> From: Terrye.Newkirk@f0.n1.z99.fidonet.org (Terrye Newkirk)
> Date: 03 Mar 96 10:16:09
> Subject: "Licit," "Legal," "Unlawful"
>
> Dear Father Mateo,
>
> In a discussion of Masses conducted by the Society of St.
> Piux X without permission of the local ordinary, the
> question has been raised as to whether these are "illegal"
> under Church law.
>
> My understanding is that the Church in its documents uses
> the term "illicit" to designate that which is unlawful (as
> opposed to invalid), and that Catholics ought to avoid
> whatever is not licit. My correspondent replies that, since
> the bishop did not say it is *illegal* for him to attend the
> SSPX Masses, it is only a minor matter that they are
> illicit, and he may in good conscience attend.
>
> I know you have addressed the larger question of the SSPX
> here before, but can you clarify this issue of "illegal" vs.
> "illicit? Is there a distinction in Church law?
>
> Thanks for your time.
>
> ... I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Dear Terrye,
Canon Law in its Latin original uses only the terms "licitus"
(licit, legal) and "illicitus" (illicit, illegal, unlawful).
There is no distinction made in the English translation between,
"licit" and "legal" or between "illicit" and "illegal".
Your correspondent, in attending an illicit and schismatic
(although valid) Mass, is disobedient to this bishop and is in
violation of canons 209 and 212, 1 of the Code of Canon Law:
Canon 290 - 1. "Christ's faithful are bound to preserve their
Communion with the Church at all times, even in their external
actions."
Canon 209 - 2. "They are to carry out with great diligence their
responsibilities towards both the universal Church and the
particular Church (diocese, parish) to which by law they belong."
Canon 212 - 1. "Christ's faithful conscious of their own
responsibility, are bound to show Christian obedience to what the
sacred Pastors, who represent Christ, declare as teachers of the
Faith and prescribe as rulers of the Church."
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit -
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