Archbishop of Glasgow Ends Latin Mass at Sacred Heart, Bridgeton – But, Where is Fr Stephen Dunn?
Editor writes…
At Mass this morning in Sacred Heart Bridgeton, I found, not Father Stephen Dunn offering the Mass as usual, but Father Gerard Byrne (St Brigid’s Toryglen). It turned out that Fr Byrne was there to read a Statement from the Archbishop of Glasgow who has decided to suppress the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in Bridgeton: The Statement reads:
A Statement from Archbishop Nolan
As requested, by the Pope’s document Traditionis Custodes, Father Stephen Dunn had asked me for permission to celebrate Mass according to the Tridentine form. I have turned down his request.
This means that from today the Tridentine Mass will no longer be celebrated here in Sacred Heart church.
The Archdiocese has yet to fully conform with the requirements of Traditiones Custodes; when it does so there will be celebrations of the Tridentine Mass available at one, yet to be determined location in the Archdiocese. At present, though, Mass according to the 1962 missal is being celebrated at St Brigid’s, Toryglen, or Immaculate Heart of Mary, Balornock.
I am grateful to Fr Gerard Byrne for making himself available today so that those coming to Sacred Heart this morning were not deprived of Mass. Ends.
As soon as the Statement was read, without comment from Fr Byrne, there were a number of people in the congregation who called out asking for an explanation, and similar expressions of justified anger, while one woman shouted “NO!”
I was seated at the front and my contribution to the uprising came with the arrival of the pass-keeper and his collection plate. I waved him away and said “No way!” Hoping that others might see/hear and refuse to contribute. Only the person counting the money will know if it worked.
This is shocking news… Your thoughts.
Some time later…
I have now been in touch with Father Dunn and the matter is even more serious than first appears to be the case.
I will be posting a second thread on further major news about this matter, later this afternoon. In the meantime, please restrict your comments to the issue of Traditionis Custodes and the ending of the Latin Mass provision in the Sacred Heart and – as the Archbishop indicates – at least one other Glasgow parish once he has made up his mind which one of the two remaining TLM parishes to axe. If you already know the further shocking major news to which I refer, please do not post it here. I will be posting it as a fresh thread, for the record, later today.
My best guess is that the Archbishop will leave the Mass in Toryglen and remove the three Masses offered in the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In your opinion, how should the priests who are “axed” respond?
Comments (50)
It’s going to keep on happening everywhere until there is nowhere left . . . latest from Diane Montagna at The Remnant: https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/6408-pope-francis-reviewing-new-apostolic-constitution-to-cement-traditionis-custodes
The six-million dollar question is this – for those of us who cannot get to an SSPX Mass, what do we do? Buckle under and go to the Novus Ordo or stop going to Mass?
Stop going to the N.O.
Does attendance bring you any graces or do you leave with steam coming out of your ears?
I have said before that I call this “Mass” the LCD Mass: Lowest Common Denominator Mass and nothing will make me reconsider.
Stop attending.
Stop giving money. El Gordo badly needs cash … maybe that will wake him up? Unlikely.
sarto2010
I don’t attend the N.O. I asked what would happen if I couldn’t get to the diocesan TLM which I have been attending for decades. I cannot get to an SSPX chapel, and in that respect I am in the same boat as the vast majority of other Catholics who want to attend the TLM.
WF
The answer from your list is “stop going to Mass” as Cornelius points out below, quoting the advice of Archbishop Lefebvre to read our missal (Mass of the day) and pray the rosary etc. We are living in a crisis with terrible priests and bishops and we must not go through the motions of “worshipping” God in a way that is offensive to him. There’s no use saying that this or that priest says the NO reverently – that is irrelevant, the Satanists say their black Masses reverently! The new Mass was set up in opposition to the true Mass, to remove the ancient prayers of sacrifice and atonement etc. and that is clearly displeasing to God. Just look at the state of the Church as a result, it’s falling to bits!
You make a great point about the Satanists. Last week at our now relegated to a week day TLM our Good Priest said He was sick of finding Consecrated Hosts stuck behind pews. Or stuck in chewing gum under seats.
The one thing He certainly did say and we know of is that Satanists know a consecrated Host more than lots who go to the N.O. I personally don’t want to Abandon my Faith completely as to me that’s what Bergoglio and the Awful Swish Dancing on ice Arthur Roche clearly want us to do.
As the ED said on Fr Dunns post al just keep my Money in my pocket at N.O. service.
I do not want not going to my own Catholic Church a habit.
I agree though with everything you say .
FOOF,
I have just seen your comment from February 20 @4:07 and I am horrified to learn that there is a priest in the Diocese of Motherwell who is finding Hosts stuck behind pews or stuck in chewing gum under seats.
That priest MUST refuse Communion in the hand.
If you would be kind enough to email me his name, I will contact him directly. This is very grave indeed.
I heard an interesting – and very troubling – theory about a week ago, namely, that Francis intends to corral all traditionalists into the SSPX, and then excommunicate them.
This passage from St. Matthew comes to mind:
“And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell.”
Except we are now in a period ruled by Satan and his minions, so everything is imitated and then turned upside down, to wit:
“And if tradition scandalizes thee, cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that tradition should perish, rather than the whole Conciliar “reform” be cast into the rubbish heap.” etc.
RCA Victor,
Certainly in England, if diocesan TLM’s are banned, there wouldn’t be enough SSPX churches/chapels to take in those left without anywhere to attend the TLM, even if all geographical and transport issues could be miraculously resolved, there simply wouldn’t be the space.
westminsterfly,
Archbishop Lefebvre said that if we just cannot get to the TLM then we stay at home, read through our missal (i.e. a “dry” Mass), make a Spiritual Communion and pray our rosary. I would add to that to do some good spiritual reading. lives of saints etc to sanctify your Sunday. I find that spiritual reading every day makes a huge different to how you look upon and understand the faith.
I would totally second Sarto2010’s statement about never ever attending the novus ordo. It does not give authentic worship to God – in fact it offends him. It will take you away from the faith, bit by bit, drip by drip.
Cornelius,
I fully support your comment but I would like to add that as well as avoiding the novus ordo I think it’s important to note that hearing an online Mass, even a traditional one, does not fulfil our Sunday obligation and many Catholics, including traditional ones that I have spoken with, continue to do so since Covid when they should be back in person in church. They are confused into thinking this is OK because the Masses are still being put online by priests, which I think is wrong.
I can understand that people who are sick and immobile would want to watch it but the priests should being putting on a warning across the screen that this does not replace attendance in person at Mass, obviously, for those in good health who are mobile.
I’d like to add that sermons recorded are good, because people can’t always hear in church, poor mics and acoustics etc and hearing a good sermon about the faith and morals and virtues can inspire people.
(For “thee” substitute “us” – i.e. the wicked cabal who currently controls the human element of the Church.)
Important Notice…
I have now been in touch with Father Dunn and the matter is even more serious than first appears to be the case.
I will be posting a second thread on further major news about this matter, later this afternoon In the meantime, please restrict your comments to the issue of Traditionis Custodes and the ending of the Latin Mass provision in the Sacred Heart and – as the Archbishop indicates – at least one other Glasgow parish once he has made up his mind which one of the two remaining TLM parishes to axe. If you already know the further shocking major news to which I refer, please do not post it here. I will be posting it as a fresh thread, for the record, later today.
My best guess is that the Archbishop will leave the Mass in Toryglen and remove the three Masses offered in the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In your opinion, how should the priests who are “axed” respond?
Editor,
I think the priests should respond by telling the archbishop to get lost. They are there to “feed the sheep” and if any bishop is putting obstacles in the way of them doing that, they should bit obey.
I understand that they promise obedience to their bishop at ordination but nobody is required to obey an unjust command.
Typo – “bit” obey should be “not” obey. Sorry.
I was present at Sacred Heart this morning, too, and I was stunned to hear that Statement from Archbishop Nolan.
In these circumstances I was pleased to see resounding support for Father Dunn from the congregation. Obviously, in normal times I would not condone people shouting out from the pews but given the situation announced today, with our Mass being taken away, it was understandable.
I did feel sorry for the priest who had to read out the Archbishop’s Statement because he did not look like he was comfortable reading that announcement. He may have been wondering if he was going to be next. So, let’s step up our prayers for our good priests.
Our Lady of Fatima pray for us – this is what this is actually all about, the fulfilment of the Fatima prophecies.
Editor, sad to hear your story. Nolan is a company man as I haven’t forgotten how he treated fr Despard. Normally we had 1 Latin Mass every day until TC came into force. Now we have nothing except for 1 Latin Mass on every Sunday which I would expect to be eliminated around Easter time (rumours re another stronger one of another TC coming down the line).
Sheer contempt shown to the parishioners was quite obvious cos no consultation at all whatsoever. I declined to contribute as I’m considering moving to sspx which is bit far for my liking. That’s where I might move. Before regular TLM was struck off, there is a donation box where we contribute after mass without any need of cash collection. Once TC came into law, parish priest over 20 years was transferred to a lowly one as he used to say TLM regularly. He’s a diocesan priest. Then new PP youngish one, came on as he started doing cash collections on Sundays to my surprise and others too. I have come to my conclusion bishops are thinking of money instead of the parishioners. That new Bishop we have now looks gay to me more of a PR guy as he’s a francis devotee.
Finally I don’t like priests or bishops (especially other blog BB) who promotes new mass at the expense of TLM without any alternative options open to ourselves. I am in favour of options available to parishioners to choose from whether it be NO or TLM.
Our Lord foresaw this day when He spoke of “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. There is no perfect answer: the FSSP, SSPX, and all other “traditional” congregations, whether “recognized” by Rome or not, all have their inherent flaws. Still, I agree with sarto2010 that the Nervous Disorder is not the answer. After having been to an NO funeral very recently, I can only say that we should all avoid the temptation to attend this contaminated rite as a last resort. May God preserve Scotland and protect His faithful Scots from the likes of this odious Archbishop Nolan.
Marinaio,
I agree with you completely and I had a good laugh at your “Nervous Disorder” for the novus ordo LOL!
Marinaio,,
I don’t know that there are many “faithful Scots” left these days. Most have gone along to get along in the novus ordo parishes although they are a dwindling number anyway. So many parishes are merging or closing that the archdiocese is in terminal decline now. So, instead of building up the area of growth, i.e. the traditional Masses, Archbishop Nolan is pulling them up at the roots. It’s a disgrace.
Of course, this is a classic case of absuive clerical authority. The Traditional Latin Mass is the Mass that sanctified the saints and martyrs, the Mass for which Sacred Heart church was built. Throughout history, only heretics, Freemasons and Communists have shown themselves hostile to this sacred liturgy and done everything in their power to suppress it. Whatever the pretext, then, we may be certain that any action to remove or restrict a priest’s right and ability to celebrate this ancient Mass for his own sanctification and that of the faithful is straight from Hell. We need to be very clear on this, it’s a Luciferian act for which abusive prelates, however exalted in office, will pay the ultimate price in eternity.
Fr. Dunn, like other good priests, is persecuted for his fidelity to the Traditional Catholic Faith at a time when Pope Francis and so many careerist liberal prelates have lost that Faith. They cannot tolerate anyone reminding them of the theological and moral teaching they detest and have departed from, so they misuse authoirty to deprive such priests of a venue for the celebration of Our Lord’s true sacrifice. It is exactly what the Protestant Reformers did 450 years ago, except this time spiritual martyrdom is the price for not conforming to the perverse new religion with its moral relativism. Our Lord will not permit this to last, however.
This destructive Pope we have now is doing all he can in the few years that remain to him to further devastate the Church. To this end, he has rescinded Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, in which Benedict made it abundantly clear that the ancient Latin rite of Mass has never been abrigated (nor could be) and that every priest is free to celebrate it without requiring the permission of superiors. This is the truth concerning the Mass of the saints and martyrs that contradicts the falsehood imposed by Francis and his episcopal enablers.
Many saints have observed in the past that those who hate Catholic Tradition, especially the ancient Mass, are more to be pitied than scorned because it is the clearest sign that they have lost the supernatural Catholic Faith. This is sadly what we are witnessing in Pope Francis, Archbishop Nolan and others, men lost to the supernatural who now act vindictively against those who trouble their conscience. It’s to be expected and we should expect things to get worse until Our Lord finally brings an end to the Conciliar apostasy.
Athanasius,
Hear, hear – that’s a brilliant comment from you, everything is covered, just about.
As soon as I heard this news from the sanctuary this morning, I looked at that beautiful marble altar and altar rails and thought “they’ll be next to get cancelled – watch this space”.
It’s shocking beyond words. There are so few “Father Dunns” out there, and it is worrying thinking what is going to become of us in the future without good priests like him offering the TLM.
Catherine
I think we have to understand that this is all-out war on the Traditional Mass of our forefathers by men in the Church who detest the Holy Sacrifice. What they want is full imposition of their non-offensive “celebration of the Eucharist”, the Novus Ordo which was lifted directly from the blueprint “meal service” of the Reformation apostate Archbishop Thomas Cranmer. These are men lost to the Catholic Faith who now live for this world, which Pope Francis calls “our common home”. But it’s not our common home, it’s a place of exile. Heaven is our common home and the ancient Mass of the Church is perfectly constructed to remind us of this supernatural reality.
What they want is a church of effeminacy in which all religions and none are welcome; a syncretist Church that incorporates the Pachamama and the washing of Muslim feet on Maundy Thursday; a Church in which climate change and refugees are central doctrines alongside moral relativism. In fine, it’s that “smoke of Satan” Pope Paul VI referenced way back in the 1970s, which is now so dense it has blinded the majority and is choking them to death. In such a poisonous atmosphere it’s easy to understand the “insanity”, as Pope Gregory XVI called their ecumenical/inter-religious new order.
When they show open hatred towards the ancient Latin Mass of the saints and martyrs, we should be under no illusion that we are dealing with something manifestly demonic.
Athanasius,
It does look like an abuse of authority, I agree.
There can be no grace in the archdiocese now that the ancient Mass is being savaged in this way.
Has this archbishop no fear of God?
Laura
It is absolutely, without question, an abuse of authority. Pope Benedict XVI made it perfectly clear that no bishop has the authority to suppress the ancient Mass of the Church. Indeed, no Pope has that authority either. They are vindictive Modernists who permit anything and everything except the Traditional Faith and Traditional moral teaching. As the old adage goes: “There are none so illiberal as liberals”!!
I am totally bemused by this news. Sacred Heart TLM is not exactly a massive congregation – it’s a smallish number, a nice and healthy size community but not enough to worry the archbishop no matter how much he hates the Mass. It will be interesting to see where the next hit is.
Margaret Mary
It could be that the action is a vindictive one directed at Fr. Dunn rather than the congregation, even though the latter will assuredly be harmed by it. I would not put anything past these Modernist “men of God” today. Cross them and their new doctriens and they’ll use the full power of office to destroy you!
I agree, Athanasius. This is vindictive!
I remember as a boy of 12 going to Ireland, Sligo, and my cousin took my brother and I to the Holy Well where our persecuted ancestors risked their lives by attending
the Holy Latin Mass. The route was by rowing boat across Lough Gill.
It is galling to think that now, rather than being prevented from attending the same Mass by occupying forces, the Mass itself is soon to be unavailable at the hands of those we used to love and put our trust in.
The Archbishop is managing to do by letter (why didn’t he tell the people personally?), at the cost of a few pence, what the British failed to do in Ireland after
spending millions and taking a large number of lives.
At least, in those days, the persecuted had the Church on their side but now it is the enemy and the worst persecution you can get is that from within.
Anyway, I thought the Pope had condemned this sort of “clericalism” recently, or does he only get obeyed if it suits the occasion?
God bless and help Fr. Dunn.
Frankier,
SO well said – I am with your every word there, and I love the way you highlight the Pope hypocrisy about clericalism.
God help Fr Dunn right enough – he is a good priest and a wonderful confessor. At least he can still hear confessions even if he is not allowed to offer the TLM.
I’ve just popped in to say, first of all, many thanks for all the truly Catholic responses so far, and to let you all know that I’m hearing from shocked lay people that there are moves afoot by some laity to publicly challenge Archbishop Nolan.
More in due course.
Editor
I would definitely be in favour of gathering a large group of faithful to publicly challenge Archbishop Nolan. He abuses the authority of his sacred office and it’s a duty to call him out for it, even if he does prefer to operate from the shadows.
Athanasius,
Yes, I would be too. He should have had the decency to come and deliver his package of liturgical terrorism himself. However, like all terrorist king-pins, he got a minion to do his dirty work for him.
Petrus
Many of these bishops don’t even perform the duty of bestowing Confirmation now, so it’s hardly surprising that they send a minion to do other unpalatable duties on their behalf. It’s how cowards act – from the shadows.
Athanasius and Petrus,
I’ve just seen these comments about a public challenge. I suggest we wait for now to see how things develop – or not.
I do agree about the fact that the bishops are even delegating Confirmation. Note that the recently retired Bishop Robson of Dunkeld did not do that – I reported a comment from someone who had attended a traditional Confirmation conducted by Bishop Robson, the only Scottish Bishop showing clear evidence of solid Catholic Faith.
So, one way or another – and before we close down the Catholic Truth apostolate – I would like to see a major protest about the sheer laziness of the Scottish bishops.
What on this earth do they DO all day – a question I’m increasingly asking about the clergy – diocesan and (so-called) traditional – as well.
Interesting that Fr Byrne delivered the message. I don’t know how a priest who celebrates the TLM himself could comply with an order like this.
Petrus,
I think I’m right in saying that Fr. Byrne has already had his Saturday TLM cancelled – left only with Sunday. I think if he had refused then he would have been cancelled too. Besides that, Archbishop Nolan would think that having another TLM priest announce the suppression of the Sacred Heart Mass might add some credence to his evil act. Fr. Byrne should have refused but sadly, like so many who capitulate to false obedience, he didn’t refuse.
I’m reminded here of Archbishop Lefebvre’s saintly observation: “The martyrs sacrificed their lives for the Faith. Now they sacrifice the Faith”!
That’s exactly my own feelings on the matter, Athanasius. I think Fr Byrne has been played like a fiddle by a cunning old liberal fox.
Dear Friends
I have been watching and waiting for this Modernist Archbishop and his clerical factotums to manifest themselves with heterodox hubris. It was only a matter of time.
I had an instinct that once the new Archbishop settled himself into the role he would commence his attacks.
This diabolically inspired action shows the true nature of the decay and corruption within not only the country but our own Archdiocese.
I think this is just the beginning, we are moving through a process where this Trojan Horse of a Synod and it’s vile intentions are the driving force to destroy the Traditional Supernatural Catholic Faith in terms of praxis, doctrine and morality.
This will become more intense in terms of its pastoral application on the part of Heretical Bishops and clergy especially in lieu of the Synod and it’s extended period till 2023.
They want a Faith and Church in their own image and likeness all contrary to the Divine will and mandate. The Church of man dedicated to the deification of man as God.
Like all of you l concur, it is a shameful day for this Archbishop and his cohorts and may God forgive these people for their obscene actions and behaviour.
Ave Maria!
Every blessing
Michael 🙏
Michael
When they closed all the churches in Scotland on Ash Wednesday, 2020, before our Communist government even mandated it, I knew then that the greater majority of Scotland’s bishops and priests were empty vessels. It was probably the most scandalous act in Church history and yet not a word of objection from anyone. That’s why nothing surprises me now with the clergy. We live in an age where they exist largely to serve themselves and their pet projects, not God and the souls under their care. There are, of course, some exceptions, but I think we can safely say that what manifests as the Catholic Church in Scotland today is a very pale shadow of the Church our grandparents knew. Our era is one of apostasy disguised as conciliar reform.
Athanasius
I concur with your comments completely.
My late parents and grandparents would have regarded all of this as out and out evil and would have rejected it all lock stock and barrel.
Blessings
Michael 🙏
Betrayal from within is what precipitated the Passion of Our Lord. Betrayal from within is what is precipitating the Passion of the Church.
But betrayal is also what resulted in Our Lord’s victory. These internal enemies of the Faith seem to be oblivious to that basic fact.
RCAVictor,
Your observation is spot on. I would add further that all heresies that have afflicted the Church throughout her sacred history have been clerical in origin. Concerning the shambles of the Modernist Vatican II, I can only quote St. Athanasius who, exiled from his diocese and persecuted by Pope Liberius during the 4th century Arian heresy, declared: “They have the churches, but we have the faith”. How appropriate it is to apply these same words to these present internal destroyers of our holy religion.
RCA Victor, Athanasius,
Oh how I agree with both of you in your observations.
For some reason the current situation made me think of Oliver Cromwell’s campaign against the Irish, and the Penal Law of 1695.
In mid-17th century Ireland was a time of danger for Catholics because of Oliver Cromwell’s campaign against the Irish and the use of the Penal Law of 1695.
Mass Rock (Irish: Carraig an Aifrinn) – this was a rock used as an Altar for the offering the Catholic Mass. Isolated locations were sought to hold religious ceremonies such as the Mass in times of difficulty. This was Cromwell’s campaign against the Irish which saw the Penal Law of 1695 forced upon the Irish population.
RCA Victor’s comment is apt – “Betrayal from within is what precipitated the Passion of Our Lord. Betrayal from within is what is precipitating the Passion of the Church.
May we find a modern day Saint Athanasius.
We must obey the Holy Father, that is the traditional way.
Kenny Corrigan,
From Melchior Cano, theologian of the Council of Trent on the limits and extent of papal authority:
“Peter has no need of our lies or flattery. Those who blindly and indiscriminately defend every decision of the Supreme Pontiff are the very ones who do most to undermine the authority of the Holy See – they destroy instead of strengthening its foundations.”
Reflect.
The traditional way is to be faithful to Tradition.
Kenny Corrigan
You left a little bit of the equation out; we are required to obey the Pope only when the Pope remains faithful to God. When he departs from divine truth then our duty is to respectfully disobey. This is the Traditional way and you’ll find it adequately explained by St. Robert Bellarmine and other Traditional saints.
Following your advice would be to make the Pope a deity and the free children of God and the Church slaves. That’s neither Catholic nor Traditional.
How disgraceful of Archbisop Nolan to threaten to leave just one diocesan TLM in place.
He shows himself up to be an idiot, like his brother Bishop +Toal, when they attack growth and success in their own diocese.
He seems eager to sign the death warrant of his own Diocese (rather, add his signature to that of his predecessors).
In my opinon, the priests and congregations affected by his bitter axe should simply ignore his diktats. Keep the Masses going and money collected at them should support the Parish and Priest only, the Archdiocese should get absolutely nothing for as long as this continues.
“Balls to him” as the saying goes.
+Nolan has been completely anonymous in his role, but thinks attacking faithful Catholics is a priority? Beggars belief.
Where is Una Voce in all this? They recently elected a new Chairman, but I have not heard anything from him in terms of resisting this (beyond a call for prayer). As the continued SSPX occupation of St Nicolas Du Chardonnet shows, direct action can have great success at the Diocesan level.
(Lets be honest, the Archdiocese would be glad for someone – anyone, even Satanists – to occupy a Church and take its financial burden off their hands).
What concerns me is that (although its none of my personal business) I understand there is emnity between personalities at St Brigids and Immaculate Heart. I hope my understanding is wrong, because a United Front is much needed in these times.
Gabriel,
I agree completely about Una Voce. The new chairman, apparently, will only communicate via letter. There’s no email address given. It’s all a bit of a waste of time to be honest. He’s a young man, I believe and you would think he would bring some vigour to the role!
I would say, if the priest, I am going to say a private Mass at this location. It could be done at a renovated house or underground, somewhere, to be poetic. Would that be allowed for Sunday obligation? IDK, but if you go, God knew. That might be good enough. You can come and drop in if you like. Some have made it to be some non-parish Mass that can’t, canonically be touched, I guess. They might want to renovate a building not currently in use by the diocese. That might work.