Substantial or Accidental Changes? - Bp. Donald Sanborn 08-20-95

SummaryBp. Donald Sanborn delivers a detailed homily introducing a series focused on the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) and their profound implications on the Catholic Church. He emphasizes the importance of understanding whether these changes are substantial or merely accidental, a distinction critical to determining the legitimacy and acceptability of the reforms. Substantial changes affect the very essence of the Church’s doctrine, discipline, or worship, while accidental changes influence only peripheral or non-essential aspects.According to His Excellency, Vatican II introduced substantial changes that represent an abandonment of traditional Catholic doctrine. The central dogmatic shift identified is the change from the teaching that the Catholic Church is the one true Church outside of which there is no salvation, to the idea that the Church of Christ merely “subsists” in the Catholic Church, thereby endorsing the salvation potential of other religions. This doctrinal alteration underpins changes in the liturgy, worship, and discipline, which Bp. Sanborn argues now incorporate heretical and Protestant elements, dilute Catholic teachings such as the real presence in the Eucharist, and promote ecumenism that verges on syncretism.The homily highlights the dangers of these reforms, particularly the ecumenical activities led by figures such as Karol Wojtyla ("Pope" John Paul II), who engaged in interfaith worship practices that contradict Catholic dogma. Bp. Sanborn condemns Vatican II’s ecumenical spirit as apostasy, a complete abandonment of the true Catholic faith, rather than a mere heresy or reform.The traditional Catholic movement’s resistance to Vatican II is framed as a necessary defense of the true faith, demanding understanding and perseverance. Bp. Sanborn promises to elaborate on the historical context and doctrinal contradictions of Vatican II in future sermons to equip the faithful to resist what is characterized as a profound and dangerous rupture with authentic Catholicism.HighlightsVatican II introduced substantial, not accidental, changes in Catholic doctrine, discipline, and worship.The Council altered the dogma of the Church as the one true Church, allowing salvation through other religions.The New Mass (Novus Ordo) incorporates Protestant ideas, undermining the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist and priesthood.Changes in discipline reflect a loss of belief in core doctrines, such as the real presence of Christ in Communion.Vatican II’s ecumenism promotes syncretism, involving participation in non-Catholic worship and apostasy.The traditional Catholic movement resists Vatican II as a defense of the true faith against apostasy.The speaker intends to provide an in-depth historical and doctrinal analysis to strengthen resistance to Vatican II reforms.Key InsightsSubstantial vs. Accidental Change: The distinction between substantial and accidental changes is foundational to Catholic theology. Bp. Sanborn uses clear metaphors (burning paper vs. changing ice cream flavor) to explain why Vatican II’s reforms are deemed substantial, affecting the Church’s essence rather than superficial practices. This framework legitimizes resistance based on theology rather than personal preference.Central Dogmatic Shift: The most critical change is the redefinition of the Catholic Church’s exclusivity in salvation. By asserting that the Church “subsists” in the Catholic Church instead of being the one true Church, Vatican II opens the door to religious pluralism, which Bp. Sanborn views as a direct contradiction to prior Catholic dogma and a root cause of further doctrinal and liturgical changes.Liturgical Reforms as Theological Statements: The changes in the Mass’s rites and ceremonies are not merely stylistic but convey new theological messages. The reduction of genuflections, the alteration of prayers, and the emphasis on congregational participation are seen as manifestations of doctrinal shifts rejecting the real presence and the sacrificial nature of the Mass, aligning more closely with Protestant worship.Discipline Reflecting Doctrine: Liturgical discipline, such as kneeling for Communion, is intimately linked to belief in doctrine (the real presence). Changes in discipline are therefore symptomatic of deeper doctrinal shifts. When discipline changes without doctrinal justification, it signals a profound transformation or abandonment of traditional belief.Ecumenism and Syncretism as Apostasy: Vatican II’s embrace of ecumenism is portrayed not simply as an error but as apostasy—a total abandonment of the faith. Bp. Sanborn highlights events like the “spirit of Assisi,” where non-Catholic worship was conducted in Catholic churches, as emblematic of this apostasy and a betrayal of Catholic exclusivity in worship and salvation.Role of Church Leadership: The actions of post-Vatican II "popes", particularly John Paul II, are criticized for promoting ecumenism and interfaith activities that violate the First Commandment. Bp. Sanborn argues that these leaders have actively facilitated the insertion of a “new religion” into the Church, diverging from traditional Catholicism.The Traditional Movement as a Witness: Resistance to Vatican II is framed not as mere dissent but as a faithful witness to the truth of Catholicism. Despite internal disagreements within the movement, its core unites around the rejection of Vatican II’s changes. This resistance is portrayed as a religious and moral imperative to safeguard the faith against apostasy.The homily thus serves both as a theological critique of Vatican II and a call to action for Catholics to educate themselves, resist, and persevere in preserving traditional Catholic doctrine, worship, and discipline.TrueCatholicFaith.com