Bishop Fellay in Rome as deal with SSPX appears close
May 15, 2012
The head of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) was in Rome this past weekend for talks with the Ecclesia Dei commission, in what may have been the final steps toward a reconciliation with the Holy See, the Vatican Insider reports.
Bishop Bernard Fellay spoke with officials of the Ecclesia Dei commission about modifications of the “Doctrinal Preamble” that has been proposed as the basis for a reconciliation. That document will now be assessed at a May 16 meeting of the full Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. On the basis of that congregation’s report, Pope Benedict XVI is expected to make a final decision on the matter by the end of this month.
Bishop Fellay’s meetings with the Ecclesia Dei commission reportedly yielded a positive outcome, and Vatican officials have expressed a high degree of optimism that the SSPX will soon be reconciled. More worrisome, however, have been reports of severe divisions within the traditionalist group, which could precipitate an internal fissure within the SSPX if the agreement with the Vatican moves forward.
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Further information:
- Fellay visits Rome ahead of cardinals’ decision on proposed modifications to doctrinal preamble (Vatican Insider)
- Bishop Fellay warns of potential internal split if SSPX reconciles with Holy See (CWN, 5/14)
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Posted by: John J Plick -
May. 16, 2012 4:44 PM ET USA
There are very few people that either have the strength or the wisdom to “go it alone”Men throughout the ages have relied on “go-betweens” to facilitate things. As Catholics, we tend to take men like Benedict for granted, somewhat like the summer sun that rises every day. If their leadership submits, any schismatics within the Society will be realistically confronted with the desolation of abandoning the Papacy.We should pray that the Devil be not allowed to confuse the horror of this option.Ave
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Posted by: ColmCille -
May. 15, 2012 7:41 PM ET USA
I should say, rather, that IF reports by some members and ex-members are true, it would seem that some parts of the Society are a bit cult-like. Ordinarily one should not spread hearsay, but in this case there are multiple reports, and souls are at stake, so it is something people should be aware of and exercise due caution and discernment.
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Posted by: ColmCille -
May. 15, 2012 7:26 PM ET USA
I have always expected a split. Many in the Society are too radical to want to come back to the "Novus Ordo Church" and some parts of the Society are rather cult-like. But to have a formal reconciliation will be a good thing. It will bring at least some of them back into the Barque of Peter, and it's always a good thing when souls come into full communion with Christ's Church.
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Posted by: koinonia -
May. 15, 2012 7:14 PM ET USA
This Doctrinal Preamble must be a remarkable document indeed. Just out of curiosity, what might the odds be that Pentecost- not the "end of this month"- proves the catalyst for a final decision.
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Posted by: Contrary1995 -
May. 15, 2012 1:02 PM ET USA
Anyone who reads the letter of the other SSPX "bishops" which includes an anti-Semite cannot reasonably expect a good conclusion to this whole affair.
