Today in The Catholic Mass Series, we ask the big question: Where do we go from here? After nearly 50 episodes on the liturgy, Fr. Palko helps us take stock of what we have learned about the Traditional Mass, the Novus Ordo Mass, and the confusion in the Church that underlies this crisis. What reforms are acceptable? At what point must changes in the liturgy be rejected? Can the liturgy develop without compromising the Faith? And what does fidelity look like in an age of confusion? As we approac...
Oct 31, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Today we tackle a foundational topic in the traditional Catholic world: Is it still lawful—or even safe—to celebrate or attend the Traditional Latin Mass? With growing restrictions and renewed attacks on the ancient Mass, Fr. Paul Robinson unpacks the legal, historical, and theological questions at stake. Does Quo Primum still bind the Church? Can a pope forbid what previous popes promulgated? What about the authority of Pope Paul VI and the New Mass? This episode explores the extent of papal po...
Oct 24, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Today on Questions with Father , we take on a difficult and emotional topic: Can Catholics attend the weddings of lapsed Catholics or non-Catholics? Fr. Ian Andrew Palko walks us through the moral principles, Canon Law, and the issue of scandal involved in these situations. From civil ceremonies to non-Catholic weddings, remarriages, and destination weddings, Father explains how charity, clarity, and courage must guide our decisions. He also discusses the high bar for fraternal correction, the p...
Oct 10, 2025•59 min
On this episode of Questions with Father, we address one of the most contested documents of the Second Vatican Council: Dignitatis Humanae. Fr. Paul Robinson joins us to ask the hard question: can this declaration on religious liberty be reconciled with the traditional teaching of the Church? We will explore the Society of Saint Pius X's objections to this declaration, the pre-conciliar magisterium, and the post-conciliar attempts to reinterpret this controversial document. From Fr. Bernard Luci...
Sep 27, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Come learn more about the true nature of Catholic vocations and the awe-inspiring responsibility we all share in continuing and propagating the One True Faith. While young men and women answer the call to become the next generation of frontline religious and clergy, their formation begins in Catholic homes and is completed in Catholic schools. See all the episodes: https://sspxpodcast.com/interview We’d love your feedback on this series! podcast@sspx.org – – – – – – View this episode on YouTube:...
Sep 20, 2025•14 min
Today we’ll do a careful study of the 1955 reform. Fr. Palko explains what changed, why it changed, and whether these revisions were justified—or dangerous. From Palm Sunday to the Easter Vigil, we explore the reasons behind the time shifts, structure changes, and liturgical simplifications. Were these revisions paving the way for the Novus Ordo, or were they well-intentioned efforts to help the faithful participate more fully? We also examine the SSPX’s actual practice today, and whether using ...
Sep 12, 2025•1 hr 55 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we look at a question that sparks heated debate in traditional circles: Why does the SSPX use the 1962 Missal? Fr. Palko walks us through the history of liturgical change—from Quo Primum in 1570 to the turbulent 1960s—and explains the Society’s principled decision to adhere to the final pre–Novus Ordo edition. Along the way, we clarify myths about Quo Primum, address the role of Annibale Bugnini, and explore why change is not inherently bad—so long as it doesn’...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 30 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we turn to the real-world impact of the New Mass, including how it has shaped the Church, the faithful, and reverence for the sacred. Fr. Burfitt joins us to discuss the collapse in belief in the Real Presence, the rise of Eucharistic irreverence, and the fading understanding of the sacred and profane. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience and recent data, he outlines how changes in the liturgy led to a more horizontal, man-centered worship. He also explain...
Aug 29, 2025•48 min
Today we take a sobering look at the similarities between the New Mass and Protestant liturgies. Father explains how changes made by Luther and Cranmer in the 16th century—reducing the priesthood, eliminating sacrifice, and downplaying the Real Presence—are echoed in the Novus Ordo. We examine how a Mass shaped by ecumenism and a new theology ends up looking more like a Protestant service than the Traditional Latin Mass. This episode lays out the evidence, side-by-side, and asks: Can we worship ...
Aug 25, 2025•49 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we examine the prayers of the New Mass—what was removed, what was changed, and what that reveals about the underlying theology which we discussed in the last two episodes. While the New Mass is valid, Fr. Paul Robinson explains why it is still spiritually dangerous. We look at how nearly all the traditional prayers were edited or eliminated and how this shift reflects a new view of sin, salvation, and man’s relationship with God. From loss of sacrificial langua...
Aug 15, 2025•53 min
Today we examine one of the most influential concepts behind the New Mass: the Paschal Mystery. What is it, and how does its reinterpretation affect our understanding of sin, redemption, and the very nature of the liturgy? Fr. Haynos explains how modern theologians shifted the focus of the Mass away from Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross to His Resurrection and Ascension. We’ll unpack how this change redefined sin, downplayed divine justice, and turned the Mass from a sacrifice of atonement into a...
Aug 09, 2025•57 min
Today we begin a deeper look at the New Mass—starting with its new theology. What is the “theology of mysteries” and why has it become so central to modern liturgical thinking? Fr. Leo Anthony Haynos explains how modernist thinkers, influenced by philosophical trends like Kantian idealism, began emphasizing experience over doctrine—shifting the Mass from a sacrificial act rooted in truth to a re-lived emotional event. This foundational shift helps explain many of the changes that followed. In th...
Aug 01, 2025•30 min
[embed]https://youtu.be/g2C0cfV720Y[/embed] Today on Questions with Father , we’re tackling a sensitive topic that has generated discussion across traditional Catholic circles: the issue of conditional ordinations. In this episode, Fr. Paul Robinson responds to objections surrounding the SSPX’s decision not to conditionally ordain every Novus Ordo priest who joins the Society. Why doesn’t the SSPX reordain across the board? What did Archbishop Lefebvre actually do—and teach—on this matter? We’ll...
Jul 18, 2025•58 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we explore how the spirit of the liturgy can—and should—extend beyond the walls of the church. Fr. Burfitt joins us to discuss the essential role of para-liturgical devotions: the Rosary, the Little Office, family prayer, and spiritual reading. How can parents train children to participate at Mass? What about single Catholics seeking a deeper connection? We’ll also look at the role of meditation, the dangers of emotionalism, and practical ways to “bring the Mas...
Jul 11, 2025•44 min
Today we learn about the traditional hand Missal—what it is, how to use it, and why it is an essential tool for anyone attending the Latin Mass. Whether you are new to Tradition, returning to the Church, or helping your children follow along, the Missal helps you enter more deeply into the mystery of the Holy Sacrifice. We explain the difference between the Ordinary and Propers of the Mass, suggest how to place ribbons, and how to find the current liturgical day. We also walk through the structu...
Jul 04, 2025•55 min
On this episode of the SSPX Interview Series, we sit down with Fr. David Fulton, a diocesan priest of twenty-one years who has spent the last two immersed in the Society’s Priests’ Training Program. In this episode, Father speaks openly about the challenges he faced in a diocesan environment, particularly the limitations in liturgy, catechesis, and the transmission of the Faith to souls hungry for clarity. We hear what first prompted Father to look more deeply into the traditional liturgy, why t...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we explore what it means to participate in the liturgy. Does active participation mean singing aloud and following the Missal, or does it mean something deeper? Father unpacks the original meaning of the phrase, “Active Participation,” by tracing its roots to Pope St. Pius X. He also explains how participation has developed—and sometimes been misunderstood—in recent decades. From the beauty of congregational chant to the quiet devotion of the Rosary, how are th...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 42 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we begin a new segment: the liturgical year. The Mass is not offered in isolation—it’s framed by the Church’s calendar, shaped by seasons of penance, joy, and reflection. In this episode, we explore the structure of the temporal and sanctoral cycles, and how they guide our worship, prayer, and spiritual growth. From Advent to Pentecost, each season draws us deeper into the mysteries of Christ’s life. Understanding this cycle is imperative to living in harmony –...
Jun 13, 2025•45 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we explore the different forms of the Traditional Latin Mass. What distinguishes a Low Mass from a Solemn High Mass, or a Missa Cantata from a Pontifical Mass? We unpack each form, including their structure, ministers, music, and historical development. We also look at the unique character of the Requiem Mass and the theological reasons behind its distinctive rituals. Whether public or private, sung or silent, every form of the Mass expresses the same mystery: ...
Jun 07, 2025•57 min
Today we explore the ministers of the Mass and their profound connection to Christ’s priesthood. We begin in the Old Testament, with the heads of tribes and the Levites offering sacrifices to God, and see how these acts prefigure the one true priesthood of Our Lord. Then we look at Holy Orders—how it allows priests to act in persona Christi, uniting both priest and victim at the altar. Finally, we examine the structure of this sacrament, the unique dignity of bishops, priests, and deacons, and t...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we explore the heart and soul of Tradition: the rubrics and Romanitas of the liturgy. What are the rules that govern the Latin Mass, and why do they matter? We look at how these rubrics are rooted not in rigidity, but in reverence, and how they help the priest and servers act with clarity, unity, and obedience. Father unpacks the deeper meaning of Romanitas – a spirit of universality, order, and discipline – and shows how this ethos has shaped the Latin Church’...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 40 min
It was an election that seems to have been faster than that of his predecessor, or at least as fast, since Francis had been elected in the sixth round on the second day. It once again took two days and five or six votes to elect the 267th Pope in history, and the first American Pope. At 6:08 p.m., white smoke rose above the roof of the Sistine Chapel, announcing to the crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square that the Church had a new Pope. But it wasn't until 7:12 p.m. that Cardinal Dominique Mambe...
May 09, 2025•4 min
More coming in today's daily devotional
May 08, 2025•30 sec
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue with our study of vestments for the Mass. We start with the “altar vestments”, or the altar linens – what is their symbolism, practical reason, and how should we care for them? Then we look at the power and meaning of liturgical colors; from green to gold, each has a significance for both the liturgical calendar and theology. Father also dispels common misconceptions about silver and gold vestments before giving practical advice on how to purchase v...
May 02, 2025•45 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue our discussion of the Mass’s visual and ceremonial aspects with a review of the history, symbolism, and function of priestly and episcopal vestments. Why does the priest put on special clothing to celebrate the Mass? Is it purely aesthetic and ceremonial, or is there a theological significance? And when did all this start? Did the Apostles and early Church Fathers wear the same things that you see your local priest wear on Sundays? What was the hist...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 44 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we continue with the artistic trend and focus on the church itself by examining the architecture. Some argue that these are just buildings like any other – but we’ll see how the design of a church shapes the worship, the experience of the faithful, and even reflects theological principles. At the same time, it is a human achievement, reflecting the values of each age. So what’s the history of church buildings? Where did they start? Is one type better than the o...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we explore the importance, the history, and the controversies surrounding sacred art. What is the purpose of religious art? Through the centuries, have artists been successful in meeting this purpose? Why are religious icons in the East so vastly different from Western religious images? Is one better than the other? Further, we examine what art should and shouldn’t be in churches. Can art be too distracting? Should we instead focus on the Mass, not the decorati...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 33 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we finish our discussion of Sacred Music in the Liturgy. There has long been tension between the creative and innovative developments of music with the need to regulate what is appropriate and fitting for use during the Holy Sacrifice. Does this mean that we need to only use music that has been composed centuries ago? What about some of the hymns that we have grown up with – are they appropriate? To answer these and other questions, we discuss what type of musi...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Today in the Catholic Mass Series, we begin a new section examining the externals that surround the Mass, like vestments, the church building, and starting today, sacred music. From antiquity, music has been a part of worship. In fact, even false religions recognize the importance of music in their respective devotions and rites. Today in the first of two episodes on music and the Mass, we explore the history of music in sacred worship, starting with Jewish ceremonies and the Psalms, leading up ...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min
We continue the section of the podcast series where we go step by step through the Mass to examine the various sections of the Liturgy. In this week’s episode, we discuss the Canon, the Communion, and the Conclusion of the Mass. What is the meaning of the symbolism of the liturgical actions? What are the prayers of the Canon expressing? What is the meaning of the priest’s reception of the Eucharist and the purpose of the prayers after Holy Communion is distributed? See all the episodes, and down...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min
