Expert: Fr. Michael - 12/3/2009

Question
Father, why did the Novus Ordo decanonize Saints such Saints like St. Philomena? They claim there wasn't enough information of her sanctity, which is absurd. She's the only Saint canonized soley on her intercession. There's even records of demons complaining about her during exorcisms. I mean what's next, are they going decanonize St. Padre Pio because he opposed the new mass and the ideals of the Vatican II Council, Mother Theresa sailed right through? I really despise the Norvus Ordo!

Answer
Part of the Modernist bent of Vatican II (1962-1965) and its aftermath was to degrade veneration of the Saints, as the contradicted the Protestant theology toward which the Vatican II Church wanted to move in doctrine and in liturgy.

St. Philomena was an early victim of this degradation, in 1961.  Many other Saints, such as St. Christopher, were demoted or removed in the purge of 1968.  The excuse used was often that there was no evidence for the early Saints, in spite of the fact that the Tradition of the Church had confirmed their existence and veneration.