Q and A

If irreverence and heresies in a parish are severe, avoiding it may be justified. Like in Soviet times, consider making sacrifices to attend a proper Mass, ensuring doctrinal fidelity and reverence in worship.

Sedevacantists deny papal legitimacy, making their communities schismatic. The SSPX acknowledges the pope’s primacy but disagrees with certain post-Vatican II reforms. Attending SSPX Mass is acceptable with proper understanding, but not sedevacantist Mass.

Marriage reflects the union of Christ and the Church. The husband must sacrificially love and serve his wife, while the wife submits in love and respect, with Christ as the relationship’s center.

The distribution of Holy Communion by laypeople, introduced after Vatican II, goes against tradition. Only priests and bishops should distribute the Eucharist during Mass. Extraordinary ministers should assist only when necessary, with proper reverence.

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal, approved by Pope John Paul II, emphasizes emotional experiences that can undermine doctrine. True charismatic grace promotes prudence and reverence. Catholic tradition should guide charismatic practices toward balanced spirituality.

The prohibition of individual Masses in St. Peter's Basilica undermines Canon Law and the priest's right to celebrate Mass privately, setting a troubling precedent. Despite adversity, God can still bring spiritual fruits.

Refusing the vaccine is crucial as it implicates one in the murder of an innocent child, even remotely. This participation is material cooperation in a grave sin, requiring rejection, as St. Thomas More did.

Receiving Holy Communion on the tongue is a long-standing tradition of reverence, practiced by saints for over a thousand years. Bishops cannot forbid it, as it is part of Church tradition. Reverence for the Eucharist must always be preserved.

If a seminarian believes receiving Holy Communion in the hand is irreverent, he must follow his conscience, prioritizing the Eucharist’s sacredness over diocesan loyalty. God will guide him to formation that upholds this reverence.

In the Catholic Church, only the Pope can judge a bishop’s office. If a bishop errs, we must respectfully advise him, and if he refuses, we appeal to the Pope. We are not bound to obey commands contrary to the faith but must pray for his conversion, respecting the Church's hierarchy.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, along with older catechisms like the Baltimore and Pope Pius X's, provides reliable doctrine. Prayer, sacraments, frequent confession, Eucharist, and reading apologetics strengthen and deepen faith.

Before examining your conscience, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and ask your guardian angel for help. Regularly doing this, especially in the evening, deepens your Christian life.

I prefer the Russian Bible, a careful translation by exiled English priests after the Protestant Reformation, based on the Vulgate. It was approved by the Church and used in Catholic liturgy, unlike modern English versions.

Medjugorje is a pilgrimage destination, not officially recognized as an apparition site. The Church has allowed prayer at sites of alleged apparitions without confirming their authenticity, as with Wigratzbad and Marienfried.

Canonizations are prudential judgments, not infallible teachings. While we trust the Church's authority, we are not obliged to believe in a canonization. Historical cases, like St. Philomena, show saints can be removed. All prayers ultimately go to God.

Many, including Orthodox Christians and Muslims, instinctively rejected vaccines linked to abortion, reflecting the Sensus Fidelium. Catholics must avoid any connection to abortion, maintaining a clear stance, as Bishop Strickland emphasized. Truth is about unwavering testimony, not numbers.

The validity of a confession depends on the sins confessed. Venial sins are valid, and if mortal sins are unintentionally omitted due to time, the intention to confess them still makes the confession valid, though they should be confessed at the next opportunity.

If traveling for confession is feasible, aim to confess once a month. If not, make an act of loving contrition with a sincere desire to go to confession, reflecting a genuine wish for the sacrament.

Penance should match your life. Ask God for guidance. Small, hidden acts, like giving up comforts or showing patience are meaningful. True penance is personal, quiet, and shaped by your circumstances.

There are different examples, according to your lifestyle, to your condition of life, and you have to ask God,

In 1984, Pope John Paul II did not explicitly mention Russia during the consecration due to political circumstances, as explained to Cardinal Cordes. While Heaven accepted the act, a more explicit consecration could still be done. Our Lady's request emphasizes the need for the Pope and bishops to unite in this act, ensuring a moral and meaningful involvement from bishops, possibly through delegates, for a unified consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Penance varies based on lifestyle and circumstances. Seek guidance from God and your guardian angel. Small acts like avoiding sugar, waking up earlier, refraining from TV, or supporting a difficult person can be meaningful penances, tailored to your condition.

The Church is greater than the Pope, who is its visible head. Catholics should focus on Christ, follow the truth, and pray for the Pope’s conversion with a supernatural vision.

The death penalty isn't a dogma, so Pope Francis' stance isn't heresy. The pope’s authority comes from God, and only God can remove him. While he can err when not teaching definitively, theories about deposing him reflect a lack of trust in God's guidance and the Church’s divine structure.

In the Catholic Church’s hierarchy, bishops do not automatically lose authority for teaching heresy. Only the Pope can remove a bishop. The faithful should respectfully admonish the bishop, pray, and if necessary, report errors to the Pope. Rome must intervene to protect the purity of the faith.

We must renew our faith, trusting that Jesus, who promised to remain with us until the end, will protect His Church. Even in difficult times, like the Golgotha hours, the faithful, especially laypeople, will preserve the faith, as seen in the Arian crisis. The Holy Spirit is at work.

The Rosary is a powerful way to contemplate Christ’s life. While Mass already contains the mysteries, praying the Rosary during Mass is fitting. Both are valid, and grace follows personal disposition.

The Society of Saint Pius X is not fully recognized by Rome but offers traditional priestly formation. The decision depends on personal discernment, spiritual guidance, and the formation he seeks, chosen prayerfully.

Attending Mass celebrated by the Society of St. Pius X fulfills your Sunday obligation, according to Ecclesia Dei. While their canonical status is irregular, SSPX's authority for confessions and marriages has improved.

The priest can purify his hands if necessary, but wearing a mask during Mass, especially when distributing Holy Communion, may detract from reverence. The faithful should kneel, and sanitizer should be used properly, ensuring no impact on the Body of Christ.