Excerpts from the SSPX Statutes

JMJ

It is sometimes useful to keep in mind what the SSPX has as it primary goal.

P^3

SSPX Statutes - Excerpts

EXCERPTS FROM THE STATUTES OF THE PRIESTLY SOCIETY OF ST. PIUS X

1-24-2011

The Statutes of the Society of St. Pius Xwere composed by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who had much experience in forming priests while a missionary in Africa. They were canonically approved on February 17, 1970 by Cardinal James Wright of the Congregation of the Clergy, who included a letter praising the wisdom of the Statutes.

We provide here some choice excerpts regarding the SSPX's role in forming priests and assisting other priests as well.

Chapter II: The Purpose of the Society (De Sodalitii fine)

The Society’s purpose is the priesthood and all that pertains to it and nothing but what concerns it; i.e., the priesthood as Our Lord Jesus Christ willed it when He said, “Do this for a commemoration of me.”

The Society must therefore orient the priest towards—and have him concretize in his daily life what is essentially his raison d’etre: the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, with all that it means. All that flows from it, and all that complements it.

The Society’s members will therefore have a true and continual devotion towards their Holy Mass, towards the Liturgy which enshrines it, and towards everything which contributes to make the Liturgy more expressive of the Mystery accomplished in it… A profound theological knowledge of the Sacrifice of the Mass will convince them always more firmly that the whole Revelation, the Mystery of Faith, the completion of the Mysteries of the Incarnation and Redemption, and the whole efficacy of the apostolate are accomplished in this sublime reality.

Chapter III: The Society’s Activities (De Sodalitii Operibus)

[The Society’s activities] include all the works necessary for the formation of priests and whatever pertains thereto, whether the candidates be destined to be members of the Society or not…

The second purpose of the Society is to assist priests in their sanctification by providing them with opportunities for retreats and recollections. The Society’s houses could be headquarters for priestly associations, for third orders, for periodicals and magazines dedicated to the sanctification of priests…

The Society will willingly come to the assistance of aged, infirm, and even unfaithful priests.

Chapter IV : The Different Ways of Belonging to the Society (De Diversis Modis Inhaerendi Sodalitio)

The Society also welcomes associates, whether priests or laymen, who wish to collaborate in working for the Society’s purpose and to profit by its grace for their personal sanctification…

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