www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall How many traditional catholics have returned?

Do we have an idea? After the Holy Father allowed to have the Latin Mass celebrated I heard the LeFebvrian were returning, but do we know how many? or have they?

I know of at least one (legitimately ordained) priest who ran his own "storefront" traditionalist parish who's come back to his local diocese. I believe he has or is trying to bring the rest of his congregation.

The actions of the local bishop were essential to bring these people back. Many years to them!

Well, that will happen on an individual basis. However, the Superior General of the SSPX has ruled out any form of reunion with Rome.

An action which should really tell us something.
Stephanos I

COATLAXOPEUH,

I have heard that the traditionalist priests and faithful of the diocese of Campos in Brazil, who were associated with the SSPX, are now officially reconciled with Rome.

I have also heard that the SSPX themselves are now much more conciliatory towards Rome than previously. However, there are a number of issues that remain, especially since the position of the SSPX involves more than just the liturgy.

I think they also want Rome to renew the condemnations of both ecumenism and "Americanism." Possibly some other things as well.


Peace,
Deacon Richard

Having made a number of unsubstantiated statements in my previous post, I decided to do a little research. The traditionalists of Campos were indeed reconciled with Rome, however, this took place on January 18, 2002, so it could not be attributed to recent actions by Pope Benedict XVI.

In an article dated February 2003, Bishop Bernard Fellay, the General Superior of the SSPX, laments this reconciliation, and contends that Bishop Rifan and his followers have "given up the fight." (Full article HERE [dailycatholic.org])

As I suspected, ecumenism is a big part of SSPX's reason for holding out against Rome. In the article, Bishop Fellay says, Naturally, in this view the Orthodox are no more a part of the True Church than the Jews.


Peace,
Deacon Richard

Yes, ecumenism is still a major concern. Recently about two months ago, I did contact the SSPX by email and they told me that basic problems have not been addressed: Vatican II is one of the biggest hurdles.

If you want to contact them by email, they will answer sincere inquiries.

This is interesting as I seem to have had several discussions lately with Old Calendarist Orthodox, and of course it was all Ecumenism. It prompted me to learn up on what exactly "Ecumenism" is.

Interesting that SSPX and Old Calendarists are united on this front... but of course, they both reject not only each other, but also the modern versions of their respective Churches.

Schism is easy, it seems, especially when the WHOLE CHURCH is in error, but Bishop X and his loyal flock of 134 are the last members of the True Church.

I am far too sarcastic for an average Tuesday.

Oh, yes, the faithful remnant theory.

However, here in Southern California there are intermarriages between HOCNA members and SSPX members. I cannot fathom that, but it is happening. The couples struggle about the marriage ceremony and how to raise their children as both groups are very strict. A few family members visit each other churches for major feast days.

What a fundamentalist nightmare!!!

Each spouse should be anathematized for allowing themselves to have socialized and fallen in love with 'heretics' ('heretic' ofcourse being subjective depending on what side of the 'truer than true' church membership one comes from) !!!

Alice, just adding a little good natured teasing

May God bless all followers of Christ-- fundamentalist, truer than true, liberal, or otherwise....for we are all His fallen Children, not one more or less beloved than the other.

Knowing the beliefs and venom of both groups, I could imagine the vows for such marriages. �Do you anathematize N. in health and schism despite their heretical ways so long as you both will live?�

An invisible member

LOL!

Thanks for the laugh....

I always said that I liked squirrels!

Regards,
Alice

Yes, sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

I fell in love with an unbaptized protestant. It was because he was open to God and to His Holy Church that we continued our relationship and our love blossomed along with our faith. Thankfully, he was baptized about a month before our marriage.

May I ask what HOCNA means?

Thanks!

God bless and keep you....

Holy Orthodox Church of North America. Spelled VAGANTE!

Alexandr