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SSPX ordinations seen as 'provocation' by German bishop

CWN - June 11, 2010

A German bishop has weighed in against plans by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to ordain three priests for the traditionalist order. Bishop Gerhard Mueller of Regensburg, in whose diocese the ordinations are scheduled to take place, said that the ceremony would be a "provocation" in light of the irregular status of the SSPX.

In 2009 the Pope lifted the excommunications of the four SSPX bishops whose illicit consecration in 1988 had led to the break between the traditionalist group and the Holy See. However the SSPX bishops are not authorized by the Vatican to perform any episcopal functions.

SSPX officials are currently involved in talks with the Vatican, designed to resolve theological issues that still divide the traditionalist group from the Holy See. Bishop Mueller said that the ordination of new priests for the order could cause a setback on that road to reconciliation.

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  • Posted by: wojo425627 - Jun. 14, 2010 7:40 PM ET USA

    The sspx still has an obedience problem. They insist that they are loyal to the Pope but continue to disregard authority. When the Sspx bishops actually humble themselves in obedience to authority then maybe I'll start to belive their sincerity.

  • Posted by: ebierer1724 - Jun. 13, 2010 4:41 PM ET USA

    Yet SSPX continues to contradict the continuity of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church by acting outside of the authority of the Pope and the local Bishop further sending a schismatic wedge between those who accept the authority of Rome and those who don't. This is hardly a positive pastoral example for would-be priests. SSPX is a traditionalist rebellion. A rebellion that is abusing the pastoral compassion of Pope Benedict to leverage for power and acceptance.

  • Posted by: jimgrum697380 - Jun. 12, 2010 11:46 AM ET USA

    The Church desperately needs priests. The SSPX is all about the priesthood, and since Pope Benedict's admission that the "extraordinary" rite ought to be available to the faithful the flood gates have opened. Bishop Fellay insists the ordinations have nothing to do with rebellion (provocation); they are made necessary by the spiritual needs of the faithful. "The sacraments are for the people." The SSPX can't keep up with the myriad and impassioned pleas for traditional sacraments worldwide.

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