Posted on 10/14/2009 3:33:19 PM PDT by NYer
A full restoration of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X to union with Rome does not appear imminent, if a recent interview given by the society’s superior general is any guide.
The Reuters FaithWorld blog has posted excerpts from the interview Bishop Bernard Fellay conducted with the Tradition magazine published by the SSPX in South Africa. His comments are significant, as the Vatican and the society will soon begin direct discussions about the doctrinal differences that separate the society from the Church.
Bishop Fellay gives no hint that the SSPX is prepared to give ground in these talks with respect to any of its objections to the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and he insists that the only solution to the problems confronting the Church is “a return to the past.”
In a letter in March to the world’s bishops, Pope Benedict XVI stated that “acceptance of the Second Vatican Council and the post-conciliar magisterium of the Popes” is a fundamental doctrinal requirement for restoration of the SSPX to full unity with the Church.
Here’s an excerpt from the FaithWorld article:
In the same interview with the magazine Tradition, [Fellay] also indicated the SSPX was ready to add several new issues to the agenda of the talks that could drag on the sessions for years. The talks are due to start later this month.
Fellay, who was readmitted into the Roman Catholic Church in January with three other bishops after two decades of excommunication, said the Church was in such a crisis that it would take more than one generation of “constant efforts in the right direction” and possibly as long as a century to overcome it.
He said he had no idea how long the SSPX’s doctrinal discussions with the Vatican would take. “This will certainly also depend on what Rome expects. They could take quite a long time.”
Fellay then indicated the SSPX could also contribute to dragging out these talks as much as possible. “The issues are vast,” he told the magazine. “Our principle objections to the Council, such as religious liberty, ecumenism and collegiality are well known. But other objections could be posed, such as the influence of modern philosophy, the liturgical novelties, the spirit of the world and its influence on the modern thought that holds sway in the Church.”
Prayer ping!
Fellay is being Fellay. What a shock!
Why don’t these busybodies leave Pope Benedict to handle his business. Don’t the Legionaries have big enough problems of their own?
Say what you will about Fellay the Reconciliation Tactician, these are all very valid concerns indeed.
I have to say my sentiments lie more with Fellay here.
It is the heretical V2 and the last five pretenders who warmed the Chair of Peter who chose to deny Sacred Dogma and in turn mislead the faithful. Herein lies the problem.His church is in chaos; loosing Roman Catholic participation at Holy Mass - European and American churches are empty - yet these men are blind to their folly. May God have mercy on them.
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I have to agree. All are valid concerns.
The concerns mentioned seem valid enough to warrant discussion. Dialogue with traditionalists beats capitulation to the progressivists any time. The Catholic Church is the only institution that will entertain a dialogue with those to the “right” as well as those to the “left”. The left has borne the slogan “no enemies to the left” since the French Revolution and all secular institutions implicitly follow along, as well as many “religious” institutions.
Let the dialogue continue for as long as it takes and let the modernists splutter with apoplexy. At the end of the day, SSPX would do well to recognize papal authority, and the Vatican would do well to exercise its authority, mindful of its traditions and obligations.
They never denied papal authority as a principle despite occasional insubordination. They are not sedevacantists.
In my opinion, the insubordination, while a serious issue, does not outweigh the problems with false ecumenism and modernism that Bp. Fellay referred to.
One could say the same about Mahony, Weakland etc.
In my opinion, the insubordination, while a serious issue, does not outweigh the problems with false ecumenism and modernism that Bp. Fellay referred to.
While the current influence of SSPX is dwarfed by the modernists, its insubordination is also pernicious. It opens the door to all and any form of insubordination in the name of restoring the Church to its ancient pristine condition. Luther and Calvin would be pleased.
Yes, if we only consider insubordination and nothing else, then SSPX is no different than the liberal modernizers. This is why the focus on subordination is not the proper focus. On substance, Fellay and Co. strengthen the Church, and the Left wingers seek to destroy it.
Amen, Robert.
MMJ
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