5.14. Isn’t the New Rite of Episcopal Ordination still valid since it was approved by the Church?
The sacrament of Holy Orders—particularly episcopal consecration—is the foundation of apostolic succession and the valid transmission of the sacraments. Without valid bishops, there are no valid priests, and without valid priests, there is no valid Mass or Eucharist. In 1968, Paul VI introduced a new rite of episcopal consecration (Pontificalis Romani), which replaced the traditional Roman rite used for over 1,000 years. While modernists claim it was “approved by the Church,” in reality, this new rite was not promulgated by a true pope, and its form, matter, and intention are gravely deficient or ambiguous. As a result, it must be considered at least doubtful—but more likely invalid—from a Catholic perspective.
Below is a detailed comparison between the traditional Catholic rite of episcopal consecration and the new rite introduced in 1968, showing why Catholics must not accept the post-Vatican II episcopacy as valid or Catholic.
| Category | Traditional Catholic Rite (Pre-1968) | New Rite (Paul VI, 1968) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authority | Promulgated by Pope Clement VIII (1596); codified in the Roman Pontifical | Promulgated by Paul VI in 1968 (*Pontificalis Romani*) | The traditional rite has over 1,000 years of use and Church approval; the new rite was created during a time of doctrinal upheaval by a doubtful pope. |
| Form (Words) | Includes: “Complete in Thy priest the fullness of Thy ministry…” | “So now pour out upon this chosen one that power which is from You, the governing Spirit…” | The new form is vague, omits reference to the specific powers of the episcopacy (e.g., ordaining, confirming). It lacks clear sacramental intent as defined by tradition. |
| Intention | Clear: to confer the fullness of the priesthood with power to sanctify, teach, and govern | Ambiguous: references “governing” but omits explicit mention of priesthood or apostolic succession | Intention is essential for validity. The ambiguous wording raises serious doubt about the intention to ordain a sacrificing bishop in the Catholic sense. |
| Minister | Validly consecrated Catholic bishop using the traditional rite | Bishop consecrated in the new rite, possibly by others also consecrated in the new rite | If the new rite is invalid, then future ordinations/consecrations using it are also invalid due to defect in orders. |
| Ritual Elements | Laying on of hands, anointing of head, detailed prayers invoking the Holy Ghost and episcopal powers | Greatly simplified; omits many prayers and traditional signs of the sacrament | Traditional theology teaches that solemnities safeguard intention. Removing key elements weakens the rite’s sacramental clarity. |
| Doctrinal Expression | Clear reference to priesthood, hierarchy, sacrifice, and apostolic succession | Ecumenical tone; focuses on community leadership and governance | Modernist influence has stripped the rite of its sacrificial and hierarchical nature to please Protestants, undermining its Catholic character. |
| Continuity | Unbroken use in the Roman Church for centuries | Introduced abruptly in 1968, parallel to Vatican II changes | Breaks with apostolic tradition and violates the principle of lex orandi, lex credendi. |
| Ecumenical Influence | None—entirely Catholic in origin and content | Modeled after Eastern Orthodox and Anglican prayers | Ecumenical tampering with sacramental forms is condemned. Anglican orders were declared invalid (*Apostolicae Curae*, 1896). |
| Fruits | Strong Catholic identity, reverence, valid apostolic succession | Collapse in faith, confusion about the priesthood, doctrinal errors | As with the New Mass, the new rite bears bad fruit, signaling its departure from truth. |
| Validity | Certain and Catholic | Doubtful or invalid | Because the form and intention are ambiguous, traditional theologians (e.g., Fr. Cekada) hold the new rite to be invalid. |
Summary:
The new rite of episcopal consecration, introduced in 1968 under Paul VI, is gravely deficient in form, intention, and expression of Catholic doctrine. It was devised in the spirit of ecumenism and modernism, not apostolic tradition. As such, it must be considered doubtful at best—and most likely invalid. Without valid bishops, the entire hierarchy of the post-Vatican II sect is compromised, and the sacraments they attempt to confer—including the Eucharist and priestly ordinations—are likewise extremely doubtful or invalid.
Faithful Catholics must reject the new rite and seek out bishops consecrated in the traditional rite, who alone preserve valid apostolic succession and the true Catholic priesthood.