Alabama: schismatic monastery reconciles with Church
May 31, 2011
A schismatic Alabama monastery founded in 1984 has been reconciled with the Diocese of Birmingham and the Holy See.
“It is somewhat unique as an effort at reconciliation,” said Bishop Robert Baker. “The discussions leading to this reconciliation were very delicate and complex and took place over a number of years with both Bishop David Foley, my predecessor, and myself, aided by a canon lawyer who had worked for the Vatican, Msgr. Anthony La Femina.”
“We had much prayer and good will on both sides going into this effort,” he added. “We all listened to the Holy Spirit, and now we are seeing the fruits of our efforts.
Before its reconciliation, Christ the King Monastery was an independent monastery whose members included both sedevacantists and those who recognized the validity of the elections of recent popes. By December 2010, six monks and three nuns were associated with the monastery. Three of the monks and one of the nuns have reconciled with the Church--two on their own, and two as monks remaining at the monastery.
With Bishop Baker’s approval and the assistance of priests of the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, Mass in the extraordinary form is offered daily at the monastery.
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Further information:
- Bishop lifts ban on attendance at Christ the King Monastery (Diocese of Birmingham)
- A Tale of Reconciliation (National Catholic Register)
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