Wisconsin bishop warns against involvement with SSPX
August 10, 2015
Bishop Robert Morlino of Madison, Wisconsin, has advised the faithful to avoid involvement with the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX).
In a column in his diocesan newspaper explaining the irregular standing of the traditionalist group—in which he frankly involves the concerns that lead some Catholics toward the SSPX-- the bishop makes a “plea to the traditionally minded faithful of the diocese to have nothing to do with them.”
“Many of their concerns are legitimate,” Bishop Morlino writes. “Many of their values and aspirations are admirable, and their zeal is impressive.” He expresses sympathy for the rejection of irreverence in the liturgy and in unorthodox trends in religious education.
However, the bishop reminds his readers that the priests of the SSPX do not have proper canonical faculties. SSPX priests are ordained validly (albeit illicitly), he writes, and can celebrate Mass. However, he points out, “the SSPX’s marriages and absolutions are invalid because their priests lack the necessary faculties.”
Bishop Morlino writes that he understands why some people attend SSPX chapels, seeking a reverent liturgy. But he warns that “as you attend more and more, it ceases to become something you tolerate and starts to become a mark of identity, even a badge of pride. You adopt a fixed posture of separation from the Church. That is a perilous position for any soul to be in.”
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Posted by: feedback -
Aug. 11, 2015 9:19 AM ET USA
I appreciate how Bishop Morlino addresses one by one the reasons why Catholics turn to SSPX. He acts as a true shepherd to the People of God.
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Posted by: koinonia -
Aug. 10, 2015 9:04 PM ET USA
Bishop Morlino doesn't really say anything new here. The SSPX position is certainly not without risks. The reality is that those folks have decided there are greater risks. Interestingly, today from Rorate Caeli, Bishop Athanasius Schneider: "there are no weighty reasons in order to deny the clergy and faithful of the SSPX the official canonical recognition". Rorate Caeli also sent a shout out about a recent Phil Lawler post. It really is time for the "good guys" to get together.
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Posted by: Nuage -
Aug. 10, 2015 5:04 PM ET USA
I would also like to know how a Roman Catholic bishop can attend, and perhaps participate in, an illicit (sinful) Mass, as Bp. Schneider did during his visit to the SSPX and then give his approval for this Mass, in violation of Canon Law and in disobedience to the Holy See. SSPX priests and bishops are forbidden to offer public Catholic Masses under penalty of mortal sin. For a priest to offer Holy Mass while in a state of mortal sin is a sacrilege. The Most Blessed Sacrament must be protected.
