, must be offered with the intention of doing what the Church has always done: offering the true Sacrifice, that of Christ on the Cross.
This declaration is a true profession of faith. A public witness of fidelity to Catholic Tradition
That took place at Campos, on the 18th of January 2002, in the presence of more than 4,000 faithful and the diocesan clergy. In this simple gesture, Mgr Rangel perhaps reawakened on that day the wavering faith of some people...
And who is talking of betrayal? Who is saying that the Campos Fathers have embarked on a dangerous evolution?
The truth is that this Apostolic Administration of Saint Jean Marie Vianney was born of a profession of faith that was clear, distinct, precise. I believe in such works! I conclude with this point:
With their juridical recognition by Rome - an important point - the Campos priests have at the same time secured the "faculty" to say Mass in the rite of Saint Pius V. They have won!
Cardinal Castrillon and his secretary were delighted with it. Whether they were being dishonest and trying to take us in...time will tell but the letter of the 25th of December 2001 stands and will still stand. It sets the tone...That's what matters. People come and go, documents remain.
Some time ago, Rome wrote to the priests of the Ecclesia Dei communities: "As the present manner of celebrating, according to the Roman rite, corresponds to the common liturgical norm, one must not speak of "two rites" or of "biritualism". The concession made by the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei afflicta protects the liturgical sensitivities of the priests and faithful who are used to the former manner of celebrating, but in no way does it form them into a Church with its own rite."
That is something that has been done in our day even if we must not use that expression.
A Personal Apostolic Administration - a quasi diocese - will be able celebrate the Tridentine Mass without any problem and entirely legitimately. Whether it is a Church with its own rite or not, only the rite of the Mass of All Time will be celebrated in the churches of Mgr Rangel...
The Campos Ceremonies
Here we are in Campos.
We left the coach and made immediately for the Cathedral. It was already full to bursting point. The area was full of the activity and excitement that accompanies grand occasions. There were as many people inside as there were outside. People would have to follow the ceremony from outside, by means of a public address system. It was 5.30 p.m., then 5.45.
The priests were conducted to a large hall on the first floor, behind the Cathedral. As for the prelates, of whom there was a large number, they were on the ground floor. There was Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, and the Cardinal of Rio, Dom Eugenio Salles. He has an impressive bearing. The Nuncio was there too. What a fine head of hair! Several local bishops were present.
They were all ready.
On the first floor, the priests gathered. What an amusing sight! On one side there was Mgr Rangel in soutane, surplice and stole...and on the other were the diocesan clergy in their "cowled" vestments and long stoles. Taizé has imposed its "look" even in Brazil. The clergy of both groups remained in their own place. I greeted Father Rifan, Father Possidente and some other priests whose names I do not know. I found the atmosphere rather stiff and cold.
The procession started to move off. The organ sounded. Father Rifan's choir could be heard everywhere. The ceremony must have been well prepared. We were handed a programme for the ceremony.
The proclamation of various documents were to be read out, all relating to this juridical recognition by the Church of the Campos priests now organised into the Personal Apostolic Administration of Saint Jean Marie Vianney.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament would bring this great historic ceremony to a conclusion.
We processed through the Cathedral. It was a very dark night. The Cathedral was well lit, decorated in Marian colours, blue and white. It's not a very big Cathedral. We walked round on the Epistle side. There were about 50 clergy. The diocesan priests of Campos took up position in the sanctuary, on the Gospel side. The priests of the new Apostolic Administration...on the Epistle side. The prelates arrived and bowed to the main altar.
Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos, the pontifical legate, brought up the rear. He was applauded. Brazil is a warm-hearted country. He was attended by two train-bearers, two of Mgr Rangel's priests. There was a Redemptorist priest bustling around all over the place...He supervised the whole procedure of the ceremony. During the ceremony I found out that he was Father Fernando Guimarães, the Secretary General of the Cardinal, or rather his Chief Advisor.
I was at Father Rifan's side.
The Cardinal arrived in the sanctuary, expressed some concern as to whether the Real Presence was in the tabernacle or not. He was told "no". He made the customary bow and went to his throne.
There was a rousing rendition of hymn singing. Looking strange on the top step of the high altar, in the middle of the sanctuary, in front of the original main altar, Mgr Rangel, Dom Roberto Guimarães, the Bishop of the diocese, the Apostolic Nuncio, Dom Alfio Rapisarda took their places. Mgr Rangel was on the right of the Cardinal-Legate. Then came the Cardinal of Rio.
The ceremony began with the hymn to the Holy Ghost, then the orations, and the chanting of the Gospel: a deacon with a resonant voice sang the Gospel. It was a passage from the Gospel of Saint John, chapter 17, verses 1- 8- 11- 16- 24.
The Bishop of the place - the Ordinary - Dom Roberto Guimarães, addressed a few words to the prelates, to the priests and the congregation. He thanked God for this day, for the work of Providence, of the Holy Ghost, which had restored peace. Father Rifan translated for me...Then came the sermon of the Cardinal-Legate. It was brief. I must get a copy of it to complete my records.
Next the letter of Mgr Rangel and his clergy to the Sovereign Pontiff was read out. It was delivered with confidence by Father Rifan. I would not perhaps have written it like that...but the content was well balanced...It's a model of its kind.
After that, it was the turn of the Vicar General of the diocese of Campos who read the decree. Not the decree of the erection of the Personal Apostolic Administration as announced in the programme - that would be made public later - Father Rifan explained to me that in the five points specified in the text there was no clear allusion to the use of the old rite for all the Sacraments; the Cardinal decided to have this corrected before the solemn publication. It was a question of intellectual honesty concerning the decree of nomination of Mgr Rangel as Apostolic Administrator of the Personal Apostolic Administration of Saint Jean Marie Vianney.
Father Rifan explained that they will be directly answerable to Rome and the Roman Congregations and in particular on the Congregation of Bishops and in no way on the Ecclesia Dei Commission. It seems to me that this Commission has finished its task. It will continue in existence for as long as it takes for the Society of Saint Peter to gradually regain everything - whether it be dioceses or other associated communities. Mgr Perl will be able to have a well-deserved rest!
He also explained that Mgr Rangel was appointed bishop as the Head of this Apostolic Administration with the right of succession. "He can, with immediate effect, ask Rome for an auxiliary"..."use will be made", he told me, "of the customary "terna" [a group of three] which is normally adopted in the running of the Apostolic Administration." He knows what he is talking about. He has read the Roman decree.
Finally, Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos officially received Dom Licinio Rangel as Administrator. This was accomplished with the signing of the letters and documents which had just been read. It was the Redemptorist Father, Dom Fernando Guimarães who brought the documents, presented them for signing and who took them away, placing them carefully in the folder.
These were solemn and moving moments.
Then there was the embrace between the two bishops, one with territorial jurisdiction, the other with personal jurisdiction over his Apostolic Administration.
The clergy were there - on the sanctuary - looking on attentively and happily.
We witnessed next Mgr Rangel's profession of faith made before two qualified witnesses: the Cardinal-Legate and the Apostolic Nuncio. Once this profession had been read out, it was signed by all concerned on the Cathedral altar. And Mgr Rangel gave everyone his apostolic blessing.
The ceremony in the Cathedral ended with Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament presided at by the Cardinal. All the prelates left their places on the steps of the altar and went towards the altar in the sanctuary. The Blessed Sacrament was brought. Cardinal Hoyos took a step forward, hesitated for a moment...should this ceremony be celebrated facing the people or with one's back to them? His two attendants - both priests of the Administration - showed him the right direction. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament went ahead exactly according to the classical tradition with the vibrant chanting of the Te Deum.
I looked at the diocesan clergy. They were absorbed in prayer, on their knees, at peace... The first fruits of Tradition.
The ceremony came to an end.
The priests left the sanctuary, and made their way directly to the sacristy. I had the opportunity to greet the Cardinal, to say a few words to him. He was delighted to see me there at that occasion. We would meet again. We left the church. It was raining slightly, a fine drizzle.
Another ceremony was to take place in the huge church built by Father Rifan which was bigger than the Cathedral. About thirty coaches, and some private cars took the faithful from one church to the other. Everybody was in a hurry...they were milling about everywhere!
In no time at all, we were again in church. The people climbed the steps, took their seats. The prelates were there, waiting at the foot of the steps: the Cardinal-Legate, the Nuncio, the bishops, Mgr Rangel, all except the Cardinal of Rio - he had to leave.
The church, dedicated to Our Lady, rises majestically heavenwards. Its exterior shines with an immaculate whiteness that is remarkable to behold. The bulk of the work is finished...but the interior is "bare concrete". It has no stained-glass windows, but the large hangings on the walls give a festive appearance.
The procession advanced towards the sanctuary. Again, the Cardinal was applauded.
The new Apostolic Administration was placed under the protection of Our Lady. The faith of the Brazilian people was expressed in joyous hymns. There was a large number of priests and people.
While waiting for the ceremony to get under way, I had a few words with the Cardinal's Secretary, his Chief Advisor. He is happy for the Campos priests. "This faculty to celebrate the Mass of All Time is a blessing. It was difficult, I should say even impossible, to reply straight away to the Society of Saint Pius X: to declare the right for every priest to say the Mass of All Time...but the Mass is coming back, gradually, through the back door". I thought of Cardinal Stickler's idea that the Pope will not make a U-turn in liturgical matters, he will do precisely the opposite. We have to be satisfied with small victories...here...and there...keeping a united front...looking ahead towards the final victory: the triumph of the Mass of All Time, recognised throughout the whole Church.
It seems to me that the Campos priests have gained a victory.
"The Apostolic Administration will receive ratification of the faculty (facultas) to celebrate the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours according to the liturgical discipline of the Roman rite and in conformity with the precepts of our Predecessor Saint Pius V, with the adaptations introduced by his successors up to the time of Blessed John XXIII."
They have ventured into the occupied City. They have the intellectual ability to resist attacks which have been made upon them. A Rifan is a formidable dialectician, [skilled in the art of logical disputation]. At meetings of priests and deacons, he and his colleagues will make a great impression.
We must stop being afraid of always being taken for a ride, and regarding ourselves as the weaker party. We must believe in the force of the truth spoken and confessed with conviction. We must have the soul of a conqueror.
Saint Paul, whose feast we celebrate during Lent, could be sometimes taken as a model!
RECOGNITION OF THE POPE
In our public declaration, we stated: "We acknowledge the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, with all his powers and prerogatives, promising him our filial obedience and offering our prayers for him".
That is something we have always acknowledged. In all our sacristies, as is the custom in all our churches, there is on display a picture with the names of Pope John Paul II and the bishop of the diocese appointed by him. In our public prayers we have always prayed for Pope John Paul II and for the diocesan bishop. We have never adopted the sedevacantist position and we have never attempted to form a parallel diocese to contest the unity of the Church.
Even when, out of necessity, and in line with Catholic Doctrine, we have had to offer resistance, that has never, for our part, meant that we have disputed papal authority or failed to recognise it. Moreover, we have always been fully aware of the abnormal, occasional and exceptional character of resistance in times of necessity, hoping always for a speedy regularisation and normalisation.
We have always had present in our minds the dogma of Faith: "We declare, state, define and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for salvation for every human being to be subject to the Roman Pontiff". (Boniface VIII. Bull Unam Sanctam, Dz-Sh 875).
That is why, in our letter to the Pope, we wrote: "We place in the august hands of Your Holiness our Profession of Catholic Faith: we profess perfect communion with the Chair of Peter of which Your Holiness is the legitimate successor. We acknowledge your primacy and your government over the Universal Church, priests and faithful, we declare that we would not, for anything in this world, wish to separate ourselves from the Rock on which Jesus Christ has founded His Church". That is the very text of our profession of Catholic Faith of 1982, written under the direction of Monsignor Antonio de Castro Mayer.
RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL
In our declaration we also stated: "We recognise the Second Vatican Council as one of the Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church, accepting it in the light of Holy Tradition".
We thus acknowledge that the Second Vatican Council was legitimately convened and presided over by Pope John XXIII and continued by Pope Paul VI, with the participation of the bishops of the whole world, including Monsignor Antonio de Castro Mayer and Monsignor Marcel Lefebvre who signed its documents. Monsignor Antonio de Castro Mayer wrote several pastorals letter on the Council, in particular one dated 1966 on the application of the documents promulgated by the Council.
However, there arose the "destructive spirit of the Council" which, according to Cardinal Ratzinger, "is the anti-spirit according to which the history of the Church ought to begin from Vatican II which is regarded as a kind of zero point." (Cardinal Ratzinger, in his interview on the faith, chap. II, p. 37). That is why we stated in our declaration: "We recognise the Second Vatican Council as one of the Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church". The Church cannot separate itself from its past or contradict it.
But as far as the teachings of the Council are concerned, because of its eminently pastoral nature, which was proclaimed by the Council itself, and in order to adapt the unchangeable doctrine to our times, it is necessary for these teachings to be accepted in accordance with the whole of the Magisterium of the Church, that is to say, in the light of Holy Tradition.
We say that because there are some people who, under the guise of the Council, have tried and still continue to try to introduce heretical doctrines into the bosom of the Church, doctrines which have been condemned by the Magisterium of all the previous centuries which constitutes Tradition. Pope Paul VI spoke of "the smoke of Satan" which has found its way into the Sanctuary (Allocution of 29/6/1972) and His Holiness Pope John Paul II also deplored the fact that "ideas contradicting the revealed truth which had been constantly taught have been spread without restraint. Real heresies have been propagated in the dogmatic and moral domain, giving rise to doubt, confusion and rebellion, and even the liturgy has been manipulated." (speech to the Congress of Missions 6.2.1981, quoted in Iota Unum p. 14). That is why we have recourse to the light of Tradition for the criterion of interpretation.
And accepting the Council in the light of Tradition is what everyone ought to do. It is the criterion of interpretation indicated by the Popes who convened it and who presided over it.
In his allocution of the 11th of October 1962, at the opening of the Council, Pope John XXIII said this:
"The essential purpose of this Council is, therefore, not a discussion on this or that article of the fundamental doctrine of the Church. We did not need a Council for that. But from a renewal of our adherence, in an atmosphere of serenity and calm, to the entire teaching of the Church in all its fullness and preciseness, such as it continues to shine forth in the Acts of the Council of Trent and Vatican I, the Christian, Catholic and Apostolic spirit throughout the whole world expects a clear step forward towards a doctrinal penetration and a formation of consciences in a more perfect accordance with the fidelity they profess towards authentic doctrine...which is to be studied and expounded through the methods of research and presentation of modern thought. The substance of the ancient doctrine contained in the deposit of the faith is one thing, and the formulas in which it is clothed are another: everything must be measured in the forms and proportions of a Magisterium which is predominantly pastoral in character".
In fact, this was also the criterion used by Pope John Paul II when he spoke of the "whole doctrine of the Council", which means, as he explained, that "the doctrine must be understood in the light of Holy Tradition and with reference to the constant Magisterium of the Holy Church". (John Paul II, discourse to the assembly of the Sacred College, 5th November 1979).
And it could not be otherwise: that is what is taught by the Ecumenical Council of Vatican I: "the Holy Ghost has not been promised to the successors of Peter for them to expound, under His revelation, a new doctrine; but that with His assistance, they may sacredly guard and faithfully expound the revelation handed down by the Apostles, that is to say, the deposit of the faith".
Moreover, Monsignor Marcel Lefebvre himself said: "I accept the Council interpreted in the light of Tradition". Similarly, Monsignor Bernard Fellay, Monsignor Lefebvre's successor, stated: "Accepting the Council is not a problem for us. There is a criterion of judgement. And that criterion is what has always been taught and believed as 'Tradition'." (Interview with the Swiss Journal La Liberté 11. 5. 2001).
On this criterion of interpretation "in the light of Holy Tradition", the famous Catholic French writer, Jean Madiran, gave his considered opinion (Itinéraires, November 1966, p. 13):
"We accept the decisions of the Council in conformity with the decisions of the previous Councils. If such and such a text might seem, as can happen to any human form of expression, to be capable of more than one interpretation, we think that the correct interpretation is fixed precisely by and in conformity with the previous Councils and with the whole of the teaching of the Magisterium...If it came to the point - and there are some who have dared to suggest this - of having to interpret the decisions of the Council in a sense contrary to the previous teachings of the Church, we would have no reason to accept these decisions and no one would have the power to impose them on us. By definition, the teaching of a Council in the living continuity of all the Councils. Those who would like to present the teaching of the Council outside this context by breaking with this continuity would be presenting a pure invention of their own minds, without any authority whatsoever".
So it is with this criterion that we recognise and accept the Second Vatican Council.
ON THE HOLY MASS
We preserve, in our Personal Apostolic Administration "Saint Jean Marie Vianney, as the Holy Father Pope John Paul II has given us the right to do, the Holy Mass in its traditional form, codified by Pope Saint Pius V, and not only the Mass but also the whole traditional liturgical discipline, in keeping with the words of Saint Peter.
And we preserve it because it is an authentic treasure of the Holy Catholic Church, because it is a Liturgy which has sanctified many souls, because this Mass is the one which the Saints celebrated, because this Mass is the one in which the Saints participated. It is a Mass which expresses clearly and unambiguously the Eucharistic dogmas; it constitutes an authentic expression of the faith; it is a symbol of our Catholic identity, a genuine theological and spiritual patrimony of the Church. It must be preserved.
As Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Clergy has put it:
"The old rite of Mass enables many people to keep this sense of mystery alive. The sacred rite, with its sense of mystery, helps us to enter by means of our senses, into the hidden places of the mystery of God. The nobility of a rite which has been with the Church for so many years fully justifies the efforts that a select group of the faithful should undertake in order to maintain appreciation of this rite, and the Church, speaking with the voice of the Sovereign Pontiff, sees it that way when it requests that doors should be kept open for its celebration...Together we celebrate a beautiful rite, a rite which was that of many saints, a beautiful Mass which filled the naves of many cathedrals, and which made its mysterious tones resound in all the small churches around the world." (Extract from his sermon preached during the Mass of Saint Pius V which was celebrated in Chartres on the 4th of June 2001)
With regard to the traditional Mass, Pope John Paul II praised it as a model of reverence and humility for all the celebrants in the world:
"The People of God need to see in the exterior actions of priests and deacons an example of reverence and dignity, which would help them to enter into the invisible mysteries, for which few words and explanations are needed. In the Roman Missal, so-called of Saint Pius V, can be found some very beautiful prayers with which the priest expresses the most profound sense of humility and reverence in the presence of the sacred mysteries: these are the basis of the very substance of all liturgy". (John Paul II, message to the Plenary Assembly of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, on the theme "Deepening the liturgical life of the People of God", 21. 9. 2001).
There is do doubt that we have stated in our declaration that we recognise the validity of the New Order of Mass promulgated by Pope Paul VI whenever it is celebrated correctly and with the intention of offering the true Sacrifice of the Holy Mass.
But this is what Monsignor Antonio de Castro Mayer and Monsignor Marcel Lefebvre had been teaching all along. The latter, in the Protocol of Agreement of the 5th of May 1988, agreed to sign the following:
"We declare, moreover, that we recognise the validity of the Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments celebrated with the intention of doing what the Church does and in accordance with the rites contained in the typical editions of the Roman Missal and the Rituals of the Sacraments promulgated by Popes Paul VI and John Paul II". (Protocol of Agreeement -5th May 1988, 1 4).
Why have we made the reservations "whenever it is celebrated correctly and with the intention of offering the true Sacrifice of the Holy Mass" ?
Because if the priest celebrates Mass with the intention of carrying out a communal meal or a simple gathering or even a simple narrative of the institution of the Lord's Supper, without the intention of offering the true Sacrifice of the Mass, the very validity of the Mass is at stake.
And what is more, it is not a rare occurrence to come across such Masses, even if they are valid, in which "The liturgy has been violated" as Pope John Paul II said (Discourse to the Congress of Missions. 6/2/1981). "In them the liturgy has degenerated into a 'show' in which attempts are made to make religion interesting with the help of fashionable trivialities or seductive maxims, which produce an ephemeral success among the group of liturgical designers..." according to Cardinal Ratzinger's criticisms (Foreword to the book, The Liturgical Reform, by Mgr. Klaus Gamber, p. 6)
OUR REQUEST FOR PARDON
To ask forgiveness of mistakes or offences which may have been committed is an eminently Christian attitude. Only the proud and the stubborn are always right; they do not even admit the simple possibility of making a mistake.
However, Saint Pius X said that in the heat of the battle it is difficult to gauge the accuracy and range of each blow or shot. So it is possible to err by deficit or by excess, which are excusable and understandable faults, but faults nonetheless.
That is why, in our letter to the Pope, we wrote:
"And if by chance in the heat of the battle to defend Catholic truth, although our intention has always been to serve Holy Church, we have made some mistakes or caused some displeasure to Your Holiness, we humbly request your fatherly forgiveness."
Although the cause is legitimate and holy, it can happen that errors and excesses in the manner of speaking or writing can arise, as well as an overly critical spirit and also a lack of the reverence and respect due to one's superiors.
Those are the things for which we ask forgiveness, for ourselves and for all the faithful under our care.
There is absolutely no question of our having to ask pardon for our Catholic stance with regard to doctrine or liturgy, which has been recognised personally by the Holy Father himself.
WE WILL CONTINUE OUR COMMITMENT TO DEFEND THE CHURCH
The fact that the Holy Father the Pope himself has given us a Personal Apostolic Administration does not mean that the crisis of the Church is over and that our fight for the defence of traditional values will grow luke-warm.
As we wrote to the Pope:
"And in the name of our Catholic, Apostolic and Roman faith we have striven to safeguard the sacred doctrines and liturgy of Tradition which the Holy Church has handed on to us; and, within the limitations of our own weakness and with the help of God's grace, we have made every effort to resist what your illustrious Predecessor, Pope Paul Vi, called the auto-demolition of the Church. It is in this way that we hope to render the best service to Your Holiness and to the Holy Church."
And now, as we are canonically recognised, we offer ourselves to the Pope to collaborate officially with him in the fight against the errors and heresies which are unfortunately in the bosom of the Church.
This is what we said to the Pope in the same letter:
"We wish, officially, to collaborate with Your Holiness in the work of the propagation of the Faith and of Catholic doctrine, working zealously for the honour of the Holy Church - Signum levatum in nationes - [as a sign lifted up among the nations] - and in the fight against the errors and heresies which are threatening to destroy the barque of Peter, but to no effect because the gates of Hell will not prevail against her."
And the Holy Father has kindly accepted our offer:
"We have received, with great pastoral joy, your wish to collaborate with the Successor of Blessed Peter in the propagation of the Faith and of Catholic Doctrine, seeking the honour of the Holy Church - which is the banner raised up among the nations (Is. 11, 12) - in the fight against those who would destroy the Barque of Peter, vainly because the gates of Hell will not prevail against Her." (Mt. 16, 18)
And that is why we concluded our declaration with the words:
"We commit ourselves to studying in greater depth all the points which are still open, taking into consideration Canon 212 of the Code of Canon Law".
This Canon recognises the right and even at times the duty of the faithful to express their opinion publicly in the Church. The reference to this Canon indicates that we have not committed ourselves to a guilty silence when confronted with error.
For that reason, and wishing to be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, with the grace of God, we will continue to combat the errors which the Holy Church has always condemned and resisted.
But this fight will always be carried out with due regard for the norms of respect, humility and charity, as we have stated at the end of our declaration: "with a sincere spirit of humility and fraternal charity towards all". In principiis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus charitas [in essentials unity, in open questions liberty, and in all things charity] (St. Augustine).
To those who rejoice with us, our thanks!
To those who disagree with us, our understanding!
To those who attack us, our forgiveness!
To everyone, our request for their prayers for our perseverance!
Holy Roman Catholic Church
One, excellent, Divine, eternal
Which keeps the Apostolic faith
And the promises of life everlastingWe love you, we are your children
In your bosom we wish to live
And in the radiance of the light which you give us
In your motherly arms to die!(These two verses are from a hymn known and loved by our people.