Episode 2572: The Amazonian Rite of Mass and Cultural Relativism

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’ll be delving into a topic that has stirred significant debate within the Church the Amazonian Rite of the Mass and how it relates to the growing problem of cultural relativism. We’ll explore how traditional Catholic perspectives view this development, citing historical examples of successful evangelization without compromising the integrity of the faith.

But before we get into this lets Pray for the people of Florida. They are facing what appears to be a day of significant turmoil, and we pray for the safety and protection of all. Let us also remember Bishop Bernard Tissier de Malloray, one of the original bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). His passing is a profound loss for our traditional Catholic community. Please say a prayer for the repose of his soul and for the continued strength of the SSPX.
I feel like singing “Where have you gone Archbisop Lefevbre” He was so right on standing up against the novus ordo mass in the early 1970’s and forming a religious order to protect the sacred mass. He knew eventually that novus ordo mass was just the precursor for a much more dangerous revision, Amazonian Rite!
Understanding the Amazonian Rite
To start, let’s clarify what the Amazonian Rite is. In recent years, there has been talk about creating a new liturgical rite tailored specifically to the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. Proponents argue that this would make the Church more inclusive by respecting local customs and traditions, incorporating them into the Mass.

However, this is a dangerous departure from the Roman Rite, which has been the cornerstone of Catholic worship for centuries. The concern is that introducing a new rite based on cultural preferences risks diluting the universal nature of the Catholic faith, leading to fragmentation rather than unity.
The Dangers of Cultural Relativism
This discussion fits into a larger issue: the rise of cultural relativism within the Church. Cultural relativism is the idea that moral or religious truths are relative to a specific culture and should not be judged by external standards. In this case, it’s argued that the indigenous cultures of the Amazon have a different way of expressing spirituality, which should be incorporated into Catholic worship.
The problem here is that relativism often leads to compromise. What’s at stake is not just a few cultural elements but the integrity of Catholic doctrine. Traditionalists argue that liturgy should lead us to a deeper union with God, transcending local customs, and focusing on the eternal truths of our faith. The Mass, as the highest form of worship, should remain unchanging in its core, just as God Himself is unchanging.

Archbishop Lefebvre and Evangelization without Compromise
To highlight how missionary work can be done without sacrificing the faith, let’s look at the example of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. He’s a revered figure in traditional Catholicism, and his work in evangelizing Africa provides a powerful counterpoint to the push for the Amazonian Rite.
Lefebvre successfully brought the Gospel to millions in Africa using the Traditional Latin Mass. He didn’t see the need to alter the liturgy or compromise the Church’s teachings to accommodate local customs. Instead, he understood that the beauty and universality of the Roman Rite speak to the hearts of all people, no matter their cultural background. His approach shows that authentic evangelization is about inviting people to a deeper encounter with Christ, not conforming to cultural expectations.
Lefebvre’s example proves that the Church’s liturgy, in its traditional form, has the power to evangelize without compromising. It’s a clear demonstration that the Roman Rite can transcend cultural boundaries while maintaining its sacredness.
A Call for Fidelity to Tradition
As we consider the Amazonian Rite in light of this history, it’s clear that fidelity to tradition is crucial for the Church’s future. Rather than creating new rites that cater to specific regions, we should embrace the universality of the Traditional Latin Mass, which has stood the test of time.
The introduction of a new rite based on cultural relativism risks further dividing the Church at a time when unity is needed more than ever. Our faith is not defined by regional customs but by eternal truths handed down from Christ and His apostles.
Summary of Key Differences:
• The Traditional Latin Mass emphasizes sacredness, universality, and unchanging doctrine. It maintains strong continuity with the past, with a focus on the priest offering the Holy Sacrifice and the congregation’s quiet, reverent participation.
• The Novus Ordo Mass, implemented after Vatican II, introduces more flexibility, allowing for vernacular language, greater lay involvement, and more localized variations, while still retaining the core elements of the Mass. It seeks to balance the sacrificial and communal aspects of the Eucharist.
• The Amazonian Rite (proposed) is aimed at inculturating the liturgy for Amazonian communities, with a strong focus on incorporating local traditions, symbols, and rituals. This represents a move toward cultural accommodation, which, while seen by some as inclusive, poses risks of theological and liturgical fragmentation due to the integration of non-Catholic spiritual elements.
This comparison shows the varying degrees of emphasis on tradition, inculturation, and liturgical participation, with the Traditional Latin Mass representing the most traditional approach, the Novus Ordo aiming for modernization, and the Amazonian Rite pushing for extensive cultural adaptation.

Conclusion: To close, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the traditions of the Church. The Amazonian Rite represents a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of liturgical fidelity and the dangers of relativism. Archbishop Lefebvre’s legacy reminds us that true evangelization doesn’t require compromise; it requires steadfast devotion to the truth.

Closing Prayer:
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, we thank You for this time of reflection. Help us to remain faithful to the traditions that You have entrusted to Your Church. Guide us in our defense of the truth, and may Your liturgy continue to draw all people into the mystery of Your love. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Our Mother, and in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, let us keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ and the eternal truths of our faith. God bless yo