Neither does the "Saint Benedict Center" in Richmond, New Hampshire. In a letter written by Fr. Edward Arsenault, Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire, to Mrs. Terri O'Rorke, Father Arsenault makes this clear:
"I write to you in reply to your letter dated May 24, 2007. I share your concern about the ongoing controversy and difficulties with the Saint Benedict Center. As you know, the Saint Benedict Center has no permission or authority to exercise any Ministry on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire. Bishop McCormack has and will continue to do all that he can to encourage people to refrain from participating in any of the spiritual exercises at the Saint Benedict Center.
For my part, I will continue to make it clear that Saint Benedict Center has no affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church in any way. Please know that I will continue to pray for you and all those who are affected by difficulties that have been created by the Saint Benedict Center."
Related reading here, here and here.
4 comments:
From Saint Benedict Center's own Website (catholicism.org):
"At this point, our Order has no formal canonical recognition from the Diocese of Manchester"
A stunning admission. Rome doesn't recognize this cult either. They have, as Fr. Arsenault said, no affiliation whatsoever with the Roman Catholic Church..
Some speculations about the SSPX and Holy See
Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
What Does the Prayer Really Say?
June 18, 2009
You know about the dust up over the upcoming SSPX ordinations scheduled in Germany, and the Holy See’s tisk-tick press release.
I have had a few conversations about these things lately.
There is some suggestion flowing to me from different sources, whom I cannot name, that SSPX Bishop Bernard Fellay may be prepared to accept some sort of "provisional status".
Soon after the excommunications were lifted, Bp. Fellay seems to have refused to sign a document asking for the lifting also of the suspensions.
If this is true, I can understand why that would be, in light of the problems brewing in Germany.
* * *
We all know that the SSPX leadership wants to resolve doctrinal issues before the canonical. However, given the new exigencies, perhaps some provisional or transitional status could help advance the rapprochement.
This is a good time to offer some prayers and ask the guardian angels of all involved to help them come to a good solution, soon.
For those Catholics living in and around Southern, New Hampshire and Central Massachusetts and who want to participate in the traditional Latin Mass (Tridentine) and who do not wish to be disobedient to the Church by attending Mass at a schismatic community or cult, the following encouraging news from WDTPRS Blog:
The Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of the Worcester Diocese, has given his approval for this new regularly scheduled Traditional Latin Mass. The following is the press release:
In response to Pope Benedict XVI’s Summorum Pontificum, Reverend Father Thien Nguyen, pastor at Immaculate Conception Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, has generously invited Reverend Father David Phillipson to offer the Extraordinary Form Mass (the Traditional Latin Mass) every Sunday at 8am, beginning on June 28th and also on Holy Days according to the Traditional Calendar. Father will hear confessions at 7:30am before Mass, and the Rosary will be prayed aloud at that time. Father will also hold spiritual conferences and traditional devotions, and administer the Sacraments according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite. For more information, visit the parish website at www.immaculateconceptionfitchburg.com. Immaculate Conception Church is located at 59 Walnut Street in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The parish will also continue to keep its regular schedule of Masses in the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo Masses).
Praise God and thank you Your Excellency!!!
The National President of the John Birch Society is a 3rd order member of SBC Richmond. He just spoke at their IHM School graduation (a class of 1). More info on sbcwatch.blogspot.com
Post a Comment