The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published on 2 July a decree and an accompanying Explanatory Note assessing the canonical consequences of the four episcopal consecrations carried out by the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (SSPX). At the same time, the Dicastery sent diocesan bishops practical guidelines for receiving priests and lay faithful who wish to return to full communion with the Church.
The decree states that Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta and the four bishops consecrated without a pontifical mandate have incurred automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication. It also states that Bishop Bernard Fellay has incurred excommunication by taking part in the consecrations as a co-consecrator. The decree further warns priests and lay faithful against adhering to the schism, since this entails excommunication under canon law.
In its Explanatory Note, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith states that priests belonging to the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X are henceforth to be regarded as schismatics and are subject to the canonical penalties provided for by Church law. The document also states that the priests of the Fraternity administer the sacraments illicitly, and that the sacrament of penance administered by them and the marriages at which they assist are invalid. The faithful are urged to remain in communion with the Bishop of Rome and with the bishops in communion with him, and to refrain from taking part in SSPX liturgies and other activities.
The status of lay faithful is assessed case by case
The Dicastery’s practical guidelines emphasize, however, that not all lay faithful connected with the SSPX are automatically to be regarded as schismatics or excommunicated. Possible canonical responsibility must always be assessed case by case.
According to the guidelines, those who have formally adhered to the SSPX, such as members of the Fraternity’s Third Order or persons who knowingly share its doctrinal positions, may be among those for whom a formal process of return to full communion with the Church is required. By contrast, persons who have attended SSPX events only for liturgical or spiritual reasons, or who have not rejected the Church’s Magisterium or the authority of the Roman Pontiff, are not automatically to be considered such that canonical penalties could be applied to them.
How is full communion restored?
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has also prepared practical procedures for diocesan bishops to receive those who wish to return to full communion with the Church.
A priest leaving the SSPX must accept the Second Vatican Council, acknowledge the legitimacy of the current Roman Missal, make the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity, and ask the Holy Father for remission of the canonical penalties incurred. After this, the diocesan bishop may receive him for a probationary period before possible incardination into the diocese or another ecclesial community.
Lay faithful who are judged to have formally adhered to the SSPX must make the Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity before the diocesan bishop, who receives them back into full communion with the Church in the manner he considers appropriate. By contrast, for those who have taken part in the Fraternity’s activities without formal adherence, it is sufficient to approach a priest in full communion with the Catholic Church and to decide not to take part in SSPX activities in the future.
Fides / Vatican News / vatican.va