The Heresy of Antiquarianism

The misguided idea of bringing the Liturgy (and the Sacraments for that matter)back to "Biblical times" and attemping to recreate "Last Supper conditions" is one that has the heresy of antiquarianism at its roots. This is the rationale given by those progressives who want to see the Sacred Mystery of the Mass reduced to the banality of a meal. "Cook up some hamburger helper Honey, and let's eat!"

Discussed at length in this excellent article by Cornelia Ferreira from Catholic Family News, the heresy was condemned by Pius XII in the encyclical Mediator Dei. Pope Pius XII, references the illegal Council of Pistoia which attempted to bring about Mass in the vernacular, a reduction of all religious orders to one with a common habit and rule, eliminating perpetual vows, and requiring each Church to have but one altar. (The modernists have simplified their attack on the religious life in merely calling for a reduction).

So the next time the Liturgy committee tells you they are making a change to reclaim our roots or restore authentic liturgy, you will know that this is an idea that has been tried before. In 1786 by the Jansenist Bishop who called for the Council of Pistoia, in 1947 when Pius the XII saw the danger and identified it as a heresy and even now in the present.

"So then brethern, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15