Let's Get One Thing Straight. The SSPX Did Not Claim to Have the Papal Mandate!

I've read a number of posts by those claiming the SSPX lied during the consecration of the bishops by claiming the papal mandate. But, in the course of the consecration Mass, when asked if they had the papal mandate, Bishop Fellay did not say "Habemus," (We have it.) Instead he called on the notary, Fr. Foucauld Le Roux, to read a declaration of necessity which implicitly recognized the lack of the papal mandate. The sedevacantist site, Novus Ordo Watch, where I found the text of the document, says this indicates that the SSPX recognizes Leo as a legitimate pope and are living a contradiction by acknowledging the conciliar church but refusing to obey its pope. Hmm....

Open Letter to Bishop Michael Burbidge with Cover Letter to Apostolic Nuncio: We are are not excommunicated schismatics!

OPEN LETTER TO MOST REVEREND MICHAEL BURBIDGE, 

BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

July 13, 2026

Your Excellency,

How grateful I am for your vocation to the priesthood and the privilege of calling you my spiritual Father. We met only once several years ago after Fr. Clarence Trinkle's funeral at St. John the Baptist. I left by the front door thinking to slip away quietly, but you were standing alone next to the hearse only a few feet away. I stopped, genuflected and kissed your ring, introduced myself, and thanked you. I considered our brief exchange providential and was delighted to receive a personal blessing. I recall that meeting today as I write in grief over the recent decree of excommunication of the SSPX bishops. Since my purpose is not to defend the Society consecrations, I will not address that topic.

The Rome of Cognitive Dissonance and Doublethink

There's a psychological term that applies in spades to our age of confusion and chaos. It's called "cognitive dissonance" in the language of mental health and "doublethink" in the language of dystopian literature. Both terms mean the same thing: the act of trying to believe two contradictory things at the same time. 

Sadly, modernist Rome has become the icon of cognitive dissonance and doublethink. The Vatican pays lip service to the unchanging Catholic faith taught for two millennia, while, at the same time, undermining it with modernist claptrap. One bishop says contraception and abortion are wrong. Another says there are circumstances when they're not. Moral relativism takes center stage in the synodal church where sexual deviance is love. 

Fatherly Concern or Papal Politics?

A reader on Substack sent me a link to an interesting article from Integrity Magazine. 

Analysis suggests Leo’s last-minute ‘heartfelt letter’ to SSPX 

was sent to ensure harshest possible punishment

Sad thought, but in view of the pope's refusal to meet with Fr. Pagliarani or even reply to his letters.... Draw your own conclusions. Does Pope Leo act like a father to a flock he loves with a father's heart? Did Francis?

SSPX Files Appeal of July 2nd Decree

Below is the Society's press release of yesterday announcing their appeal of the July 2nd decree of excommunication and schism. This act indicates several important things. First of all, the Society recognizes the authority of Rome. If they didn't they would just walk away. The appeal of the decree shows a recognition of papal authority. The Society has never rejected the papacy; they reject the novelties and errors being introduced in violation of the Catholic faith. They stand with Eternal Rome!

Guest Post: Tactics to oppose so-called Reproductive Freedom Amendments

By Robert G. Marshall ( bio - articles - email ) | Jul 07, 2026

It is true that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is good to remember when combatting misleading “Reproductive Freedom Amendments” (RFAs) to state Constitutions. In 2026, these measures will be on the ballot in Virginia and Nevada, and will “enshrine” a deadly mix of soul-compromising social mayhem policies that destroy lives, erase parental rights, and usher in extremely, radical social and legal policies.

Missouri has placed on the November 2026 ballot a reversal of the 2024 approved Reproductive Freedom Amendment which greatly expanded abortion, abolished all parental responsibility and authority, and severely impacted families. On November 3rd, Missouri pro-lifers must vote YES! But in Virginia and Nevada, they must vote NO on RFAs.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place!

Hardness can be subjective. If one has a feather in one hand and an egg in the other which one is harder? Obviously, the egg. On the other hand if one replaces the feather with a stone, which one is harder? If you don't know have an egg/stone fight and see.

Those of us connected to the SSPX these days find ourselves between a rock and a hard place. The rock is the faith taught by Peter and the apostles that has been continuous throughout the centuries. Yes, changes have taken place, but always in accordance with Scripture and Tradition. Divine revelation ended with the last apostle. There can be no changes to revealed doctrine and morality. Sins against chastity, like sodomy, can't be evil yesterday and legitimate signs of love as declared by some bishops in good standing today. Any so-called shepherd who proclaims it is a hireling at best or a ravening wolf in shepherd's clothing.

Sunday Meditation: Discernment, Disagreement, Conscience, and the Fullness of the Truth

I follow a gentleman on Substack, D. B. Doherty, whose views on the SSPX situation conflict strongly with my own. I think it's an intelligent practice to study both sides of an issue to help discern where the fullness of the truth lies. That's what I've been doing ever since COVID sent us to the SSPX in recognition and appreciation of their zeal for souls. Up to now, I've found the arguments for the SSPX more convincing than those against them. So I continue, in good conscience, to attend the chapel. But I also continue to examine the arguments presented by those who disagree who I see as people of good will. I ignore the others. Let them rage.

Doherty, describes himself as an "armchair theologian." He warns that all of us who continue to connect ourselves to the Society are in serious spiritual danger. Recently, he posted this article:

How to Defend the SSPX and Accidentally Risk Your Soul

The Grace of Simple Pleasures that Make You Smile

What makes you happy? What makes you smile? What simple pleasures fill you with joy? 

I think I never grew up. One of my favorite possessions is my doll collection. In the morning when I say my prayers, read, and meditate I sit opposite the cabinet filled with (some) of my dolls. I think of them as the congregation of the Church Militant. Lots of nationalities are represented and two nuns, one a teaching nun and the other a missionary. 

I'm not so attached, however, that I can't give one away. I recently shared one with a little first communicant I was talking to after Mass. I also gave away a lovely Irish doll that had a music box inside. You see I smile over my dolls, but I love to have them bring smiles to other little girls. 

Is the Crisis in the Church Real?

I

I've been disappointed in Cardinal Sarah's statements criticizing the consecraton of the bishops without a papal mandate. It's not the first time in Church history that a bishop disobeyed the pope. In fact, Pope John Paul II, when he was bishop of Krakow, under the policy of Ostpolitik, was  forbidden to ordain priests. He disobeyed Pope Paul VI's order that no above ground or underground ordinations should take place. He disobeyed and suffered no consequences and, in fact, became pope.