Singapore cardinal distinguishes Sacred Tradition from traditions
August 25, 2026
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CWN Editor's Note: In a reflection on today’s Scripture readings at Mass, Cardinal William Goh of Singapore distinguished Sacred Tradition from “lesser traditions that are not strictly essential for the faith of the Church.”
Citing particular devotions to saints and apparitions, Cardinal Goh said that “unfortunately, some fail to differentiate between Tradition and traditions, regarding the latter as equally important as the former.”
“In other words, they fail to distinguish between the essential doctrines of the faith and the cultural practices developed in different societies,” he continued. “Worse still, they often attempt to impose these cultural and personal traditions on others, treating them as the absolute norm for how faith and life should be lived.”
Cardinal Goh concluded, “Let us be faithful to the Sacred Tradition of the Church—the deposit of faith handed down since the time of the Apostles—and cherish the traditions the Church has developed over the centuries to make the faith concrete and real in our lives.”
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Posted by: Randal Mandock -
Aug. 25, 2026 4:49 AM ET USA
This shepherd reminds us of the difference between what is strictly of God and what develops from human culture. There is, however, an overlap. Many disciplines and devotions have developed through the centuries within the Church and the worship of her members. Cardinal Goh points this out in the concluding paragraph cited above. Sacramentals come to mind, as well as devotions to the works of various saints. True discernment and proper education help distinguish between Tradition and traditions.
