04/14/2026
The audio recording titled "Una Cum Mass?" is a sermon delivered by Bishop Charles McGuire on Low Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), April 12, 2026, at St. Gertrude the Great Church.
In the sermon, Bishop McGuire addresses a specific theological and liturgical issue within the context of sedevacantism: the "Una Cum" problem. Here is a summary of the key themes and points covered:
1. The Meaning of "Una Cum"
The title refers to the part of the Roman Canon of the Mass where the priest prays for the Church *una cum* (together with) the Pope. For Bishop McGuire and the clergy at St. Gertrude the Great, who hold the sedevacantist position (believing the Chair of St. Peter is currently vacant), naming Pope Francis in the Mass is considered a theological contradiction.
2. The Illicit Nature of "Una Cum" Masses
Bishop McGuire explains why he believes it is improper for a traditionalist priest to name a person they believe to be a heretic (or an invalid pope) in the Canon of the Mass. He argues that to do so is to profess a "false communion" with a hierarchy that they believe has abandoned the Catholic faith since Vatican II.
3. Guidance for the Faithful
A primary goal of this sermon is to provide pastoral guidance for laypeople. He discusses whether it is permissible for Catholics to attend "Una Cum" Masses (such as those offered by the SSPX or FSSP). Consistent with his previous teachings, he advises that Catholics should avoid such Masses because, in his view, participating in a Mass that recognizes an "anti-pope" involves a compromise of the Faith.
4. Connection to Low Sunday
Given that the sermon was preached on Low Sunday (the Octave of Easter), he weaves in the Gospel of the day (the appearance of Jesus to the Apostles and the doubting of St. Thomas). He uses the theme of "Peace be to you" to argue that true spiritual peace comes from a pure and uncompromising profession of the Catholic Faith, free from the "contamination" of the modern hierarchy.
5. Focus on Interior Peace and Faith
Drawing from his "Bishop’s Note" for that week, he emphasizes that while the world is full of distractions and "silly problems," the focus of the Christian should remain on the Resurrection. He encourages the congregation to look "heavenward" and avoid the "narcissistic" distractions of the world and the confusion of the modern Church.
***
In short: Bishop McGuire uses this sermon to reinforce the sedevacantist stance that the Mass must be offered "non-una cum" (without naming the current Pope) to remain consistent with Catholic dogma, urging the faithful to remain steadfast in their separation from the post-Vatican II Church.
Roman Catholic Church | Traditional Latin Mass