More reflections on the Vatican and SSPX

 

Corpus Christi, with its emphasis on the liturgical Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord seems a not inappropriate day on which to reflect further on the tension between the Vatican and the SSPX over the intention of the Society to consecrate four new bishops without Papal mandate on July 1st.

I wrote about this issue last month in a post which can be seen at The Vatican vs SSPX  

It is a subject about which I continue to pray.

Since then a number of online features have caught my eye and I think them worth sharing.

 

For those not aux fait with the background there is a suitably neutral account from ReadyToHarvest about the conflict going back to the years immediately after Vatican II ended and which can be seen at Will SSPX Schism? What's Going On?

Shortly after my post I came across links to an open letter to the Pipe from Bishop Athanasius Schneider which the faithful could also sign expressing the hope that the Holy See would approve of the consecrations to avoid further rupture. This can be accessed at Bishop Schneider backs urgent appeal asking Pope Leo XIV to support SSPX consecrations

I signed the letter.

Subsequently I came upon a lengthy article on Substack which was a commentary on the letter. It is by a monk of Le Barroux and has some important references to history and canon law in respect of Papal powers. It can be read at We Do Not Save the Faith Against the Pope

 

The very well-informed website The Pillar had further thoughts on what might happen on July 2nd if neither side backs down - and there is nothing so far to suggest either will. That article, written by a leading member of a team who are well versed in canon law, can be found 

at Excommunication communication: What if the SSPX does a schism?

I have never attended an SSPX Mass other than watching a handful online during Covid. A friend, who does have contact with members of SSPX, opined that whereas in 1988 excommunication or the threat of it was a sobering thing today, as a legacy of the actions of Pope Francis, it is seen as no threat and enhances the resolve of the Society.

It would be difficult for either side to step back. For SSPX it would be a negation if so much, if not indeed all rhey have professed. For the Vatican, which clearly includes in the College of Cardinals very considerable disparity on the liturgy, the most obvious point of difference, and for the Pope, only a year into his pontificate, to give way in the point would be severely disabling.

 

That is to look at the clash in political terms. During the lead up to last year’s conflict several commentators- - but not perhaps enough - lamented the way in which the life of the Church was being presented in terms of secular, entrenched, adversarial politics. Maybe we must pray that this matter is not just resolved in charity but in a Christian charity that is worthy of the Body of Christ.