Rome and St Pius X: the stages of an agreement that was always rejected
Almost-reached agreements and sudden U-turns characterised the thirty-year rift between the Fraternity founded by Archbishop Lefebvre and the Holy See. This is a story that needs to be retraced in order to better understand the 'Lefebvrian phenomenon' and the problematic nature of its positions.
- Dossier: The SSPX Case
Double rejection: Lefebvrians reject Rome's proposals
No U-turn from the Society of Saint Pius X after the Holy See's request to suspend episcopal ordinations and resume theological dialogue. Don Pagliarani criticises Müller for the failure of past talks and tries to ingratiate himself with Fernández by leveraging the “todos, todos, todos”
Freedom outside the Church — the Lefebvrians real goal
Approve the announced episcopal ordinations, but without granting them any canonical status. Don Pagliarani's request to the Pope shows that it is not Rome that refuses to regularise the Society of Saint Pius X, but rather the latter that claims to save souls outside the Mystical Body of Christ.
A second breakaway will see five new Lefebvrian bishops ordained
Episcopal ordinations without a papal mandate, as in 1988. On 1 July, the Society of Saint Pius X will repeat Archbishop Lefebvre's gesture, this time ordaining an additional bishop.The Holy See has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue in order to avoid a new rupture.
Viganò and Lefebvrians, the illusion of a Tradition without Church
Canonical trial for the former nuncio, while the Fraternity founded by Mgr Lefebvre announces the illicit consecration of new bishops. But going beyond legitimate criticism of ecclesiastical authorities leads to schism. And it is not the solution.
The "state of necessity" alone does not legitimise the SSPX
Some clarification on the (deficient) presuppositions that 'Lefebvrian' priests invoke in support of their ministry without missio canonica. Moreover, it is the SSPX that refuses to enter the Church.
SSPX ministry of priests is illegitimate, here’s why
Benedict XVI had made it clear: without doctrinal clarification there is no canonical status for the Fraternity and no ministerial legitimacy. The point to understand is that the essence of the Church is at stake here.
- Frustrated by Rome, following the Lefebvrians is not the solution
- Lefebvrians: excommunication lifted but schism stands
Lefebvrians: excommunication lifted but schism stands
Monsignor Lefebvre's episcopal appointments are illegitimate in all respects. The excommunication lifted by Benedict XVI was aimed at paving the way for reconciliation, but does not cancel the schism. In the same way it was for the Orthodox.
Frustrated by Rome, following the Lefebvrians is not the solution
Many faithful now attend the chapels of the St Pius X Priestly Fraternity, much like castaways in search of dry land, due to the serious crisis being experienced in the Church. But this is a mistake and stems from the confusion surrounding the real status of the Lefebvrians. The Daily Compass explains where the problems lie in a series of four instalments.
God, not man will save the Church
When confronted with the drift of the Church, there is a temptation to find refuge. But in the hour of the Passion Jesus did not teach to rebel, but to pray and watch. That is why we remain in the Church, which is Christ's, even accepting to die with her.
