The Program of the Modernists - Bp. Donald Sanborn 10-23-94

SummaryBp. Donald Sanborn presents a critical and traditionalist Catholic perspective on the modernist crisis within the Catholic Church, focusing particularly on the post-Vatican II era and the role of Pope John Paul II. He draws parallels between the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in the Gospel and the modernists within the Church, who outwardly claim Catholic identity while promoting doctrines and disciplines that undermine the true faith. Central to the argument is the assertion that modernists sow destruction through doctrines such as religious liberty and the denial of the Catholic Church as the one true Church of Christ. Bp. Sanborn insists that the proper Catholic response to heresy is anathema—complete rejection and condemnation—as the Church’s mission is to be the pillar and ground of truth, teaching infallibly under the guidance of the Holy Ghost.John Paul II is explicitly denounced as a false pope because he promulgated Vatican II and related reforms, which Bp. Sanborn views as heretical and invalid. Bp. Sanborn critiques Catholics who attend traditional Masses for subjective or aesthetic reasons without confronting the deeper issue of papal authority and the legitimacy of the post-Vatican II hierarchy. He condemns attitudes of “false peace” and indifference that avoid the essential question of papal authority and accuses groups like the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) of maintaining a non-Catholic position by selectively obeying the pope.Bp. Sanborn stresses that submission to the Roman Pontiff is integral to Catholicism; therefore, denying the pope’s authority while claiming to be Catholic is inherently contradictory. He warns of the grave consequences of tolerating heresy within the Church and calls for young men to consider the priesthood seriously to preserve the true Catholic faith. The homily closes with a call to face these issues boldly, rejecting false peace and confusion, and maintaining unwavering fidelity to the true Church’s authority and teachings.HighlightsThe modernists in the Church are likened to the Pharisees, hypocritically claiming Catholicism while undermining it.The doctrine of religious liberty and the denial of the Catholic Church’s unique status weaken the faith.The Catholic Church’s response to heresy must be anathema—complete rejection and condemnation.Pope John Paul II is denounced as a false pope due to promulgating Vatican II and associated reforms.Many Catholics attend traditional Mass for subjective reasons but fail to confront the question of papal authority.The Society of St. Pius X’s selective obedience to the pope is criticized as non-Catholic.A call is made for young men to enter the priesthood to ensure the survival of true Catholicism amid modernist crises.Key InsightsModernist Hypocrisy Threatens the Church’s Integrity: Bp. Sanborn draws an analogy between the Pharisees’ hypocrisy in the Gospel and the modernists within the Church, emphasizing that while they outwardly claim Catholic identity and respect Catholic tradition, their true goal is the destruction of authentic Catholic doctrine. This insight underscores the danger of internal enemies who use the Church’s own structures against it, making vigilance and discernment essential.Religious Liberty as a Tool for Doctrinal Erosion: Bp. Sanborn identifies religious liberty as a key modernist doctrine that undermines the divinity and kingship of Christ by promoting a relativistic view of the Church’s authority. This is significant because it challenges the Church’s teaching on the unique salvific role of the Catholic Church and opens the door to indifferentism, thereby diluting the faith’s coherence and mission.Anathema as the Proper Catholic Response to Heresy: Bp. Sanborn insists that the Church’s historical and doctrinal stance toward heresy is the full and unequivocal rejection of heretics and their doctrines. This insight highlights the uncompromising nature of Catholic orthodoxy and the necessity of clear boundaries to preserve the faith, rejecting modern trends toward ecumenical tolerance that may blur doctrinal lines.John Paul II’s Papacy and Vatican II as a Source of Heresy: Bp. Sanborn’s critique of John Paul II’s legitimacy centers on his promulgation of Vatican II and related reforms, which are characterized as containing heresy and invalid sacraments. This reflects a radical traditionalist position that questions the validity of the post-conciliar Church’s hierarchy and liturgical changes, raising profound ecclesiological questions about authority and continuity.The Problem of Willful Ignorance Among Traditional Catholics: Many Catholics who attend the traditional Latin Mass do so out of an aesthetic or instinctive rejection of the Novus Ordo but fail to engage critically with the issue of papal authority and the heresies they implicitly accept. This insight reveals a common psychological and spiritual pitfall: prioritizing comfort and preference over doctrinal clarity and obedience, which risks fostering a shallow or fragmented faith.Critique of the SSPX’s Position on Papal Authority: Bp. Sanborn critiques the Society of St. Pius X for asserting that John Paul II and the post-Vatican II bishops retain papal authority but may be disobeyed when their teachings appear non-Catholic. This selective obedience is deemed non-Catholic because it contradicts the Church’s teaching on papal infallibility and the unity of faith and governance, raising questions about schism and ecclesial communion.The Urgency of Vocations to Preserve the Faith: Bp. Sanborn’s call to young men to embrace the priesthood is framed as vital for the survival of true Catholicism in a time of crisis. This insight connects the doctrinal and ecclesiological crisis with practical consequences for the Church’s sacramental life and future, emphasizing the role of priests as custodians of the faith and the indispensable nature of their ministry.Rejection of False Peace and Indifference: Bp. Sanborn warns against “false peace,” the attitude of ignoring or minimizing doctrinal disputes for the sake of superficial unity. True peace must be grounded in agreement on essential principles, not merely in coexistence or mutual tolerance. This insight challenges contemporary trends toward ecumenism and internal accommodation that risk compromising Catholic identity.The Indefeasibility of Papal Authority as Core to Catholic Identity: Bp. Sanborn underscores that submission to the Pope as the successor of Peter is non-negotiable in Catholicism. To doubt or reject this authority while claiming to be Catholic is a contradiction and leads to heresy or schism. This insight affirms the centrality of papal primacy and infallibility in defining the Church’s unity and orthodoxy.The Catastrophic Impact of Vatican II and Modernism on Catholicism: The homily paints a grim picture of the post-conciliar Church, equating the damage wrought by modernism with or worse than the Protestant Reformation, with only a small remnant resisting. This highlights the perceived urgency and gravity of the crisis, framing the struggle as a fight for the Church’s very survival.ConclusionThis homily delivers a stringent traditionalist critique of modernism and Vatican II, stressing the necessity of doctrinal purity, papal authority, and unequivocal rejection of heresy. It calls Catholics to confront difficult questions about authority, heresy, and ecclesial legitimacy rather than seeking comfort in false peace or selective o...