The Baptism of Russia (Viktor Vasnetsov 1896)
The Holy New Martyrs of RussiaBishop Bernard Fellay of the Society of St. Pius X in a recent letter to friends and benefactors, has called for 12 million rosaries to be offered for the cause of the "consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary."
Hmmm...
A schismatic from the Roman Church is calling for prayers for the conversion of those whom Rome considers schismatic. The irony is delicious. And they wonder why so many Orthodox want as little to do with Rome as possible.
10 comments:
This comes from the apparition at Fatima.
At the time, the Russian Revolution was just beginning and the Bolsheviks were just attaining their power.
Interesting that three sheperd children in Portugal were to "know" about Russia and the Bolshevik Revolution.
Most Catholics know that Russia is "converted". Most know that the "Fatima" prophecy has been fulfilled.
Don't bother with the SSPX which, in my opinion, only represents a rather peculiar type of Catholic, not representing the vast majority who are glad that Russia once again can have people practicing their Christiuan faith.
I understand your anger but it's an honest battle of one true churches. Better that than a Modernist mainline wannabe who patronises you? ('Oh, I love Russian spirituality' from somebody who questions the divinity of Christ, doesn't believe he founded a church and thinks the Eucharist is only bread and wine symbolising community.)
To be fair Bishop Fellay is not a schismatic in Rome's view; in principle he doesn't deny one bit of RC doctrine. (For example he doesn't claim to be a diocesan; he's only a sacramental bishop because of a perceived state of emergency say the SSPX.)
Fátima is private revelation not RC doctrine. One doesn't have to believe it.
These 'peculiar' RCs aren't perfect but I like them.
More:
Bishop Fellay is a communicant in good standing in the RC Church. He’s just not regularised as clergy (yet?) much like an Orthodox priest who hasn’t been issued a bishop’s antimension enabling him to serve the Liturgy.
I like to take a dovelike approach to Fatima. My father (pious Latin) said that he grew up praying for Russia, and it always meant (for him) for Russia to be free of the theomachists. So, the prayers worked, eh?
Fellay represents a different (original?) take on the Fatima devotions.
One Orthodox lady that I know had a witty though ornery take on this. She called the apparition at Fatima, "the devil in drag."
I wouldn't dare say that [see my benevolent interpretation of Fatima above], but I admit that I find it quite funny.
As a side note, I respect the SSPX'ers. I like frankness, and they do not beat around any ecclesiological bushes. They state what they mean. I would rather have that than the dishonest and manipulative rhetoric of so many ecumenists. Theology should be about truth, not Byzantine diplomacy (on both sides of the Adriatic).
John
I think I would have to disagree. Fellay and the SSPX pay lip service to obedience to Rome. But only as long as Rome is doing what they want. They have clearly and repeatedly set themselves up as the final arbiters of what is and is not True Catholic Tradition. The argument that Fellay is a Catholic communicant in good standing is a stretch at best.
The man is suspended in his orders which means he is forbidden from celebrating any of the Holy Mysteries. Yet he does so anyway. He also ordains clergy illicitly. His order has been granting annulments and marrying people and hearing confessions without faculties from Rome. Defying a suspension confirmed by the Holy See would seem to be at the very least a mortal sin (from the RC POV). How does that make one a communicant in good standing?
Sorry, if it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck...
They are clearly material schismatics. They have been separated from Rome for so long I seriously doubt they will be able to heal the breach without a major schism within their own order.
Your comparing them to an Orthodox priest, without attachment to a bishop is an interesting and good analogy. A priest not under a bishop, is at least schismatic and arguably no longer a priest.
Christ is risen!
John
Joseph,
You do make a good point about the SSPX approach to ecumenism. It would seem to be more honest. I can't complain about it too much especially since my own views are not far removed.
Christ is rien!
John
He is forbidden from celebrating... Yet he does so anyway.Good point. I thought of that right after I last wrote.
Let's sent them to our Old Calendrists, where they can find common ground in their dislike for ecumenism.
Steve,
LOL. I once posted on Rorate Caeli that they really needed to do lunch with our Old Calendarists given their many similarities. From their rather acidic responses I gather they failed to see the humor.
Christ is risen!
John
Seems a perfectly reasonable sort of suggestion to me.
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