Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of Extreme Unction

What is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?

The Sacrament of Extreme Unction is where a person who is in danger of death because of sickness, old age or in an accident, through the anointing of the blessed oil by the priest and through his prayer, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body. 

It also takes away the mortal sin when the sick person is unconscious or unaware that he or she is not properly disposed. If the person is guilty of mortal sin and fall unconscious before the priest arrives, this sacrament will restore the person to Sanctifying Grace. If the person is recovered, he or she is bound to confess his sins thus forgiven. 

When did our Lord Jesus Christ institute this Sacrament? 

Our Lord Jesus Christ healed many sicknesses during His ministry on earth without using oil. But one of the biblical proofs of Extreme Unction was written in James 5:14-15: “Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.” 

Who can administer this Sacrament? 

Only an ordained priest who can administer the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. 

What are the effects of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction? 

  1. An increase of Sanctifying Grace. 
  2. Comfort in sickness and strength against temptation. 
  3. Preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of venial sins, and mortal sins (if the dying is unable to confess). 
  4. Health of the body when this is good for the soul. 


Source: 

http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments,

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of the Holy Orders

In priesthood, a lot of us are only familiar with the Major Order an the two steps of priesthood, the deacon and the priest. But traditionally, there are seven steps to becoming a priest in the previous centuries. It is also divided in two orders, the Minor and Major Orders.

Tonsure – Tonsure is a preparation for becoming a priest where a man received a hair cut in a form of a crown that signifies that he wanted to devote himself to the Sacred Ministry. Though it’s not part of the order, it is also a important step of becoming a priest.

MINOR ORDERS

The minor orders or the seminarians is the first step on becoming a priest. They will stay in the Catholic Seminary and study about faith and how to become a priest. The Minor Orders is very important because this will help a man’s spiritual training on becoming a priest.

  1. Porter – Is the first of the minor orders. The Porter is responsible of opening and closing the church, expelling people who should not be inside the church. He watches over the Sacred Vessels, vestments and making sure that no one disturbed the Priest while celebrating the Holy Mass. The Porter received a set of keys from the bishop during his ordination since he is the guardian of the church and it is also the symbol of the Porter.
  2. Lector – Is the second of the minor orders. The Lector’s duty is to read sacred books during Nocturnal Office or Psalmody and also teach catechism. The Lector touches the book of Liturgical readings during his ordination as a sign of his mission.
  3. Exorcist – Is the third of the minor orders. The Exorcist was given power to casting out demons from a body of the possessed and keep demons away from the faithful. The Exorcist touches the book of exorcism during his ordination as a symbol of his function.
  4. Acolyte – is the fourth and final minor order. The Acolyte’s duty is to participate and assist the sacred ministers (Priest, Bishop or Pope) by presenting to them the wine and water. He is also a candle bearer. The Acolyte touches the cruets in his ordination. If the Acolyte is not present in the Holy Mass, the altar server or Master of Ceremony will be the ones to assist the priest.

 

MAJOR ORDER

This Major Order is the sacred order where the person is now having a few steps on becoming a priest and become more closer to the Sacred Host.

  1. Subdeacon – is the first of the Major Order. The duty of the Subdeacon is to assist the deacon in the Holy Mass by presenting the patent and the chalice, pouring the water in the chalice and chanting or reading the Epistle. The subdeacons were commanded to recite the breviary every day to continually lifting up their minds to God. Their new state demands of them a profound spirit of faith and the practice of purity, not only that of the body, but also that of the heart.
  2. Deacon – the second and the last step in the Major Order. The duty of the deacon is to assist the bishop or the priest at the Holy Mass. He sings or read the Gospel and he can also be assigned to preach the sermon. They can also administer the Sacrament of Baptism and give communion to the sick as extraordinary minister. During the final years of their studies, the deacon must prepare for their priesthood as they learn how to celebrate the Holy Mass.
  3. Priesthood – After years of study, the deacon will now ordain as priest by the Bishop. His hand will be consecrated so he can now hold the blessed sacrament. In the next day after the ordination, he will celebrate his first Holy Mass.

Sadly, during the Vatican II under the reign of Pope Paul VI, the minor orders were removed and the subdeacon in the Holy Orders. This are the reasons why some priests have no experience in exorcism. Instead of a long-term study and strengthen their faith when becoming a priest, the years of becoming a priest were reduced.


Souce:
https://hcs.fsspx.org/en/holy-orders
http://www.traditionalcatholicpriest.com/2015/04/22/traditional-catholic-minor-and-major-orders/

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of Matrimony

What is the Sacrament of Matrimony? 

The Sacrament of Matrimony binds a baptized man and a baptized woman in a lawful marriage for life. Its primary purpose is to begetting and rearing of children in the fear and love of God. 

Who can administer the Sacrament of Matrimony? 

The groom and bride are the ministers of this sacrament. While the Priest is the witness authorized by the Catholic Church to present and bless the union of this couple. 

When did God institute the Sacrament of Matrimony?

 God institutes this Sacrament when He created Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:24). Before it was only a Sacred Contract, but when our Lord Jesus Christ came, He raised the Matrimony to the dignity of a sacrament. 

What are the effects of this Sacrament? 
  1. An increase of sanctifying grace. 
  2. The special help of God for husband and wife to love each other faithfully, to bear with each other’s faults, and to bring up their children properly. This is the special Sacramental Grace obtained from the reception of the sacrament of Matrimony. 
Who are allowed to take this Sacrament? 

A Man and a Woman who are in legal age of marriage, unmarried and both Catholics. 

Who are not allowed to take this Sacrament? 

Those who are not Catholics. Also, same sex marriage is not allowed in the Catholic Church. God only created Man to unite with a Woman. 

Is Civil Wedding also under the Sacrament of Matrimony? 

No. Catholic Church Wedding is a marriage under the law of God which cannot be broken. While Civil Wedding is under the law of Man and can be broken by having legal procedures. 

 

Source:

 http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments,

 

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of Confirmation

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation is where the Holy Spirit comes to us in a special way and enables us to profess our Faith as perfect and strong Christians and also as a soldier of our Lord Jesus Christ. It also brings us the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).
Who can administer the Confirmation?
The usual minister of this sacrament is the bishop. But the Holy See gives power to the missionary priests to administer this sacrament if there’s no bishop in the country or the parish church is unable to contact or invite a bishop for confirmation.
Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
A person who can receive this sacrament must be a Catholic and already received the sacrament of Baptism. Before receiving this sacrament, the person must be in a state of grace. In short, he or she must take the sacrament of confession first.
What are the effects of Confirmation?
1. Increase the sanctifying grace
2. It gives special sacramental grace and imprints a lasting character on the soul.
3. It increases our love of God and our neighbor.
4. It enlightens our understanding.
5. It strengthens our will and preserves our soul from sin.
6. It inclines our heart to virtue.
7. Helps us to live our faith loyally and profess it courageously.

Source: http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

What is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?
It is the body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord, which is contained, offered and received in the Holy Mass under the appearance of bread and wine. Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted this sacrament during the last supper. During the consecration in the Holy Mass, the bread and wine will become the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the appearance and taste will remain the same.
Who can consecrate the Bread and Wine?
Only the Priest who can consecrate the bread and wine.
Who can give Holy Communion?
Only the priest can give Holy Communion to the faithful because their hands are consecrated to hold it. Lay ministers, nuns or any person who is not a priest are not allowed to touch and give Holy Communion even if the priest said that they give them power.
What are the effects of the Holy Communion?
1. It increases sanctifying grace and the fervor of charity
2. It forgives venial sins.
3. It is of great help for final perseverance: by diminishing concupiscence, preserving from mortal sin, strengthening the soul in the practice of good works, and producing spiritual consolation.
4. It increases fervor and powerfully helps us to act in accordance with the will of God and the plans of Jesus Christ for each of us; it gives a pledge of future glory and the resurrection of our body.
Does the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during Traditional Latin Mass?
Yes, it is. As long as it is under the Catholic Church. Some people are confused because the Vatican II reformed the Holy Mass and think that the Traditional Latin Mass is not valid anymore. Even if it’s the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) or the Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christ in the Traditional Latin Mass.
Does the Bread and Wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Novus Ordo Mass?
Even if there are many changes in the Holy Mass, the Novus Ordo Mass is still a valid mass. And the bread and wine still become the Body of Blood and Christ in this Mass.

Source:
http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments,
https://fsspx.news/en/news-events/news/eucharist-13-effects-eucharistic-communion-47181

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of Baptism

What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
Baptism is the first sacrament we may receive. It is the sacrament that gives our soul the new life of sanctifying grace. By Baptism, we become the children of God and heirs of heaven. It is forbidden to receive any sacraments unless we are baptized.
When our Lord Jesus Christ institute the Sacrament of Baptism?
He has instituted this sacrament at His own Baptism (Matthew 3:13-17), and He also commanded His Apostles to baptize at His Ascencion (Matthew 28:19) (Acts 2:38)
Who can administer Baptism?
The Priest is the only person who can administer Baptism. But there’s a special case where anyone can administer baptism when someone will die without baptism. This person can be a man, woman, catholic, non-catholic, pagan or atheist. As long as this person follows the right procedure by pouring water on the head, face or body of the person being baptized and at the same time, pronouncing the words “I Baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” And when the person you baptized as been saved from the dead, you can tell the parish priest in your area that this person has already been baptised.
What are the effects of Baptism?
1. The baptized person will have a character imprinted on the soul and become members of the Church and the children of God.
2. He or she will be subject to the Church’s Law and capable to receive the other sacraments.
3. In Baptism, we are given the right to enter heaven and gain merits by our Good Works.
What age need to be Baptized?
Any age can be baptized. But in the law of the Church, children should be baptized as soon as possible. While the protestants only allowed age around teens to adults.
When we baptized, can we enter heaven anytime?
Yes, but while in the state of Grace. Some people, including some protestants misunderstood that when you baptized, you can enter anytime even if you have done a venial and mortal sin. No one can enter Heaven who are not clean or who had stained of sins.
Are the are other types of Baptism?
Yes, there are two. The Baptism of Blood and the Baptism of Desire.

  1. Baptism of Blood – When an unbaptized person suffers martyrdom for his or her faith in our Lord Jesus Christ will be baptized by Blood. (Matt. 10:39). One of the examples of Baptism of Blood are the Holy Innocents that Herod slew out of hatred for the infant Jesus. Another example is during the Christian Persecution under Emperor Diocletian, where his wife, Empress St. Alexandra face martyrdom together with St. George. She asked St. George if she is worthy of paradise because she was not baptized. He told her: “Do not fear, for your blood will baptize you”.
  2. Baptism of Desire – When an unbaptized person loves God above all things and desires to all necessary for his salvation, but unable to receive baptism because there’s no priest who can administer it can be baptized by his or her desire.

Source: http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments

Categories
Sacrament

The Sacrament of Penance

What is the Sacrament of Penance? 

The Sacrament of Penance is where the sins that we committed after Baptism are forgiven through absolution. This is where our Sanctifying Grace was restored after baptism. 

Who can administer the Sacrament of Penance? 

Only the Priest can administer this sacrament and give absolution to those who confess their sins. 

What are the three distinct acts of this Sacrament? 
  1. Contrition or sorrow for his sins 
  2. Confession or telling them to the priest
  3. Satisfaction or performance of the Penance imposed by the priest. 
When did Christ institute the Sacrament of Penance? 

In Matthew 16:19, our Lord Jesus Christ promised to give St. Peter the Apostle the power to forgive sins: “And whatever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”. Then in Matthew 18:18, he made the same promise to the other apostles. In John 20:21-23, after the resurrection of our Lord, He appeared to His Apostles and breathed upon them and said to them: “Receive the Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” This promise is not only for the apostles, but also for the next generation of priests under the Catholic Church, the only church that our Lord Jesus Christ builds upon St. Peter. 

What are the effects of the Sacrament of Penance? 
  1. The restoration or increase of Sanctifying Grace. 
  2. The forgiveness of sins. 
  3. The remission of the eternal punishment, if necessary, and also of part, at least, of the temporal punishment due to our sins. 
  4. The help to avoid sin in the future. 
  5. The restoration of the merits of our good works, if they have been lost by mortal sins. 
What is difference of sins that has been forgiven in the Sacrament of Baptism and Penance? 

The sins that have been forgiven or cleansed during the Sacrament of Baptism is the Original Sins that Adam and Even made. While in the Sacrament of Penance, the sins that have been given absolution is the that we made that offend our Lord. 

What is the Seal of Confession? 

The Seal of Confession is where the Priest cannot tell anyone someone’s confession. They are bound to secrecy. Some people, including those in Government don’t like this Seal of Confession. For example, someone steals a money from the bank or killed another person; confess to the priest, the priest is not allowed to tell it to anyone including the police. BUT, he must encourage this person to surrender as an act of contrition. 

How many times should we take the Sacrament of Penance? 

The priest always reminds us to take this sacrament at least once a year. But when we made sins everytime, even if it is a venial, we must confess it to the Priest including before receiving the Holy Eucharist because we cannot receive our Lord if we are not in the state of grace. 

“Confession is the soul’s bath. You must go at least once a week. I do not want souls to stay away from confession more than a week. Even a clean and unoccupied room gathers dust; return after a week and you will see that it needs dusting again!” -St. Padre Pio 

Source: http://www.sspxridgefield.com/sacraments,

Categories
Sacrament

Eucharist on the floor – What to do?

1. Wait for the priest to retrieve it.

When you accidentally drop the Holy Eucharist on the floor while receiving it (and the Altar Server failed to save it), you must remain on the altar rail or where you are when receiving it. When the Priest gave you another Host, return to your chair and pray for forgiveness. Here, the priest retrieves it immediately and will put a the purificator (white cloth) on where the Sacred Host was dropped. Because some a small particle may remain on the floor and the cloth will remind the priest and the altar servers where it is to avoid stepping on it. Then they use a holy water to cleanse the floor.

2. Take the Eucharist using your tongue.

This practice is no longer used by most Catholics because the floor is dirty. But in the previous century, some faith and priest when they accidentally dropped the Sacred Host, they will use their tongue to get and eat the host. But this practice must no be used immediately because you must wait for the priest retrieve it. But, if the priest forgets to retrieve it and continue the Mass, you can take it using the tongue to avoid people stepping on it.

Why should we use the tongue to retrieve it, not our hands?
Because our hands are not consecrated to hold the Sacred Host. Only the priest can hold the Holy Eucharist. Some Catholics and priest under the teachings of Vatican II, think that holding the Sacred Host on your hand will avoid dropping the Sacred Host on the floor. But some small particles will remain in your hand which can be drop to the floor unnoticed. Remember, every small particle from the Host is still part of the Body of Christ.

But the priest is encouraging us to use our hands on taking the communion, what should we do?
Sadly, some priests no longer recognize the importance of the Sacred Host because of the Vatican II teachings. But you also have a freedom to use your tongue instead of your hand. There are some priests under Vatican II still use the Communion in the tongue.

Categories
Others Sacrament

The Priest Shortage

What is a Priest Shortage? 

The Priest Shortage is where the number of priests in the world has reduced. It causes that some parishes have no resident priest, pastor and, in some church, or parish has only a minimal number of priests. 

When did the Priest Shortage starts? 

According to studies, the shortage of priest started from 1980 until now. Unlike the previous centuries, many men, including the young men want to become a priest. 

What are the causes of Priest Shortage? 

According to the study of Dean R. Hoge, who conduct a survey in a Catholic College Students in 1985, the reason why most men don’t enter priesthood is because of “Celibacy”. Celibacy is where Priest doesn’t get married. While Pope Benedict XVI contradicts this reason, instead the reason is the small family size. Another reason is the sexual abuse scandal that some Catholic Priests are involved. It says that it tarnished the reputation of the Catholic Priesthood. 

But the Main reason for Priest Shortage is the effect of the Second Vatican Council. 

Why Vatican II? 

One of the fruits of Vatican II is the reduction of Cathecism in the world, where the Church no longer teaches the basic and important teachings about God and the Catholic Faith. Another reason is the role of the Altar Server was given to the Lay Ministers (Men who are not Priest or not part of Holy Orders, and women or girls who serve in the mass). Altar servers, including young men are responsible in assisting the priest during the Holy Mass while learning the importance of it and the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Because of these, young men are not attracted to enter priesthood.

Categories
Others Sacrament Tradition

The Traditional Catholic Societies

Where changes were made according to the likings of the Protestants. After that, a sad result which many priests and nuns resigned. The Catechism, no longer teaches in school and churches which resulted that many faithful does not know the Catholic Faith. And what makes worse is that Protestants are now using the lack of a person’s education about the Catholic faith to invite them to their false church and share a false teaching. But the main problem with the Vatican II Council is the changes in the Holy Mass. Unlike the solution in the Council of Trent and Pope St. Pius V, the Vatican II solutions end in a disaster. But, some priest whom still followed the Sacred Tradition and wants to main the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the truth about Catholic Faith, remains in the Church to fix these problems. These are the Traditional Catholic Societies.

Who are the Traditional Catholic Societies? 

They are a groups of Priests, nuns and faithful who wants to restore the Catholic Tradition that strengthen the Catholic Faith. The tradition was tested in the previous years, which results of many faithful Saints such as St. Camillus, St. Rose of Lima, St. Francis De Sales, and St. Padre Pio. One of their main missions is to maintain the Tridentine Mass or what we all know as the Traditional Latin Mass or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. 

When did the Traditional Catholic Societies start? 

During the Vatican II Council, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre lead a group of cardinals, priest and theologians to oppose the changes in the Church including the Holy Mass. But sadly, they failed. Then, a group of French seminarians approaches him to teach them according to the Tradition of the Catholic Church. Then in 1970, he instituted the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to continue the Sacred Tradition including the Tridentine Mass. When Archbishop Lefebvre ordained four bishops without the Pope’s approval. Him and the four newly ordained Bishops were excommunicated (but not the SSPX) which results of some priest leave the society and form their own Traditional Society, the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) under the approval of the Pope John Paul II. After that, many groups of priests formed their own Traditional Catholic Societies including the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICKSP) and the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer (FSSR). 

If the Bishops of the SSPX were excommunicated, is it okay to attend the Mass of the SSPX? 

Only Archbishop Lefebvre and the four Bishops were excommunicated but not the priest and the faithful who are under SSPX. But the excommunication was lifted by Pope Benedict XVI. In short, it is okay to attend the Holy Mass of SSPX because they are catholic and still under the Catholic Church and accept the leadership of the Pope. 

But some people called SSPX Schismatic, is it still okay to attend their Holy Mass? 

SSPX are not Schismatic because they still have the same Catholic Faith. Though they did not accept the modern teachings of the Vatican II Council, including the Novus Ordo Mass, their status is not schismatic. 

Is it okay to attend the Traditional Latin Mass even if the Pope restrict it? 

Yes, it is okay to attend the Traditional Latin Mass even if there’s a restriction of the Pope. The SSPX is not under these restrictions and FSSP was not part of the restriction. But let us pray that this restriction will be lifted so our good priest can celebrate the Traditional Holy Mass. 

Are there Traditional Societies who don’t recognize the leadership of the Pope? 

Yes, these are the Sedevacantists societies such as the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen (CMRI) and the Society of Saint Pius V (SSPV).

The Sanhedrin was the forum for the pharisees, who believed in the resurrection and in angels, and the saducees, who are akin to new theories and philosophies. All beliefs and philosophies concerning God and His creation are allowed to be expressed here.

 

Copyright © 2021-2023
The Sanhedrin. All rights reserved.