Expert: J.M.J. West - 6/21/2008

Question
Dear J.M.J West,

                She said that I am called to religious life. I also am too against the Vatican II. I only believe in the pre-Vatican II Tridentine Mass" The Blessed Mother is too against it.

So do you know any orders that are Pre Vatican II? Do you know any at all or have a list of them that I can search up. My mom is going to a retreat with me soon,so I also want to know are nuns or sisters aloud to preach to children I want to be a catechist teacher are they aloud!


Answer
I'll warn you now, of these apparitions are telling you to be "against Vatican II", then there is a real problem with the message (one which conflicts with the very Church which is the Body of Our Lady's Son, and in which she is the pre-eminent member).

Vatican II was a perfectly fine ecumenical council.  The problems that have affected the Church have come after Vatican II, but not necessarily BECAUSE of Vatican II (this is the classic "post hoc, ergo propter hoc" fallacy).

This might help:
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2002/0207fea3.asp
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0512fea1.asp
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2004/0412rev11.asp


If in fact these apparitions are telling you to oppose Vatican II, then I'd strongly urge you to test these spirits.  Even if the message sounds good (e.g. "Go join a convent"), it could be the message of the devil (who could only love to have the very religious of the Church against the church).

I do not have a list of "pre-Vatican II" churches or orders, but many will use the Tridentine Mass or the 1962 Missal Benedict XVI has recently re-encouraged the use of (and which has always been licit to use).  Love of that form of mass is perfectly fine, and it does not warrant being "against" the Church or her councils.

I hope that helps,

Pax Christi,

-J.M.J. West