Showing posts with label SSPX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SSPX. Show all posts

Monday, April 11, 2016

What Rome Expects of the Society of Pius X -- Interview of Archbishop Guido Pozzo

Archbishop Guido Pozzo (Ecclesia Dei) on the "Preconditions" for the
canonical recognition of the Society with Rome
(Rome) What Rome expects from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) said Curial Archbishop Guido Pozzo, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei . The interview was held by Luca Marcolivio for the press Zenit .
About two weeks ago Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the SSPX was received by Pope Francis at the Vatican. The private audience caused quite a stir since it is known that Francis has no strong sympathies for  tradition.

New "Doctrinal Preamble"?

Curial Archbishop Pozzo described the meeting as "useful" on the "path" of the SSPX,  "towards a full reconciliation" that "will be made a canonical recognition of the institute."  Currently it is "primarily" about creating a more trusting and respectful air, "to overcome  hardening and distrust".
When asked which "basic requirements" Rome is urging of the SSPX for recognition, Pozzo said that the SSPX would submit a "doctrinal statement" which "at the appropriate moment," is one that will contain all the "essential and necessary points". Pozzo described such points as: "the approval of the creed, the sacramental bond and hierarchical communion with the Roman Pontiff, the head of the episcopal college united with him."
Specifically the Curial Archbishop explained, "that the SSPX is asked to recognize that only the Magisterium of the Church is entrusted with the preservation, defense and interpretation of the deposit of faith, and the Magisterium is not higher than the Word of God, but this serves only to hand down doctrine." The supreme Magisterium is the "authentic interpreter" even of  the previous texts of the Magisterium  "in the light of the everlasting tradition," including those of the Second Vatican Council. So there is no place for "opposing novelties", but only for a deeper understanding of the Depositum fidei, "always in the same doctrine, the same sense and in the same tradition."

Discussions have "led to a significant clarification" of Vatican II

As for the Second Vatican Council, the trodden path of the "recent years" have "led to a significant clarification," said Pozzo. "The 2nd Vatican Council can only be understood in the context of the entire tradition of the Church and her constant magisterium in an appropriate manner."  In addition, a different weighting and thus binding of each document is observed. The person in charge of Ecclesia Dei emphasized that there even after "the canonical recognition" the conciliar documents can continue to be discussed. The aim of the "discussion, deepening" must be to "avoid any misunderstandings and contradictions" that "to our knowledge are currently spread throughout the Church".

Outstanding issues such as religious freedom, ecumenism are not "an obstacle to recognition"

The open questions about the relationship between church and state, freedom of religion, practice of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue as well as "some aspects of liturgical reform and their actual use" would "be discussed and remain points to be clarified." but however, "they are not an obstacle for the canonical and legal recognition" of the SSPX.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: La Croix (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG


Sunday, April 10, 2016

SSPX Disagreements With Vatican II Are No Obstacle


Edit: this is the deal breaker, which was denied to the Society lay time documents were brought to them for signing.

[Rorate Caeli] Abp. Pozzo, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, spoke to the semi-official daily of the French episcopate, La Croix, on the relations between the Holy See and the Society of St. Pius X, and among other relevant things said the following:


"The difficulties raised by the SSPX regarding Church-State relations and religious freedom,the practice of ecumenism, and the dialogue with non-Christian religions, of certain aspects of the liturgical reform, and of its concrete application, remain the object of discussion and clarification, Abp. Pozzo [of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei] added, but they are not an obstacle for the canonical and legal recognition of the SSPX."

http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2016/04/main-vatican-ecclesia-dei-official.html?m=1


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Why is this Pope Determined to Recognize the SSPX?


(Rome) Is Pope Francis soon  set to take an extraordinary step in favor of the SSPX? "It is a common opinion in the Vatican, and particularly among those who are close to the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, which is responsible for the Lefebvrian  dossier that the Pope will soon perform an arbitrary and spectacular gesture towards the Society of St. Pius X," as the Vatican expert Marco Tosatti writes in his blog. 
The long conversation between the Pope and the Superior General of the SSPX, Bishop Bernard Fellay, on April 1, was "certainly a sign in that direction."
This is the question hanging in the room, just  why a Pope who "certainly has no sympathy for the Conservatives, and permits that the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate are put through the meat grinder for years because of the mere suspicion of, 'Lefebvrian  tendencies',  seems ready again to fully recognize the former schismatics. There are two possible answers in this issue," says Tosatti.

The penchant for spectacular gestures

The first  reason is the predisposition of character of the Pope, which is his desire and  satisfaction of making some sensational gestures like the embrace with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill I in Cuba. Gestures that neither John Paul II. nor Benedict XVI. were granted, his two direct predecessors whose pontificates he regards with some inner distance. In this case, both had endeavored with great dedication for it. Suitable areas for spectacular gestures include the SSPX. The approach under John Paul II. culminated with the declared excommunication by Rome in the exact opposite direction.  Benedict XVI. received Bishop Fellay soon after his election in audience, and thus laid the foundation for the talks not aborted since then. In 2009 he lifted  the Decree of Excommunication and in May 2012, canonical recognition seemed virtually certain. But things turned out differently, and with the choice of the Argentine Pope every prospect seemed further away than ever.

The assessment that tradition is obsolete 

The second  reason is a strategic analysis of the Pope and thus the appearance, of how Pope Francis sees the traditionalists. Despite their considerable strength, ( "some say a million," said Tosatti) the  pope does not consider them numerically dangerous. According to the logic that Francis expressed concern in February 2014 to the Czech bishops, he sees the interest in the traditional form of the Roman Rite as "just a fad". In his opinion, the views and positions, also the theology,  of tradition is outdated. History will prove them wrong.  The Pope represents, according to this opinion, that self aware  overconfidence in the victory of progressive thinking that thinks it is rightis by definition. The Pope would be strengthened in this opinion  by his observation that the influence of the traditionalists in the Church and the mass media seems low. Their  recognition and regularizatiin  is therefore a cost-effective opportunity to prove his own generosity and fatherhood with a spectacular media-step. Closing a soon to be 30 year old wound would contribute to Francis' entry in church history, even if in his view, it would only be the size of a footnote.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: MiL
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Rome and the Society of Saint Pius X: "The Meeting Went Well" -- "It Goes in the Direction of a Personal Prelature"

"The Meeting Went Well", according to Il Foglio according to
its Vatican Sources
(Rome) Matteo Matzuzzi, the Vatican expert of the Italian daily Il Foglio , reported initially on Monday  that Bishop Bernard Fellay, Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X, was received by Pope Francis in private audience last Friday. Here is Matzuzzi's piece:

The Pope Met Bernard Fellay, head of the Lefebvrians

The pope on Saturday 1 received Bernard Fellay, the superior general and direct successor 2 of Monsignor Marcel Lefebvre at the head of St. Pius X. The conversation "was positive" as Il Foglio  learned from Vatican sources. Between Francis and Fellay "the consultation went well."
It is a further step towards canonical recognition of the Fraternity to the Holy See in the form of an ad hoc erected Prelature on the model of Opus Dei, therefore with far-reaching and not only organizational autonomy.
In an interview recently translated into five languages ​​and published on the website of the  Society, Fellay showed himself very open to dialogue, by repeatedly emphasizing his appreciation for the reigning pope:
"I would not be more surprised if he sees us as one of those margins, to which he obviously gives preference. And precisely in this perspective he uses the expression "to travel part of the way" with the people on the periphery, in the hope of being able to improve things. This is therefore not a firm resolution to come directly to the destination, one way or another, a way to go ... but the main thing is is quite peaceful, nice, without knowing very well where that will lead. This is probably one of the main reasons. "
Already towards the end of 2013 there was, as the internet site Rorate Caeli brought to light,  a first meeting in Santa Marta. However, It was not a conversation, but more of a chance encounter.
In an interview Fellay noted another aspect of which reveals how far the path to reconciliation has already progressed:
"Very surprising, since it is clear that Pope Francis wants to give us life and to survive. To anyone who wants to hear it, he says he will never do anything evil to the Fraternity. He also said that we are Catholic. He has refused to convict us as schismatics, he said, you are not schismatic, you are Catholic ', even if he subsequently used a somewhat enigmatic word  when he said we were on the way to full communion. For this expression, full communion, 'we would like to have a clear definition, because it looks as if  it corresponds to nothing precise. This is a feeling ... you do not know exactly what it is."
A decision in Econe where the Society has its headquarters 3 was particularly appreciated, relates to the pope granting permission that  Catholics may confess to  Lefebvrian priests. The Pope explained that in the letter last September 1, in which he granted an indulgence for the Jubilee Year:
"A final consideration concerns those faithful who for various reasons choose to attend churches officiated by priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X. This Jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one. From various quarters, several Brother Bishops have told me of their good faith and sacramental practice, combined however with an uneasy situation from the pastoral standpoint. I trust that in the near future solutions may be found to recover full communion with the priests and superiors of the Fraternity. In the meantime, motivated by the need to respond to the good of these faithful, through my own disposition, I establish that those who during the Holy Year of Mercy approach these priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation shall validly and licitly receive the absolution of their sins."
Translation: Giuseppe Nardi
image: Il Foglio (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG

Monday, April 4, 2016

Bishop Fellay and Pope Francis Met in Vatican This Weekend

Vatican Press Office vice-director Burke, announced on Monday that a meeting took place in the Casa Santa Marta on Saturday, April 2, between Pope Francis and the Superior General of the Society of St. Pius X.

We went to the Vatican information site and couldn't find it.  The Vatican  news website is the worst website ever made, but fortunately we have Rorate Caeli.

Rorate says that they, "learned it was a very positive meeting."

Update:  Official SSPX Statement.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Msgr. Pozzo Interview: "Where Are We With the SSPX?"

Read what Archbishop Pozzo had to say about the SSPX in Zenit on February 26, 2016.
We here present some extracts of Archbishop Pozzo's interview, given to Luca Marcolivio and published today in the Italian online version of Zenit. Archbishop Pozzo has been working on the reconciliation of the SSPX in the Pontifical Comission Ecclesia Dei for some years, especially after having been appointed Secretary, for a second time, in 2013.
It is not always easy to know exactly what Archbishop Pozzo really means to convey to the press when he speaks about the SSPX.
These comments are to be taken in light of the following elements given by Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta in his January conference published today. 
On July 2015, Rome made another offer to the SSPX.
The SSPX Superior General’s intention before answering this proposal from the Congregation of the Faith was
to write an exhaustive explanation to make it very clear how we are and how we act, what we preach, what we do, what we do not do, and what we are not ready to do, in order to find out if the Society really is accepted 'as it is'."

Monday, February 22, 2016

Remnant Warns (Threatens?) SSPX They'll be in Schism if they Don't Play Ball With Vatican

Edit: why should the Society be pressured into reconciling with the deal makers in the Vatican by a newspaper editorial from a very small Midwestern religious fortnightly? He seems to contradict himself, too, in his second paragraph.

The SSPX MUST Regularize NOW



[SSPX] If the Society of St. Pius X is not regularized soon their priests are going to be formally in schism, disrupting the unity of Christ's Church, and leading countless souls into that kind of confusion that is borne out of a lack of full communion with the Vatican. 

And if they remain in that state of schism how can they ever be said to be fully Catholic like...well....like these guys obviously are:



If something doesn't happen soon we fear that we'll never get to see any of these young men dancing in any sanctuary anywhere in the world:
img 6085

















And then what!? Obviously and urgently, the SSPX MUST regularize NOW!

Sunday, February 21, 2016

SSPX and FatherZ in Agreement at Last in Criticism of Pope Francis

Edit: FatherZ has criticized the Society of St. Pius X for years, oftentimes unfairly in our opinion.  Now he's criticizing Pope Francis.  Now he's joined the ranks of the Pope Critics. They seem to have a common foe.  There are plenty of negative results from the Bergoglio Effect, but perhaps there is an upside to it as well.  This from the official Society webpage:
How confusing is the whole interview! It is another bombshell. Tomorrow's explanations will try to minimize the damage. Tonight CNA has already published an article entitled: “Stop freaking out over these two sentences from Pope Francis”. 
What most people will remember is that one day the pope said on a plane that contraception is sometimes morally acceptable and it is not always a sin! 
However the infallible and definitive teaching of the Church on contraception has been clearly given by Paul VI. The comments of the pope on a plane, the myth about Paul VI and the nuns in the Belgian Congo (based only on a claim made in a 1993 Jesuit magazine article by Fr. Giacomo Perico SJ.) and the unproven transmission of Zika virus cannot change God’s law taught by the Church.
Here, FatherZ says that the story about Paul VI excusing African nuns of making use of contraceptives is spurious, thus accusing Pope Francis of spreading an urban legend:

I’ve heard this before. I never believed it. 
Years ago on the COL Forum (which I ran) we had a discussion about this. One of the staffers tried to dig up the old files. In the meantime he – The Great Roman™ – sent this information. It was not originally written in English, so I touched it up here and there… but not very much.

This reads like a soap opera, the one hand. It reads like a vicious campaign of lies and disinformation designed to confuse the faithful and undermine the Church, on the other.

The urban legend (lie) is now so common that even high-ranking churchmen cite it as if it happened. They aren’t lying, per se. They are passing on something that isn’t true but that they think is true… even if it really doesn’t pass the smell test.

Opus Dei has been pushing contraceptives for a while now.

http://eponymousflower.blogspot.com/2010/11/opus-dei-definitely-advocates-condom.html?m=1

Friday, January 22, 2016

Bishop Fellay of SSPX Leads the Way at DC March for Life

Edit: there is no appearance by the local ordinary of the capital [by which I meant to say that I didn't see anything in the itinerary, but Cardinal Wierl was present and said Mass.] but Bishop Bernard Fellay has not only come, but he will even be saying Holy Mass for the event.  Bishop Loverde and Bishop Slattery are also giving their support.  Bishop Zubik couldn't make it because of the weather.



There's also the sermon he gave at Mass.

Where's +++Wuerl?

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Father Schmidberger Foresees Canonical Recognition of the SSPX


In the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has agreed to extend an indult to the Priests of the Society of St. Pius X, to hear confessions. Former Superior, Father Franz Schmidberger forsees canonical recognition of the Society as well as greater cooperation.  

In a recent interview,  former superior of the Fraternity talks to La Stampa saying, "I trust that in the near future we can find solutions to recover full communion."

According Schmidberger Pope Francis' gesture will not be complete at the end of the Jubilee. "Indeed" - says Schmidberger - "it is hard to imagine that this is limited to the Holy Year, nor do I think this is the limit of the Pope's idea. Perhaps at first other similar gestures are to follow. No doubt - it seems  - the Pope sees in our Fraternity a force that can be of help to, as many have claimed, the new evangelization. Furthermore, our work corresponds in principle to his invitation to the spirit of poverty. In fact we do not receive state subsidies or the Church-tax, but we live only the generosity and sacrifice of the faithful. "

"If the Pope is really thinking of a canonical structure, it will open many doors even wider for our priests than today." "Especially" - concluded the former collaborator of Lefebvre - "we could work together, according to our vocation, to the formation of a new generation of priests filled with a spirit of faith and apostolic zeal."

Source: La Stampa,
http://www.lastampa.it/2015/12/30/vaticaninsider/ita/nel-mondo/giubileo-i-lefebvriani-sulle-confessioni-il-papa-ha-spiazzato-tutti-JsdSyGfAP7APJTyC8L6RaO/pagina.html

AMDG

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Rome Makes New Proposal to SSPX



[Cathcon] The Holy See has made a new proposal to the Society of St. Pius X. Specifically, it relates to the status of the SSPX. The Fraternity is not canonically recognized and therefore for decades has been in a state of suspension, which leads to different interpretations among canon lawyers and bishops as to whether it is part of the Catholic Church or not.

A sedivacantist website of the United States claimed that an agreement between the SSPX which was founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and Rome was imminent. This was denied to gloria.tv by Father Franz Schmidberger, Rector of the International Seminary of the SSPX in Zaitzkofen in Bavaria.

Father Schmidberger confirmed the proposal, but denies agreement.


And Katholisches...

AMDG

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

SSPX Clergy Invited to Help in Ravenna Archdiocese by Archbishop

(Rome) As auxiliary bishop of  Reggio Emilia-Guastalla (2006-2012)  Msgr. Lorenzo Ghizzoni was a bitter opponent of those faithful who sought to celebrate the Holy Mass in the Immemorial Rite of All Ages.   It was an opposition which undermined the Motu Proprio  Summorum Pontificum.

As Archbishop of Ravenna-Cervia,  Msgr. Ghizzoni is allowing, on the first and second Sundays in October, a priest of the Society of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

The celebration will take place in the parish of Saint Maria del Torrione and follows from the formation of a stable group of  the faithful desiring the Traditional Rite, who've asked the Archbishop for it. 

The celebrant was Father  Enrico Doria of the priory of  “Madonna di Loreto” in Rimini.

The online edition of the paper „Prima Pagina Reggio“ described it: “It seems that Pope Francis' recognition of the legitimacy of the sacrament of reconciliation given by lefebvrian priests has also quickly led to a new course in the Italian Episcopate.  This, what was unthinkable yesterday, (the opening of parish property to Lefevrians, who had previously been regarded as lepers), are today not only tolerated but welcome.  Those of the faithful community close to Econe will celebrate, but also all other faithful of the Catholic Church, we are convinced, will make use of this." 

Msgr. Lorenzo Ghizzoni was named in Dezember 2012 by Pope Benedict  XVI. as Archbishop of Ravennaand enthroned in January 2013. 

Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Bild: MiL

trans: Tancred vekeon99@hotmail.com

AMDG


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

SSPX Gratefully Thanks the Supreme Pontiff for "His Fatherly Gesture"

(Rome / Menzingen) The Society of St. Pius X has thanked Pope Francis for the "fatherly gesture" with which he decreed that the absolution of sins by a priest of the SSPX during the Holy Year of mercy can be received "validly and licitly."
The General House, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre SSPX, published a corresponding communiqué. Meanwhile, contacts between the General Council of the Society and the competent authorities of the Holy See continue in looking for a solution that allows for full communion and the canonical recognition of the Society.

Communiqué of the General House of the SSPX to the Pope's Letter

The communiqué of the General House of the Society of St. Pius X to the Pope's letter Francis on the occasion of the approaching Holy Year in full text:
"The Society of St. Pius X has heard through the press, the dispositions of Pope Francis on the occasion of the coming Holy Year.
"In the last section of his letter, which he addressed to  Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, the Holy Father writes: '[I] determine [...] In the meantime, in its own disposal, that those who during the Holy Year of Mercy receive the sacrament of reconciliation with the priests of the Fraternity of St. Pius X,  will receive valid and licit absolution of their sins achieve.'
"The Fraternity expresses its gratitude to the Supreme Pontiff for his fatherly gesture.  In the administration of the sacrament of penance we have always relied and with complete certainty, in the extraordinary jurisdiction, as asserted by the Normae generales of the Canon Law. On the occasion of this Jubilee Year, Pope Francis wants that all the faithful who wish to confess to the priests of the Fraternity of St. Pius X, can do so without any concern.
This year, the priests of the Fraternity of St. Pius X will return in their hearts, with renewed generosity to their posts as confessors.  The example of the tireless efforts of  St. Vianney has been given to all priests to follow.
Menzingen, the September 1, 2015
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Vatican Insider
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG






Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Pope Invokes New Evangelization to Encourage the Society for Saint Pius X For Jubilee of Mercy

Edit: does Bishop Athanasius Schneider have the Pope's ear? Apparently so, since he has heard many good things about the Society, and that Bishop Schneider was visitor.

Apparently, "all are welcome".  Here is the text:


To My Venerable Brother Archbishop Rino Fisichella President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization

With the approach of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy I would like to focus on several points which I believe require attention to enable the celebration of the Holy Year to be for all believers a true moment of encounter with the mercy of God. It is indeed my wish that the Jubilee be a living experience of the closeness of the Father, whose tenderness is almost tangible, so that the faith of every believer may be strengthened and thus testimony to it be ever more effective. 

My thought first of all goes to all the faithful who, whether in individual Dioceses or as pilgrims to Rome, will experience the grace of the Jubilee. I wish that the Jubilee Indulgence may reach each one as a genuine experience of God’s mercy, which comes to meet each person in the Face of the Father who welcomes and forgives, forgetting completely the sin committed. To experience and obtain the Indulgence, the faithful are called to make a brief pilgrimage to the Holy Door, open in every Cathedral or in the churches designated by the Diocesan Bishop, and in the four Papal Basilicas in Rome, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. Likewise, I dispose that the Indulgence may be obtained in the Shrines in which the Door of Mercy is open and in the churches which traditionally are identified as Jubilee Churches. It is important that this moment be linked, first and foremost, to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the Church and of the entire world. 

Additionally, I am thinking of those for whom, for various reasons, it will be impossible to enter the Holy Door, particularly the sick and people who are elderly and alone, often confined to the home. For them it will be of great help to live their sickness and suffering as an experience of closeness to the Lord who in the mystery of his Passion, death and Resurrection indicates the royal road which gives meaning to pain and loneliness. Living with faith and joyful hope this moment of trial, receiving communion or attending Holy Mass and community prayer, even through the various means of communication, will be for them the means of obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence. My thoughts also turn to those incarcerated, whose freedom is limited. The Jubilee Year has always constituted an opportunity for great amnesty, which is intended to include the many people who, despite deserving punishment, have become conscious of the injustice they worked and sincerely wish to re-enter society and make their honest contribution to it. May they all be touched in a tangible way by the mercy of the Father who wants to be close to those who have the greatest need of his forgiveness. They may obtain the Indulgence in the chapels of the prisons. May the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cell signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, because the mercy of God is able to transform hearts, and is also able to transform bars into an experience of freedom. 

I have asked the Church in this Jubilee Year to rediscover the richness encompassed by the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The experience of mercy, indeed, becomes visible in the witness of concrete signs as Jesus himself taught us. Each time that one of the faithful personally performs one or more of these actions, he or she shall surely obtain the Jubilee Indulgence. Hence the commitment to live by mercy so as to obtain the grace of complete and exhaustive forgiveness by the power of the love of the Father who excludes no one. The Jubilee Indulgence is thus full, the fruit of the very event which is to be celebrated and experienced with faith, hope and charity. 

Furthermore, the Jubilee Indulgence can also be obtained for the deceased. We are bound to them by the witness of faith and charity that they have left us. Thus, as we remember them in the Eucharistic celebration, thus we can, in the great mystery of the Communion of Saints, pray for them, that the merciful Face of the Father free them of every remnant of fault and strongly embrace them in the unending beatitude. 

One of the serious problems of our time is clearly the changed relationship with respect to life. A widespread and insensitive mentality has led to the loss of the proper personal and social sensitivity to welcome new life. The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails. Many others, on the other hand, although experiencing this moment as a defeat, believe that they have no other option. I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father. For this reason too, I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it. May priests fulfil this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed, besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence. 

A final consideration concerns those faithful who for various reasons choose to attend churches officiated by priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X. This Jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one. From various quarters, several Brother Bishops have told me of their good faith and sacramental practice, combined however with an uneasy situation from the pastoral standpoint. I trust that in the near future solutions may be found to recover full communion with the priests and superiors of the Fraternity. In the meantime, motivated by the need to respond to the good of these faithful, through my own disposition, I establish that those who during the Holy Year of Mercy approach these priests of the Fraternity of St Pius X to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation shall validly and licitly receive the absolution of their sins. 

Trusting in the intercession of the Mother of Mercy, I entrust the preparations for this Extraordinary Jubilee Year to her protection. 

From the Vatican, 1 September 2015

Monday, August 10, 2015

Msgr. Athanasius Schneider: "Society of St. Pius Should be Recognized, Just as They Are"

(Rome) Msgr. Athanasius Schneider, Bishop of Astana, has suggested in an interview with the Catholic Spanish site Adelante la Fe, that the Holy See is close to recognizing  the Society of St. Pius X.. Bishop Schneider said: There is "no reason to deny the priests and faithful of the Priestly Fraternity of an official canonical recognition".
The auxiliary bishop visited  the seminaries of the SSPX in the United States and France in the Spring. Adelante la Fe asked him whether there are "prospects for a speedy reconciliation" and what is the main obstacle to such.
Schneider said: "The Holy See asked me to visit the two seminaries of the SSPX to perform with a group of theologians of the Society and His Excellency, Bishop Fellay, a debate on a particular theological problem. This showed me that the SSPX is not an insignificant ecclesial reality for the Holy See, but should be taken seriously. I have gotten a very good impression during my visits. I was able to observe in two seminaries a healthy theological, spiritual and human reality. The spirit of the sentire cum ecclesia of the SSPX was obvious as they welcomed me as envoy of the Holy See with real respect and great warmth. In both seminaries, I was glad to see the images of Francis, the currently reigning Pope, at the entrance."
Next the Bishop said: "The singing of the traditional prayer for the Pope ("Oremus pro pontifice nostro Francisco ...) during the solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was moving. To my knowledge, there are no grounds to refuse the priests and faithful of the SSPX official canonical recognition, therefore, they should be accepted as they are."

"Vatican II on both sides overvalued and overstimated"

In his reply, Mgr Schneider also addressed the Second Vatican Council: "I think that the question of Vatican II is to be considered not as aconditio sine qua non, as it was an assembly whose purpose and character primarily was pastoral. Parts of the Council statements reflect the circumstances of the time and therefore have only temporary validity, [emphasis ours] as is customary for just disciplinary and pastoral documents. If we look at the matter from the perspective of two thousand years of church history, we can see that an overvaluation and overestimate a pastoral reality of the Church is present as the Second Vatican Council by  both sides (of the Holy See and the SSPX).
The SSPX believes it celebrates a living and moral life as demanded by the highest moral life and Magisterium  as the Church has done for centuries around the world, and they recognize the legitimacy of the Pope and the diocesan bishops praying publicly for them, they recognize the validity of the sacraments according to the typical edition of the new liturgical books, that should be enough for a canonical recognition of the SSPX by the Holy See. Otherwise, the oft-repeated pastoral and ecumenical openness of the present Church would lose its objective credibility, and raise the story someday  of accusations against the Church authorities of today, because they have imposed on  brothers a greater   load than necessary (Acts 15:28), which is the opposite of what is the pastoral method of the Apostles.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Adelante la Fe
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
AMDG

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

"No Compromises of the Church's Teaching" -- Cardinal Müller on the Bishops' Synod, SSPX, Medjugorje and Liberation Theology

(Rome) There will be "no compromise of the Church's teaching" in the Bishops' Synod this autumn. This was affirmed  by Cardinal Gerhard Müller, the prefect of the CDF. It is meant to seek pastoral ways to better integrate people in difficult situations in the community. While there is, says the Cardinal, no "substantial news" regarding  the SSPX, there would be a decision to Medjugorje in the fall.  Katholisch.de, the media portal of the German Bishops' Conference published an  an interview with the Cardinal.

Renewal and Deepening of  Marriage Preparation Necessary

Overlooking the Synod of Bishops on marriage and family  the German cardinal stressed that the Church must help "the people, even Catholics, ...to re-understand what the point is to marry and so, also publicly, to bind a person." While the discussion is so far turned mainly to the "failure" of marriages, Cardinal Müller stressed the need for "a renewal and deepening" of marriage preparation.
The cardinal also confirmed that the "ordinary general assembly" of the CDF will deal this "autumn" with Medjugorje: "The opinion of the Congregation will be  submitted  to the Holy Father for a further decision."

Various encounters with SSPX , "which should enhance mutual trust"

When asked whether the "unification efforts were suspended or postponed," since "recently" the  Priestly Society of St. Pius X had "become noticeably quiet," said Cardinal Müller that there was  "no substantial news in this issue." "The Holy Father wants us to keep at it: with 'determination and patience.'" In the "recent months", there were "encounters of various kinds, which should enhance mutual trust." "A prerequisite for a full reconciliation" said the Cardinal again, "is the signing of a doctrinal preamble, to ensure full compliance in the essential matters of faith." The Prefect's response   suggests that this singing the Preamble of 2012 is not required..
The recent trip to Latin America by Pope Francis has shown "that the Church must use an authentic liberation theology." He, Müller, has worked "for many years in accordance with the instruction of the Congregation" which the Marxist liberation theology was condemned in the 1980s, "for such a theology that is not aligned ideologically, but interested in the good of man and society." The election of Pope Francis on the Chair of Peter is "providential" because the majority of Catholics today live in Latin America. "Pope Francis has strengthened the believers  on his journey from the Gospel and encouraged and called the peoples there to  a peaceful and equitable coexistence. This is an order of the day," said Müller.

"I have Totally Committed my Life in Fidelity to the Pope"

When asked about his statement, there is a need to " theologically restructure" the pontificate of Pope Francis, the cardinal affirmed that "the specific task of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. . It has to promote the faith and morals throughout the Catholic Church on behalf of the Pope and protect his personal relationship with the reigning pope." Cardinal Müller said: "Personally,  I have totally committed my entire life in loyalty to the Pope."
Addressing eco-Encyclical Laudato Si, Müller said, that he is "very grateful for the encyclical" to the Pope. The document had a "very strong social-ethical component" and leads from "the tradition of the social encyclicals."  It "seems" to him that the Pope  proposed, "to open the eyes of all people of good will to the problem of environmental and human ecology and promote dialogue with each other  at all levels."
About the controversial issues is the allowance of remarried divorcees to Communion and the acceptance of homosexuality, with which the Synod of Bishops will deal next October, Cardinal Müller said: "Here the Synod faces the challenge to find pastoral ways of greater integration in the community, without compromising the Word of Jesus and the Church's teaching based on it. The family is irreplaceable importance for the future of the Church and of society. "
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: katholisch.de (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG








Monday, July 20, 2015

Socialists Want to Block Establishment of "Fundamentalist" SSPX Capuchins

Edit: as Tiberge at Galliawatch notes, it's as if the Devil has commanded his minions to take action against a small settlement of good natured Capuchins who want to take over an abandoned Capuchin friary with the blessing of the local mayor.  Not even the mostly harmless local Ordinary doesn't seem to mind.  He'd prefer to avoid conflict. 

What is interesting to me is the similarity between the tactics, objections and what motivates the Socialists and those within the Catholic Church who use such strident language to attack the Society.
The councilor, Noëlle Aznar-Molliex explains herself at the Osons-Albertville website:  
 During the City Council meeting of July 6, mayor Martine Berthet had intended to put to a vote the turning over of the Clos des Capucins, a city property situated on mount Adolphe Hugues, at the entrance of the medieval village of Conflans, to the association of the Convent of Saint-François de Morgon, that hopes to renovate the site and install there a community.  
Osons-Albertville strongly opposes this plan. The truth is that the community of Capuchin monks of the Morgon convent, said to be "of traditional observance", is part of the line of thought of traditionalist and fundamentalist churches, that of the SSPX, and is not recognized by the church of Rome, because it has been in a state of schism since the Second Vatican Council. These communities reject ecumenism and all initiatives favoring inter-religious dialogue.
Link to Galliawatch...
AMDG

Monday, May 11, 2015

100 Kilometers: Pentecost Pilgrimage of Tradition -- Paris -- Chartres or Chartres Paris

(Paris) From 23 to the 25th of May, 2015 the great  International pilgrimage  for  tradition of Paris and Chartres will take place. Also, this year there will be, as there has been since 1989, two pilgrimages, on each of which thousands of people will participate.
The 33rd Pentecost Pilgrimage of Ecclesia Dei communities, with the official name Pèlerinage de chrétienté (Pilgrimage of Christendom),  will march about 100 kilometers from Paris to Chartres. The organizer  is the Association of Our Lady of Christendom . The motto of this year's Pentecost pilgrimage is "Jesus Christ, Savior of the world". The pilgrimage begins on Saturday, 23 May at 7:00 clock with the Holy Mass in the traditional Rite in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The pilgrimage route  leaves from Paris by the Ile de France to Chartres, where in the cathedral in the afternoon of Whit Monday, a Pontifical Mass will be celebrated in the traditional Rite.
The 27th Pentecost Pilgrimage of the SSPX , with the official name Pèlerinage de tradition (Pilgrimage of Tradition), will follow the reverse way from Chartres to Paris. The organizers is the Association Pèlegrinage de Tradition . The Pentecost Pilgrimage 2015 will be held under the motto "God's Angels our Protectors."  The pilgrimage begins on Saturday, 23 May at 7:45 clock with the Holy Mass in the traditional rite in Chartres next to the cathedral. Pilgrims will arrive in Paris, drawing near the Eiffel Tower to the Invalides, where a Pontifical High Mass in the Immemorial Rite will be celebrated at Place Vauban in the afternoon of Whit Monday.
Pilgrims will spend two nights each in large tent cities that are built along the pilgrimage route. The organization by numerous volunteers is outstanding. On the significance of Pentecost pilgrimage See also the report The Camp of The Saints - see Today the Church of Tomorrow (in German) .
Pilgrims through the streets of Paris
Pilgrims through the streets of Paris

Information and Registration

For those interested in the German-speaking countries:

Pentecost Pilgrimage of SSPX : 
International pilgrimage on foot Chartres-Paris 2015
Mr D. Volckmann
Stefan-George-Ring 42
81929 München
Phone: +49 89 99 65 06 80
Fax: +49 89 21 75 22 50
Email:  Chartres-Paris [a] Arcor. de
In USA:

The international pilgrimage on foot for tradition first took place in 1983 and has been held regularly over the years as the world's largest, meeting of tradition. Also the 1988/1989 break which took place breakage did not change this. The  episcopal ordinations carried out by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre without the permission of Rome in the summer of 1988 and the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei traditional Catholics both participate. The group standing in unity with Rome  continued commenced the pilgrimage commenced in 1983, while the SSPX in brought its own pilgrimage to life in 1989. Both pilgrimages take place at the same time and run the same route, but in reverse directions. During the Pentecost Pilgrimage of Ecclesia Dei communities will celebrate its  Masses at the cathedrals of Chartres and Paris and will be celebrated only on the second day in an open field, while the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass must take place in the open air on the pilgrimage of the SSPX.
If and when the two opposing pilgrimages are merged, no one can say. The doubling is some a nuisance because it is seen as a visible expression of an open wound. Fortunately the spiritual profit for the personal life of faith doesn't depend for most on this issue, but on attending the pilgrimage. It is physically and mentally a challenge for which both come from two directions to Mary. Both the Cathedral of Paris and Chartres Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Mother.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: pelerinagesdetradition.com/nd-chretiente.com
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches...
AMDG