The Fork in the Road

JMJ

There remain within the SSPX two bishops of the four consecrated 36 years ago on June 30, 1988.

Bishop Williamson who was expelled in August 2012 near the end of the crisis that resulted in the expunging of the 'resistance' from the SSPX with Williamson going on to consecrate a number of bishops for their 'survival'.

Now Bishop Tissier de Mallerais (RIP) has passed way.

With two bishops to bear the burden of providing, worldwide, the sacraments of Confirmation, Ordinations the workload is significant and increases the risk of loss of another bishop due to a variety of factors.

Because at least one bishop is needed to consecrate more bishops and the Church's normal protocol is for there to be at least two consecrating bishops, the risk to the very existence of the SSPX is now moderate to high. With the loss of another bishop, it would be high.

This presupposes that the SSPX would not be able to obtain the assistance of other legitimate bishops such as Cardinal Burke, Bishop Athanasius Schneider and other traditionally minded bishops.

What does this all mean?

That, by providence, the SSPX has arrived at a new decision point, to request permission to consecrate new bishops from a Pope who, by all appearances, is openly hostile to Traditional Catholicism, yet favourable to the SSPX.

If permission / mandate is refused, then the SSPX will have to consecrate bishops again without mandate and incur a new round of excommunication and an extension of its persecution.

In essence nothing will have changed.

If permission / mandate is provided, then the SSPX will have not only secured its future, but reversed the false narrative that it is a schismatic anachronism that the actions of the SSPX tear apart the "seamless robe of Christ" (link).

In essence everything will have changed.

Pray and make sacrifice that Pope Francis makes a new 'mess' by granting the SSPX the mandate to consecrate four or more new bishops from the priests in its ranks.

P^3

References

Wiki:Richard_Williamson_(bishop)

Comments

The Curious Case of Steve Skojec and the Dangers of Deep Diving into the Crisis Sub-Titled: The Failings of Others

+ JMJ It's been a while now since Steve Skojec sold 1P5 and abandoned the Catholic Faith. I've been a 'Trad' since 1982 and in those 40+ years I seen this death-spiral before with a similar end point. It seems that anyone who jumps into the fray unprepared for the enormous task of righting wrongs will, eventually, become discouraged by not the task but the people who surround them. I remember when Skojec complained of the treatment his family received from a traditional priest. This seems to have been the start of the end for him. So what can we learn from the likes of Steve Skojec, Michael Voris (maybe?), Louie Verrecchio, Gerry Matatix and other celebrity Catholics? Probably quite a lot about what not to do. First, don't burn out on the crisis? When you burn out, on work or anything else, little things assume a more greater importance than they are due. This is one of my 'canary in the coal mine' signals that I've been stretching myself too th...

Communique about Avrille Dominicans - SSPX.org

+ JMJ Having completed the review of the 'Avrille' perspective, this communique from the French District Superior is perfectly timed. I believe that the 'resistance' has lost rationality and further argumentation simply results in their holding on to their false ideal all the more firmly. Pray much ... First, for them to acquiesce to the grace of humility in order to obtain a clear perspective on the principles involved. Second, that we may remain faithful to the Church, and Her Dogmas, Doctrines and Principles. Lest we become that which against we strove ... P^3 Courtesy of SSPX.org

Morning and Evening and other sundry Prayers

+ JMJ Along the theme of P^3 (Prayer, Penance, Patience), and for my own reference ... here is a collection of Morning and Evening prayers from the Ideal Daily Missal along with some additional prayers. In this crisis of the Church, I do not think it is possible to do too much prayer, penance and have patience. P^3

A Reply to Martin Blackshaw’s FLAWED Remnant article titled: FLAWED: SSPX Advice on Abortion-tainted Vaccines

+ JMJ An article has appeared in the Remnant (link to article) and I am afraid that there are a number of flaws in it that need to be addressed. The author, Martin Blackshaw, believes that both the Church and the SSPX are misapplying the principle of Moral Theology called 'Cooperation In Evil'. Unfortunately, Mr. Blackshaw rests most of his arguments on citing authors that support his position, without considering the possibility that they are wrong. This highlights a key factor in this crisis: ignorance of the faith and its application . I don't am not singling out Mr. Blackshaw for this criticism, I have observed that it applies to laity and religious, superior and subject a like. No one seems immune in this enduring crisis, myself included. I further believe that this ignorance is why so many Catholics, both traditional and non, rely on their gut feeling or "Catholic conscience" for charting their way through this crisis of the faith. While...

Magisterium and Levels of Assent

+ JMJ Understanding the levels of assent to be given to the teachings of the Church is a critical success factor in walking the knife's edge during this crisis of the Church. The levels of assent are generally associated with the theological grades of certainty, which are not surprisingly mirrored by the censures for contravening the teachings of the various levels.

Tradicat

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