Czech Bishop: "Synodality Only Possible with Novus Ordo"

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Czech Bishop: "Synodality Only Possible with Novus Ordo"

gloria.tv | July 29, 2026

Society has a thirst for transcendence, but “the old instruments have already fulfilled their purpose and no longer meet the needs of today's people". This claims Bishop Tomáš Holub, 58, of Plzeň, Czech Republic, in a lengthy article about "Synodality and the Novus Ordo Missae" on 21 July on the blog Come se non, run by the Italian theologian Andrea Grillo. Grillo is an opponent of the Roman rite and is considered an influencer of Traditionis Custodes.

According to Bishop Holub, a missionary outlook must be rooted in synodality: "Synodality is not merely a technique of communication, but a way of living the faith... The point is not to hold a synod, but to become a synod."

The Czech bishop goes on that the Novus Ordo provides the appropriate expression of the Church's synodal identity:

"The Novus Ordo makes it possible for this synodality to be applied in the liturgical sphere. Otherwise, this would be very difficult, since the Vetus Ordo is the expression of a Tridentine vision of the Church which no longer responds to present needs."

The bishop also addresses Catholics who attend the Mass in the Roman rite.

"Many [!] faithful, including some in my own diocese, are attracted to traditionalist celebrations and have difficulty accepting the liturgical reform of Vatican II."

Monsignor Holub argues that participation in the older liturgical form reinforces a particular understanding of the Church.

"By participating in these liturgical services, they become convinced of the ecclesiological vision proposed by these rites."

He warns of “division” and threatens a “firm attitude” to enforce “Vatican II as the expression of the true Magisterium... implementing a process of accompaniment, formation and synodal support."