What reconciliation? SSPX Demotes Former French Superior

Envoy Encore ^ | 5/28/03 | Pete Vere, JCL

[Theosis]

In the past week or two, even some of the most hardened traditionalists I know have complained about SSPX Bishop Williamson's latest monthly letter, in which he appears to take a very firm stand against the possibility of an SSPX reconciliation. Here's an excerpt:

Even if these Romans were to speak exactly the same language as the SSPX still, by their modernist religion, they would not be meaninq the same things. Therefore the "reconciliation" would be verbal, not real, and the SSPX would have lost the protection of its present marginalization.

This does not appear to be much different than his various negative comments about the Campos reconciliation. Williamson, as everyone knows, is from England and was raised (at least nominally) as an Anglican. Reportedly, he briefly passed through the Catholic Church on his way to the SSPX schism. He know runs the SSPX's American seminary, and his influence within North America appears to be quite strong.

On the other end of the spectrum, (which is surprising given his past reputation as a SSPX hardliner) L'Abbe Paul Aulagnier from France is now making some pretty strong statements in favor of reconciliation. To share a little of his background, he was one of the SSPX's first priests and has held the offices of District Superior of France (which if I understand correctly is sort of the position of "first among equals" when it comes to SSPX District Superiorships), District Superior of Belgium and Second Assistant to the Superior General. Here's a loose translation of an excerpt from a recent interview he gave ITEM, in which he tackles these same topics:

I am very happy with the positive reaction of Bishop Fellay. "The negotiations continue," he said, "they are not dead." This is something good. I am always very favorable towards these contacts with Rome. We cannot "separate" from Rome, "forget" Rome.

Thus the best thing is to keep things, it is to keep these contacts frequent. Otherwise our "battle" would lose its reason of being. Our goal, over and above the salvation of souls, is to see our Apostolic Tradition rekindle in Rome -- and from Rome to the entire Church.

All isolation is dangerous, and ours in particular.

If we were not to turn toward Rome, we could in time create "a little Church". [Basically a non-Catholic Church like the Old Catholics - PJV]

Then the schism would be consummated well and good. This is our danger. This is why I am happy about Bishop Fellay.

This is also why I'm happy with the "agreement" that Bishop Rangel worked to bring to a successful conclusion with Rome by creating a personal apostolic administration with an exclusive right to the Tridentine liturgy. I hope we will get there ourselves as well.

Granted, my translation isn't perfect, but you get the gist of what Fr. Aulagnier is saying. Despite couching his comments behind appeals to Bishop Fellay's recent comments, it has taken him great courage to state what he has stated in public. (Which is why I'm not gonna quibble with him over whether the SSPX is headed towards schism or already there -- suffice to say, it appears that we both agree the SSPX will end up there permanently in the future if negotiations and contacts aren't intensified.) My heart and prayers go out to Fr. Aulagnier and I pray he will be successful in urging the SSPX toward reconciliation.

Unfortunately, my head tells me that most SSPX clergy still stand behind Williamson, and that he will likely win out if we don't see a massive change of heart among these same clergy. My pessimism is further amplified by the fact Fr. Aulagnier was recently transfered to North America. This is not good in my opinion. I have always found the SSPX quite euro-centric and thus I would not venture to guess that this transfer to North America was a promotion -- especially as Aulagnier is now in the heart of Williamson's sphere of influence.

Which only raises the following question: whose side Bishop Fellay is really taking behind the scenes? In other words, if Bishop Fellay is really in favor reconciliation, why would he transfer the SSPX's most outspoken and well-respected reconciliarist ourside of his reported sphere influence after he appeared to break with the party line, when no action appears to have been taken against Bishop Williamson -- who appears to be the SSPX's most outspoken opponent to reconcilation?

This gives the appearance of a double-standard and sends a strong message to the outside world that Williamson's ideological influence has won out within the SSPX. In my opinion, traditionalists on both sides need to watch the SSPX's treatment of Fr. Aulagnier carefully, because it likely will be the litmus test of how serious the SSPX is in approaching negotiations. Those like myself at St. Blog who favor reconciliation need to make a strong statement in support of Aulagnier right now.

[ultima ratio]

Williamson does not deal with the faithful one on one, though he will sometimes fill-in in an emergency. We meet him on occasion, but not for spiritual direction. Our regular priest is a gentle, moderate man. He is also very scholarly.

You have to realize something. Traditionalists are not uninformed Catholics. They know the difference between doctrine and opinion--and they make the necessary distinction. Their main concern is the Mass and doctrinal orthodoxy. In these he is above reproach. His political views and his opinions about the Sound of Music or the role of women in general--are just that. Opinions.

If I would characterize the spirituality of most SSPX priests, I would say it is in part Ignatian, in part Salesian. I have never sensed I was part of a movement that was radical in any way. It is true Williamson is immoderate in his writings at times. I have said so before. But this does not in any way disqualify him as bishop. And in his personal relations he is always kind and respectful of others--not at all what he seems in writing.

Having said this, would I prefer Fellay or someone else? Yes. But I don't get to choose. Not all the chosen are exemplary in every way. The best we can hope for is orthodoxy--that is the bottom line.

[Maximilian]

The full body suit has not been proven completely.

So I guess the rules they passed against its use were unnecessary? And at the very least, the suits certainly don't provide any disadvantage. So the need for immodest suits was never a reality, but only imaginary.

[Desdemona]

This is certainly interesting from a cultural perspective. Was this St. Louis and what decade would it be? If your recollection is from your childhood, and you're as young as you say, then it would have to be the eighties, by which time virtually everyone's great-grandmother might have been wearing pants.

Across the river and I have my info from photographs in the 30's. Actually, my young childhood was in the 70's. If you're as young as you say you are LOOSEN UP A LITTLE.

[Maximilian]

To which the farmer replied, "Well, you shoulda seen it when the Lord had it all to Himself."

Good story. I'll have to remember that one.

[Desdemona]

So I guess the rules they passed against its use were unnecessary? And at the very least, the suits certainly don't provide any disadvantage. So the need for immodest suits was never a reality, but only imaginary.

I have no idea, but you still have to have razor burn when you hit the water, or you can't feel it well enough.

[sinkspur]

Des, Amish chic, or the "burqualicious" motif is what's "in" for the "trad" girl.

This has the added benefit of covering any tattoos the trad girl may have gotten in her Magdalen days.

[Maximilian]

Curious. Why do you know the details of this?

This was big news on Diocese Report for a while, and Polycarp, I believe, was posting stuff for a while whenever something was released.

[Loyalist]

You can get the details from the College of St. Justin Martyr website

This crew were not only homosexual predators but also profligate sybarites as well. Bishop Timlin covered for them every step of the way, for reasons known only to himself.

[Maximilian]

If you're as young as you say you are LOOSEN UP A LITTLE.

Okay. [Having quickly knocked back a couple of stiff ones.] Have you heard the one about the 2 Irishmen who go into the bar? It seems they ....

[Desdemona]

Des, Amish chic, or the "burqualicious" motif is what's "in" for the "trad" girl.

I'm sorry. It just doesn't match my coloring.

[St.Chuck]

I recall when the story broke. I was familiar with The Society of St. John, their association with the FSSP and their work at St. Gregory's academy outside Scranton, Pa. It has been discussed here a few times before, but not lately. Ventena's wife (sic) is very familiar with this, as I believe she was supporter of this group. They have a website, or did, at one time.

[St.Chuck]

But I don't get to choose. Not all the chosen are exemplary in every way.

Spoken like a real Catholic. :o)

[sinkspur]

Good story. I'll have to remember that one.

Please do. Farms, like the Body of Christ, don't grow if the farmers sit in the house, and take no action.

[Desdemona]

do you think capris count as men's dress?

Of course. And I have 2 pair. :)

Even when they're pink and embroidered with flowers? That leaves me wondering about the men.

[St.Chuck]

I believe that website is run by one who has a personal grudge against the accused. There is a defense, Bishop Timlin seems to be acting with prudence and a desire for justice.

[sinkspur]

I was familiar with The Society of St. John, their association with the FSSP and their work at St. Gregory's academy outside Scranton, Pa. It has been discussed here a few times before, but not lately. Ventena's wife (sic) is very familiar with this, as I believe she was supporter of this group. They have a website, or did, at one time.

I'm always in awe of you guys who know about the ancillary movements of the ancillary movements.

I compare it to those who, in addition to knowing about the Bigs in Major League Baseball, also keep up with Triple A.

[Theosis]

The post-conciliar church still has not done one thing to justify its support for religious liberty - which can be found in the so-called "Vatican II magesterium".

Incorrect. Dom Basile Valluet, OSB, who was ordained a priest by Archbishop Lefebvre for Le Barroux Monastery (before they reconciled in 1988), wrote a six-volume doctoral thesis on the subject, where he showed examples of the Church teaching and upholding religious liberty throughout the Centuries. His work, which unfortunately is only available in French at this time, has never been refuted.

[Theosis]

"What drew Williamson to the SSPX in the first place?"

Many SSPXers I know have wondered the same thing.