I agree that it is counterproductive to create, out of nowhere, a new controversy in the Resistance/Fidelity Movement. We have enough of these already, originating mainly from the Pfeiffer/Hewko imbalanced, imprudent, and uncharitable views. No need for a new crisis.
When a bishop is consecrated, he receives 3 "munera" (3 functions): To Sanctify (by the Sacraments), to Teach (Preaching the true Doctrine), and to Govern (by means of a jurisdiction delegated by the Pope). The Pope names him to rule over a specific territory (diocese). Once installed officially as Bishop of his diocese, the new Bishop, like the Pope did for him, organizes his diocese by delegating part of his jurisdiction to Parish Priests, who will be in charge of each parish in the diocese. All of this is to ensure order and unity, as well as avoiding scandals posed by unworthy priests or people posing as priests. This is why some sacraments (Penance, Matrimony) would be invalid if a priest celebrates them in a diocese without having received jurisdiction from the local bishop. In other words, each priest in the diocese needs to be vetted by the Bishop in order to get jurisdiction. This is to make sure he is a valid and "not under punishment"priest, and that he has sound theological knowledge, before the Bishop allows him to minister to his faithful.
Jurisdiction is not a supernatural power. It is a tool to ensure the proper functioning of the Church, so as to foster the salvation of souls in each diocese. It is the same kind of tool used in civil society.
But, like Bp Williamson said many times: "Authority in the Church must be at the service of the Faith".
Since Vatican II, the power of Governance the Bishops receive at their Consecration, with the tool of Jurisdiction to be able to Govern, has been used by Conciliar Bishops against the Faith. It was granted by the Pope and local bishops to Modernist and in many cases immoral clerics. And it was denied to Traditional clerics BECAUSE of their fidelity to Tradition in Faith and Morals. Jurisdiction became a tool to destroy the Catholic Church.
In the Resistance/Fidelity movement NOBODY has jurisdiction. But this lack of jurisdiction is not any more a cause for invalidity of sacraments, as the Church herself will supply for this lack or normal jurisdiction. This is in order to save souls.
For instance: Even in the old days, if somebody was in danger of death and the only priest present was one who had been reduced to the lay state, the Church would supply for this Priest's lack of jurisdiction. And normally, if such a laicized priest would have performed a sacrament (Mass, Penance), he would have committed a Mortal sin and be excommunicated, and his absolution would have been invalid. But not in case of danger of death. Because the supreme law of the Church is the salvation of souls.
Every cleric in the SSPX and the Resistance lacks recognition from local bishops and the Pope. Meaning: None of the priests is incardinated in a Diocese or in a recognized Religious Congregation or Order.
Every Resistance Bishop and Priest is therefore a VAGUS. The only difference is that some of them have decided to live together under a specific rule (SAJM, OSB, others). Others live on their own and follow the rules of Canon Law and traditional customs as much as they can.
BUT ALL OF THEM ARE "VAGRANT".
Therefore, let us stop this controversy!
The Church has been infiltrated by Fɾҽҽmαsσɳɾყ and taken over. Then the SSPX was infiltrated and taken over by liberals. Bishop Williamson feared that a new Congregation of the Resistance would be targeted, infiltrated, and taken over. This is why he advocated,following Father Calmel, for the creation of independent but friendly Bastions working together.
Topic: Independent Priests (Read 327 times)