Author Topic: SSPX question (Read 1505 times)

JohnAnthonyMarie · « **on:** September 11, 2013, 06:38:24 PM »

What does "without vows" in the statement "The Society of St. Pius X is an international priestly society of common life without vows" mean?

Incredulous · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2013, 08:09:51 PM »

Quote from: JohnAnthonyMarie

What does "without vows" in the statement "The Society of St. Pius X is an international priestly society of common life without vows" mean?

I think it means they Order does not have vows of poverty.

+ABL felt it would be impractical to run the SSPX with poverty vows.

This is from a comment +W made.

Sigismund · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2013, 08:56:18 PM »

They don't take the traditional religious vows. Instead they make promises. They are are no less binding. SSPX priests have to be celibate as they promise, just as a Franciscan vows to do.

MariaCatherine · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2013, 09:15:07 PM »

Catholic encyclopedia on vows and promises:

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15511a.htm

Thorn · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2013, 09:35:27 PM »

Perhaps I shouldn't speak for the SPPX, but I believe what that means is that they don't take vows like most religious orders - that is, once you enter you are there until you die after taking final vows. In the SPPX they only "sign up" for a certain amount of years (I think it's 7 or around there) At the end of that period they are free to leave or sign up for another period and so on.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2013, 09:46:02 PM »

The SSPX is not a religious order, so they do not take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. However, as they are priests, their rule of life includes celibacy and obedience whether they belong to the SSPX or not.

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2013, 09:51:21 PM »

Not taking vows of poverty is Protestant and novus ordo.

It goes against St. Pope Pius x who lived and died in poverty as Pope

Matthew · « **Reply #7 on:** September 11, 2013, 10:06:14 PM »

Actually, secular priests have traditionally not taken the vow of poverty.

That's "secular", as opposed to "religious". Not secular, as in "worldly".

The vow of poverty entails not having any money or owning any material things.

This would be most inconvenient for a parish priest. Imagine not having any money to help someone on the street who asks for it, or not having transportation fare?

It makes perfect sense. The secular priest works out in the world, among the people. He might have a rectory to come home to, but he doesn't stay there all day. He is out and about, visiting and bringing the Sacraments to sick people, hearing confessions, travelling, etc. He needs to have some means to take care of the necessities of life, not just for himself but for those around him. If he collects too much "means", of course he should give the excess away. "Freely received, freely given."

It is most fitting that a priest should have the SPIRIT of poverty, not living luxuriously and wearing the finest cassock. People are not edified by wealthy priests -- on the contrary.

Some priests are called to the religious life, and others are not. It's that simple. It would appear that being a secular priest is a harder calling, at least as far as sanctity is concerned: how many parish priests have been canonized? St. John Marie Vianney.

Those in religious life own things "in common" and no one owns anything. In fact, some religious houses move the monks/brothers/nuns around to different quarters on a regular basis, so they don't even get attached to their humble cell.

Source: Seminary training.

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #8 on:** September 11, 2013, 10:22:49 PM »

Thank you. That makes sense.

Secular priest is out and about. Or secular third order Franciscans?

Religious would be hidden from people and live in real poverty?

JohnAnthonyMarie · « **Reply #9 on:** September 12, 2013, 01:33:41 AM »

Thank you all for the nice replies.
God bless you and yours, now and always.

poche · « **Reply #10 on:** September 12, 2013, 02:14:27 AM »

Quote from: JohnAnthonyMarie

What does "without vows" in the statement "The Society of St. Pius X is an international priestly society of common life without vows" mean?

It means that htey do not take the vows of poverty chastity and obedience as professed religous do. So, for example if you were to give money, say $50 to a member of the SSPX and say have a good time with this father . He may go shopping or out to eat in a nice restaurant. If you give $50 to a proffessed religous and say have a nice time, if the professed religous is doing what they are supposed to do the superior would get the money and he would decide what to do with it.
The Maryknollers have the same type of rule of life as the SSPx.