SSPX leader acknowledges difficulties in talks with Vatican
June 29, 2012
The superior general of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) said that the traditionalist group has reached “the point of departure” in negotiations toward reconciliation with the Holy See.
In a homily during an ordination ceremony at the SSPX base in Écone, Switzerland, Bishop Bernard Fellay seemed to confirm reports that he would not accept the latest offer from the Vatican, speaking on “not being able to sign.” Nevertheless he indicated a continuing hope for an agreement, and asked the faithful of the SSPX to continue praying for a satisfactory outcome. “We are Roman!” he said. “And this we cannot put behind us!”
Bishop Fellay alluded to the pressures involved in the negotiations with the Vatican, and the internal tensions within the SSPX. He said that “we, in the middle, have become like a ping-pong ball, that everyone hits.”
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Further information:
- Fellay: "We are at the point of departure" (Rorate Caeli)
- American prelate named to key Vatican post for talks with SSPX (CWN, 6/26)
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Posted by: justinswanton2559 -
Jul. 02, 2012 12:06 PM ET USA
Has anyone thought to stop for a moment and ask what exactly the difficulty is between the SSPX and Rome that has put the agreement on hold for the moment? The Pope isn't saying, Bishop Fellay isn't saying, so neither can we say. There is, at times, wisdom in silence.
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Posted by: JimKcda -
Jul. 01, 2012 3:03 AM ET USA
And so we come to this! Another creation similar to the "Old Catholic Church" founded after VatI by those who would not accept the doctrine decided by the Magisterium and proclaimed by the Pope. These folks who are "more Catholic than the Church!" I have prayed for reconcillation of the SSPX and now I will pray for their souls. You simply cannot "save the Church by leaving the Church." SSPXers who wish to remain Catholic should leave the SSPX and return to their true home in the One True Church.
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Posted by: John J Plick -
Jun. 30, 2012 11:57 AM ET USA
It is far, far to easy to judge, especially when we have so much "knowledge" that the Devil can seduce us to you as stones. When we judge we make excuses for ourselves..., we put the other "in a box" so to speak... We create a configuration where the matter is a "done deal" and we do not have to pray or seek God.
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Posted by: Nuage -
Jun. 29, 2012 8:47 PM ET USA
SSPX Bishop Fellay is well aware that the Holy Pontiff has forbidden him from ordaining new priests, but he continues to openly defy the Holy See. When I read that he was holding off from today's ordinations in Econe, I was hopeful. So the schism widens...
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Posted by: koinonia -
Jun. 29, 2012 6:27 PM ET USA
Nothing new here. Both sides are familiar with each other's viewpoints after years of "discussions." Fellay's words are consistent with what has been said all along. As he points out, there are enemies of the SSPX who insist on muzzling them. It seems that anything else might be expressed these days, but insist upon the Social Reign of Christ the King and His absolute indispensability in all things...The Holy Father was reportedly satisfied. Insiders reported a "done deal." Something happened.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Jun. 29, 2012 5:23 PM ET USA
Well, Bishop Fellay, if you are Roman, then you owe obedience to the Holy Father. Why the handwringing?
