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“Novus
Ordo Presiders are Probably Priests”
“Novus
Ordo Sacraments are Probably Valid”
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It is a fundamental principle of moral
theology that one may not follow a probable (but not certain) opinion in
conferring the Sacraments--if there is a more certain way, it must be
followed. Only in dire emergency might one follow a probable
opinion. E..g. someone will die without Baptism unless he is baptized
with a liquid that is probably water.
CHAPTER VII
THE USE OF PROBABLE OPINIONS
SECTION I: Probable Opinions of Validity
In conferring the Sacraments ( as also in the Consecration in Mass) it is
never allowed to adopt a probable course of action as to validity and to abandon
the safer course. The contrary was explicitly condemned by Pope Innocent XI. To
do so would be a grievous sin against religion, namely an act of irreverence
towards what Christ our Lord has instituted; it would be a grievous sin against
charity, as the recipient would probably be deprived of the graces and effect of
the Sacrament; it would be a grievous sin against justice, as the recipient has
a right to valid Sacraments, whenever the minister, whether ex officio or
not, undertakes to confer a Sacrament. In the necessary Sacraments there is no
doubt about the triple sin; in Sacraments that are not necessary there will
always be the grave sacrilege against religion.
Henry Davis, S.J.
Moral and Pastoral Theology
London: Sheed & Ward, 1935
Volume III, page 27
Various Errors on Moral Subjects
Condemned by a degree of the Holy Office, March 4, 1679
1. It is not illicit in conferring sacraments to follow a probable opinion
regarding the value of the sacrament, the safer opinion being abandoned, unless
the law forbids it, convention or the danger of incurring grave harm. Therefore
one should not make use of probable opinions only in conferring baptism,
sacerdotal, or episcopal orders. (Denzinger 1151)
Innocent XI (1676-1689
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