The Missionaries of St. John the Baptist (MSJB) have been unjustly accused by the Diocese of Covington of sowing division and preaching contempt for the Novus Ordo Missae. These allegations, which center on a homily by Father Shannon Collins, misrepresent the priests’ teachings and disregard the historical and theological context of their ministry. This article seeks to address these falsehoods and highlight the fidelity of the MSJB to the Church’s Magisterium and mission.
The Homily in Question: Context and Intent
The crux of the accusations lies in claims that Father Shannon’s homily described the Novus Ordo as “irrelevant” and preserving “literally nothing of the old.” These statements, however, are not reflective of the homily’s actual content or purpose. Parishioners present for the homily affirm that it was a rhetorical illustration emphasizing the enduring value of the Traditional Latin Mass, not a polemic against the Novus Ordo’s validity or licitness.
Father Shannon’s message underscored the importance of liturgical continuity and stability in leading souls to Christ. The homily contrasted the Traditional Latin Mass, with its centuries of consistency, against the Novus Ordo, which was designed to engage modern man. This contrast was intended to highlight the theological and spiritual richness of the Church’s traditional liturgy, not to question the legitimacy of the post-Vatican II reforms.
Christ and the Church Do Not Conform to the World
A central theme of the homily was that Christ and His Church do not conform to the world; rather, the faithful are called to conform to Christ. Father Shannon frequently quoted St. Joan of Arc: “About Jesus Christ and the Church, I simply know they’re just one thing.” This truth affirms the Church’s mission to sanctify the world by adhering to Christ’s teachings, not by accommodating secular trends.
The Traditional Latin Mass, with its ancient and unchanging nature, embodies this principle. It stands as a testament to the Church’s commitment to holiness and fidelity, drawing countless souls to deeper piety and love for the Church.
Father Shannon’s Emphasis on Fidelity to the Church
In addition to defending the Traditional Latin Mass, it is also typical to hear homilies from Father Shannon that stress absolute fidelity to the Church, the Pope, and the bishops united to the Holy See. One such homily given on August 28 2023 addressed the martyrdom of the Carmelite nuns during the French Revolution. Father Shannon explained their heroic obedience in seeking permission from their mother superior before going to their deaths by guillotine.
He contrasted this with the vision of St. Francis de Sales regarding nuns in Paris, who, he foresaw, would lose their faith—a loss that could only be restored through obedience to the Holy See. Father Shannon then compared the martyred nuns of Compiègne to the Carmelites in Arlington, Texas. The latter, after much conflict, refused their bishop’s request to step down and declared they did not recognize his authority. In his homily, Father Shannon strongly criticized this decision:
- “The wrath of God is never appeased by revolutionaries.”
- “The Arlington Carmel and many traditional-minded people are falling into modernist traps that have been set for us.”
- “Carmelites in Arlington dared to suggest on their website the following: ‘We are breaking communion with no one.’ Sorry, Sisters, you’re dead wrong. You’re not acting as martyrs but as revolutionary activists.”
- “Whatever the perceived injustice is, the Sisters ought never to have broken union with the official Shepherd of the local Church.”
- “The IV Council of Constantinople put forth… that no lay person, no monk, no nun, or cleric should ever separate himself from communion with his own bishop.”
- “Any true traditional Catholic is never a revolutionary but always a counter-revolutionary.”
- “We will never compromise on the faith, we will never compromise on liturgical matters, but we will also never revolt against legitimate authority.”
For readers who wish to listen to the homily in its entirety, it is available here.
These homilies illustrate the MSJB’s unwavering commitment to the Church’s hierarchical structure and their rejection of both modernist errors and revolutionary attitudes.
Dissecting the Accusations: A False Narrative
The Diocese of Covington’s allegations—that the MSJB described the Novus Ordo as “irrelevant” and accused it of preserving “literally nothing of the old”—are a gross distortion of their ministry. While the priests have critiqued the changes introduced after Vatican II, this has always been done with charity and a commitment to educating the faithful. Their critiques acknowledge historical realities, such as the extensive changes to prayers, rubrics, and the liturgical calendar, without denying the validity or licitness of the Novus Ordo.
The priests have consistently emphasized unity within the Church, urging the faithful to remain under the Holy Father’s guidance while adhering to the timeless teachings of the faith. Far from promoting division, their ministry has been a beacon of hope for Catholics seeking refuge from doctrinal and liturgical confusion.
A Call to Fidelity and Justice
The accusations against the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist are not only unfounded but represent a grave injustice to priests who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Church. Their homilies and ministry reflect a deep commitment to the Church’s timeless mission of sanctification. Suppressing such a vital apostolate not only harms the faithful who rely on it but also alienates Catholics searching for stability and truth in an age of confusion.
Let us pray for justice and a renewed appreciation for the Missionaries’ work. May their commitment to Christ and His Church inspire all Catholics to embrace the liturgical and spiritual traditions that lead souls to salvation.
Contact Bishop Iffert
To support the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, concerned individuals are encouraged to respectfully communicate with Bishop John C. Iffert:
Mailing Address: Most Reverend John C. Iffert
Bishop of Covington
1125 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011-3115
Contact Number: (859) 392-1500
When reaching out, please maintain a tone of charity and respect, focusing on personal experiences and the positive impact of the MSJB’s ministry. This approach reflects Christian values and contributes to constructive dialogue within the Church.