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The recent response from the Vatican regarding the issue of Catholics joining the Masons has created quite a stir among the Catholic community. In a letter dated November 13, 2023, signed by Mayor Victor Fernandéz and blessed by Pope Francis, the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith reaffirmed that it is still forbidden for Catholics to become members of the Masonic fraternity. This response was prompted by a request from Dom Julito Cortes, the bishop of Dumanguete in the Philippines, who expressed his concern about the growing number of Catholics in his diocese who have affiliated themselves with masonry.
The response from the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith took into account both the theological and pastoral aspects of the issue. The first and foremost consideration is the firm stance of the Catholic Church regarding matters of faith and doctrine. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had previously declared in 1983, along with the Conference of Bishops’ directives in 2003, that practicing Catholics should not join the Masonic Lodge. This decision was based on the theological incompatibility between Catholicism and Masonic principles.
The recent response from the Vatican clarifies that the provisions of the above-mentioned declaration also apply to clergy members who join the Masons. It specifically states that those who formally and consciously register themselves in masonic societies and embrace masonic principles fall within the scope of the declaration. This reaffirms the Church’s position that such affiliation is considered a grave sin.
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In addition to the theological aspect, the Vatican’s response also addresses the pastoral concerns regarding Catholics joining the Masons. The dicastério recommends that all Filipino parish priests conduct popular catechesis to educate the faithful about the incompatibility of Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. This approach aims to provide a thorough understanding of the reasons behind the Church’s prohibition and guide Catholics towards making informed decisions.
Furthermore, the Vatican suggests that the Filipino bishops prayerfully evaluate whether or not to issue a public statement on the matter. This would serve as a collective call to the Catholic community to adhere to the teachings of the Church and refrain from joining the Masons.
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It is essential to understand the historical context of the Church’s stance on Freemasonry. The 1983 declaration was published on the eve of the implementation of the new Code of Canon Law, which replaced the previous 1917 Code. Interestingly, the absence of explicit condemnation of Freemasonry and excommunication for its affiliates in the new code sparked varying reactions from different quarters. However, the aforementioned declaration reaffirmed the Church’s position that Catholics involved in Masonic lodges are committing a grave sin.
The Vatican’s response to Bishop Dom Julito Cortes’ concerns regarding the growing number of Catholics affiliated with the Masons highlights the seriousness of the matter. The Church considers membership in the Masonic fraternity incompatible with the Catholic faith due to the theological and doctrinal differences between the two.
Moving forward, it is expected that the Filipino bishops will carefully consider the Vatican’s recommendation and carry out the suggested strategies to address this pastoral challenge effectively. By engaging in popular catechesis and issuing a public statement if deemed necessary, they will guide the faithful towards a deeper understanding of the Church’s teachings and help them make informed decisions in line with their Catholic faith.
In conclusion, the reaffirmation of the Vatican’s prohibition on Catholics joining the Masons highlights the importance of preserving the integrity and unity of the Catholic faith. The response to the concerns raised by a Filipino bishop emphasizes the theological and pastoral dimensions of the issue, advocating for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges posed by Catholics affiliating themselves with the Masonic fraternity. Faithful adherence to the teachings of the Catholic Church is paramount in order to maintain the unity and coherence of the faith community.
