Dear Faithful,
Some of you have inquired concerning a recent document, called a “dubia” coming from the Vatican concerning the Latin Mass. It was in response to questions regarding the implementation of the motu proprio Traditiones Custodes of His Holiness Pope Francis.
It should be recalled that the dubia is not in the form of a decree, nor does it mention societies such as ours who have our own founding documents, proper law and definitively approved Constitutions. We wish to reassure you that our Mission to the Church has not changed.
As your pastor, I would like to share with you a public statement issued from our North American Provincial, Fr. William Lawrence, FSSP, regarding this matter:
“The recent document from the Congregation for Divine Worship released on December 18th does not directly address the former Ecclesia Dei communities such as the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter who possess their own proper law. The members of the Fraternity of St. Peter promised to be faithful to our Constitutions at the time of our admittance into the Fraternity, and we remain committed to exactly that: fidelity to the Successor of Peter and the faithful observance of the “liturgical and disciplinary traditions” of the Church in accordance with the provisions of the Motu Proprio Ecclesia Dei of July 2, 1988, which is at the origin of our foundation. The superiors of the Priestly Fraternity will be studying the document more closely while maintaining our ministry to the faithful entrusted to our care.”
More information regarding our founding documents, proper law, and constitutions can be consulted on our international website:
https://www.fssp.org/en/presentation-2/documents/
You will also find below a link showing the general statistics on the FSSP, its apostolates, demographics, and seminaries:
https://www.fssp.org/en/presentation-2/figures/
Finally, I would like to share with you a reflection on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul given in 2012 by our Superior General which summarizes well what our attitude should be when dealing with challenging circumstances in the Church and the world. It also explains the meaning of our coat of arms at the top of this message.
A Letter from the Superior General of the FSSP (2012)
Thank-you for your continued prayers and support. May the virtues of faith, hope, and charity continue to sustain you as we wait for the joyful coming of the Lord!