Bishop of Cubao reaches out to traditionalists opposed to schism
In a pastoral letter to the faithful linked to the Lefebvrists but opposed to the break caused by the illegal episcopal ordinations in Écône that led to the schism, Bishop Ayuban offers specific pastoral support, opening the way to more opportunities of celebrating the Tridentine Mass. “Let us act with pastoral prudence, doctrinal clarity, and brotherly charity,” he writes.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Diocese of Cubao, in the Philippines, will provide pastoral assistance to the faithful of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) who wish to remain in communion with the Catholic Church and do not recognise themselves in the break established on 1 July with the illegal ordinations of four new bishops in Écône without the authorisation of Pope Leo XIV.
Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr made the offer in a pastoral letter dated 6 July, in which he states that the diocese is open to pastoral accompaniment of the faithful of the SSPX and the possibility of celebrating the Tridentine Mass in Latin.
“You are also God’s children – our brothers and sisters who have genuinely loved the sacred liturgy and seriously devoted yourselves to Catholic tradition. I know that many of you never intended to reject what the Mother Church teaches you or disobey the Holy Father,” the letter reads. Hence, “I want to assure you that in these moments of great spiritual difficulty, you remain part of the Catholic Church and you will always have a place in the local church of Cubao,” it goes on to say.
The bishop also invites the priests of the diocese to welcome the faithful of the SSPX into the Church. “Since our Holy Mother the Church now asks her sons and daughters who have been associated and continue to be associated with the society to no longer participate in their liturgies, I urge the clergy and the faithful of the Diocese of Cubao to welcome them with charity, understanding, and patience,” he writes.
“Through preaching and catechism, may we avoid condemnation but approach the matter with pastoral tact and sensitivity. As we encourage the priests and lay faithful of the Society to seek reconciliation with the Church, we shall together collaborate and reflect on concrete opportunities and means for dialogue,” he notes.
The prelate also informed the faithful that the diocese will study the possibility of celebrating a greater number of Masses according to the Tridentine Missal.
“To provide for the spiritual needs of those who follow the Society, we shall begin organizing a group of priests and lay faithful who will be able to competently and compassionately provide information, counseling, and pastoral assistance,” he says, respecting the provisions of Traditionis Custodes, the apostolic letter Pope Francis issued in 2021.
“I entrust these instructions to your prayerful cooperation. Let us act with pastoral prudence, doctrinal clarity, and brotherly charity,” he notes. “We renew our fidelity to Christ and the Church and pray for Pope Leo XIV, whom the Lord has set over his flock as shepherd and guardian of the unity of the Church. Most importantly, let us fervently pray for unity.”
Ignoring the pope's appeals, the Society of St Pius X consecrated four new bishops in Écône, Switzerland, on 1 July, in the presence of thousands of faithful.
The following day, 2 July, the Vatican formally declared the schism, announcing automatic excommunication (latae sententiae) for the bishops involved, the SSPX leadership, and its clergy, warning lay faithful who adhere to it.
Furthermore, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith revoked the faculties of SSPX priests to validly administer the sacraments of confession and marriage.
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