The Storm of Modernism, by Most Rev. Donald J. Sanborn
Summary
Most Rev. Donald J. Sanborn delivers a sermon reflecting on the modern crisis in the Church. He likens the current situation in the Church to the storm described in the Gospel, where the apostles feared they would perish, believing Christ was asleep. He draws a parallel to modernism, arguing that although the situation seems dire, Christ is not absent but permitting this trial for a greater good—namely, to purify the Church and the faithful from liberalism and modernist influences.
Bishop Sanborn critiques Vatican II and its aftermath, claiming that it brought about a rupture in the Church, leading to widespread apostasy. He sees the rise of modernism within the hierarchy, including Popes since Vatican II, as part of God’s plan to test the faith of true Catholics. He expresses concern over the rise of the Novus Ordo Mass and the tolerance for heresy within the post-Vatican II Church. Sanborn advocates for a return to the true, traditional faith and urges Catholics to strengthen their faith, avoid compromise, and uphold the Church's teachings in the face of modernism.
Key Quotes:
On the current crisis in the Church:
"The raging sea and wind is the storm of modernism... it seems as if our Lord is asleep... but He is obviously not asleep."
"God cannot permit evil except to draw from it a greater good."
On faith and trial:
"We should have faith just as Christ proved Himself many times by miracles and prophecies to be the true Messiah and God."
"What would have pleased our Lord to hear in the boat would have been this: no matter how much the sea rages, we have nothing to fear for the author of life is in our boat."
On Vatican II and its aftermath:
"Vatican II and its consequences are a very important step toward the coming of the Antichrist."
"If the Catholic Church had remained in its perfect state... the Antichrist could never have succeeded."
On the purification of the faithful:
"God has permitted John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, Ratzinger, Bergoglio to draw out the modernists from the walls of the Church."
"True Catholics are perfecting their faith... they are not attracted by the cheese of modernism."
On the need for uncompromising adherence to the faith:
"Either Vatican II is continuity with the Catholic faith, or it is not. There is no gray in between."
Analysis
Modernism as the Core Crisis:
Sanborn views modernism as the primary crisis affecting the Church. He argues that the storm of modernism has infiltrated the Church to such an extent that even the Papacy has been compromised. Vatican II is seen as the turning point, not only in terms of its doctrinal errors but also as a catalyst for the spread of heresy. This is why, from a sedevacantist perspective, the current popes (post-Vatican II) are not considered valid.
The Role of God’s Providence:
From Sanborn’s perspective, the Church’s present trials are allowed by God for a greater good: the purification of the faithful. He emphasizes the idea that trials, though seemingly destructive, are part of God’s plan to separate the wheat from the chaff. This purging process is seen as necessary to preserve the integrity of the Catholic faith, which has been distorted by modernism since the 18th century.
Apostasy and the Antichrist:
Sanborn believes the great apostasy predicted in 2 Thessalonians, which is a key concept for sedevacantists, has already begun. The acceptance of modernist errors and the decline in moral and doctrinal clarity, symbolized by the Novus Ordo Mass, are seen as signs that the Church is heading towards the coming of the Antichrist. In this context, the rise of figures like Pope Francis is viewed as a precursor to this ultimate heresy.
Call for Purity and Non-Compromise:
A key takeaway from Sanborn’s message is the call to remain steadfast in the pre-Vatican II faith. Sedevacantists reject any attempt to reconcile the modern Church with traditional Catholicism, which they see as a dilution of the faith. For Sanborn, compromise is unacceptable; the Church must either maintain its traditional teachings or completely reject the innovations introduced by Vatican II.
Priesthood and the Fight Against Modernism:
Sanborn places a heavy emphasis on the need for traditional priests who are fully dedicated to resisting modernism. He suggests that one of the best ways to fight modernism is through the formation of priests who will live and preach the traditional faith, ensuring that the fight against heresy remains ongoing.
The Crisis of Authority and the Unity of Faith:
The absence of clear authority in the modern Church, particularly post-Vatican II, is a major concern for Sanborn. He critiques the Vatican II reforms for creating confusion and division. According to him, authority is essential for maintaining unity in the Church, and the current lack of authority in the Novus Ordo leads to theological fragmentation and doctrinal uncertainty.
Takeaways:
Purification of the Faithful: Bishop Sanborn sees the current crisis as a necessary purification for those faithful who resist the modernist tide. The faithful are being tested, and their rejection of modernism will lead to spiritual growth.
Vatican II as a Turning Point: Vatican II is viewed as the primary turning point where the Church’s doctrines began to shift and modernism gained a foothold. The crisis, for Sanborn, is irreversible unless the Church returns to pre-Vatican II teachings.
The Importance of Uncompromising Tradition: From a sedevacantist viewpoint, there is no middle ground between Vatican II and traditional Catholicism. Catholics must reject modernist innovations, such as the Novus Ordo, in favor of the pre-Vatican II faith, which remains unchanged and pure.
Antichrist and the End Times: Sanborn links the modernist crisis to the approach of the Antichrist, seeing the acceptance of modernist ideas as preparing the way for a future global heresy. This apocalyptic outlook stresses the urgency for Catholics to remain faithful to the true Church, even as the world seems to embrace increasingly secular, relativistic ideologies.
This homily serves as a call to action for Catholics to resist the modernist tide, reaffirm their faith, and preserve traditional practices and teachings in the face of overwhelming opposition.
