Kentucky Bishop Suspends Two Priests Who Called Novus Ordo Mass “Irrelevant”

Bishop John Iffert of the Diocese of Covington in Kentucky has suspended the faculties of Fr. Shannon Collins and Fr. Sean Kopczynski, two priests known for their support of the Traditional Latin Mass.

This decision has sent ripples through the local Catholic community, as the priests are prohibited from performing sacraments publicly.

Fr. Collins, previously serving as the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, and Fr. Kopczynski, the parochial vicar, were criticized for publicly dismissing the relevance of the novus ordo Mass, favoring the 1962 Roman Missal. Bishop Iffert expressed his concerns in a heartfelt letter to the parish, saying he had “serious concerns about the parish’s pastoral leadership.” He highlighted disturbing statements made by the priests, including that the modern Mass “preserves ‘literally nothing of the old,'” and is “motivated by hatred towards traditional Catholics.”

Despite the restrictions, the priests are still permitted to conduct private Masses for themselves and immediate family members, as well as members of their founded community, the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist. This group, established in 2015, focuses on traditional liturgical practices and was hoping to gain recognition as a religious institute within the diocese.

The future of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish remains uncertain. Bishop Iffert is exploring alternatives to provide pastoral care and maintain liturgical services for the parishioners. In the interim, a priest from All Saints in nearby Walton has stepped in to conduct the Traditional Latin Mass at an alternate location, ensuring that parishioners continue to have a place of worship.

As the diocese navigates this challenging period, the hope for reconciliation and unity within the community remains a priority.

Please pray for the the Diocese of Covington and it’s parishioners during this time!

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