Catholicism – The Sanhedrin

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Have you gone to Japan and tried their authentic Ramen? Or went to the United Kingdom and try their Beef Wellington? Or have you tried the Puto Calasiao in Pangasinan, Philippines? This is one of the Traditional Foods that is very authentic of these places. But what if someone will say, the way of cooking of Ramen is too old, let's change it. He removed the usual ramen ingredients and replace it with something new. Then when you taste it, it tastes like a cup noodle with less salty flavor. Or someone will say let’s remove the breading on the beef wellington to look more appealing. Then when you introduce this to the British. They will say to you that "This is not beef Wellington". This is the taste and appearance that we are now experiencing today when the Second Vatican Council decides to change or remove some important ingredients of our Catholic Faith, and this is by removing some of the Sacred Traditions. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the tradition does not work in modern times today. So, what are those sacred traditions that do not fit today?

The Two Holy Masses

Now that the word about the Traditional Latin Mass or the Tridentine Mass has spread all over the world including the internet. There are questions that were frequently asked about these two Holy Mass, the Traditional Latin and the Novus Ordo Mass. Many were confused because of the information that was posted on the social media. As the Traditionalist such as Taylor Marshall and Archbishop Schneider explained the errors of the New Mass, the modernist such as the Vatican and some of the Priests defend the Novus Ordo Mass and criticized the Traditional Mass. We've been posting articles about the Traditional Latin Mass to educate our readers, but let's look at the point of view of some Traditionalist, modernist about these two Holy Mass and what is our view.

The Orans

On July 16, 2023 during the Memorial of our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Archbishop Victor Bendico of CBCP and also archbishop of Capiz, released circular no. 2023-03 on the question as whether the faithful are allowed to hold or raise hands during the Lord's prayer in the Mass. He indicates Pope Francis' catechesis last March 14, 2017 that everyone can do the raise hand gesture and to hold hands of Our Father. In recent years, some churches stop using Orans to the faithful, but because of this statement of the CBCP, it brings confusion for some of the faithful who don't know if they will use this gesture or not. Is the Pope and CBCP correct about this matter? Before we answer that, let's take a look of the origin of the Orans.

The Ad Orientem and the Versus Populum

In the Holy Mass, there is a long history of debate between the Catholics and the Protestants on where the priest has to face during the Holy Mass. Before the Vatican II council, the Priest always faces to the altar during the Holy Mass. This orientation is called "Ad Orientem". Then changes occurred on Pope Paul VI's Mass (Novus Ordo Mass) in 1969 where the Priest is now facing the congregation. This orientation is called "Versus Populum". The Traditional Catholics societies such as the Society of Pope Pius X (SSPX) and the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP) still using the Ad Orientem as they celebrated the Traditional Latin Mass. Now, the debate is now between the Traditionalist and the Modernist. The question is, which is better? The Ad Orientem or the Versus Populum? Before we answer. Let's take a look of their history.

Why we should not leave the Catholic Church?

There's a recent news that more than 500 thousand of Germany's Catholics left the church. One of the main reasons is the attitude of the church towards sexual abuse which they seek justice. Second, they want a bigger role for women in the church. Third, acceptance of the LGBT and lastly, allowing divorce in the Church. These reasons are not only happening in Germany but also in other parts of the world. Many faithful wish to have another reform for these matters. But, is it right that we leave the church because of these scandals, crimes which involve some priest and then no actions were taken? Or we leave the church because it does not do what we wanted such as same-sex marriage and women clergy. Here is why we should not leave the church.

The Marian Apparition in Lipa (Part 2)

To Continue about the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lipa, we shared some of the similarities of this Apparition to the previous apparition in the part one of these articles. The sign, the number fifteen, her name and the suffering and sacrifices of the seer.There are those who may claim that Sr. Teresita or the people at the Mount Carmel Monastery are aware of other apparitions and are imitating them. But here are some other proofs that the Apparition in Lipa is true.

The Marian Apparition in Lipa (Part 1)

On August 7, 2023, Dr. Robert Masigno, President of Confraternity of Our Lady of Mediatrix of all Grace, sent a message to the CBCP President, Bishop Pablo Virgilio David about the Vatican's letter prohibiting them to host the celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Our Lady Mount Carmel in Lipa, Batangas this September 12. But why does the Vatican prohibit them to host this Marian Event? The reason is the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lipa to Sr. Teresita on September 12, 1948. Is this apparition true or just created by a woman who wants attention? Or a devil in disguise to fool this nun just like the exorcist, Fr. Cabading stated? Before we answer that, let us share a brief history of the Apparation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lipa.

The Holy Works of Pope St. Pius V

The Traditional Latin Mass, often known as the Tridentine Mass, has recently been mentioned in the Catholic media. Some faithful, including young ones, learn about this Holy Mass and begin to attend it rather than the Mass that is currently generally observed, the Novus Ordo Mass. It was then restricted by Pope Francis, which led to more disagreements between orthodox and modernist Catholics. With Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster's newly discovered incorrupt body and her attendance at this Holy Mass, the Traditional Latin Mass becomes a major issue in both Catholic media and social media. We have recently been accustomed to hearing about Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, Pope St. Pius X, and particularly Pope St. Pius V, who promulgated the Tridentine Mass by his Papal Bull, Quo Primum.

What is the Eucharist?

We Christians yearn to see our Lord Jesus Christ, to speak with Him, to hug Him, and to hold His hand. We want to be near Him. We forget that we are already close to Him and never notice it because we live in this modern era. Previous generations, prior to Vatican II, were aware of this, but some of us today are not. Unfortunately, some of our priests today do not teach this to the people because some of our churches do not have catechism. Some were influenced by protestants as a result of Vatican II.

When we participate in the Holy Mass, we are physically and spiritually near to Christ. Some of us, together with our guardian angels, adore it. The others, regrettably, disrespect it both consciously and unknowingly. The Holy Eucharist, which consists of the Body and Blood of Christ, is what I'm referring to. Let's review the fundamentals of the Holy Eucharist by responding to these often asked questions.

The Feast of Corpus Christi

This June 8 and June 11, the church celebrates the Feast of Corpus Christi (from the Latin word “Body of Christ"), also known as the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Catholics are obliged to attend Holy Mass on this day. We celebrate this feast to remember the Real Presence of our Lord’s Body, Blood, Divinity and His Soul in the Holy Eucharist.

Warriors of God

The world is full of challenges. Men always strive for perfection. It is in his nature to be good as he was created from the image of God. Yet he bears the sin of man which makes him weak and vulnerable of his own free will, like warriors facing daily struggles and battles. The Holy Catholic church have given us great warriors, both young and old. Their life and struggles are inspiration for any age in battle.

How much do we love a departed loved one?

The whole month of November is traditionally celebrated by Catholics remembering their departed loved ones. November 2 to be exact is All Soul’s day and everyone is expected to offer a Mass and prayer for the holy souls in purgatory. All of us surely knows a family, relative, a dear friend or love one who passed away. We have cherished memories and enjoyed life with them. But how much do we love them, does it end with their life? Time may heal our pain of losing them, but will the pain of the departed fade in the afterlife as well?