QIEN -  2009-01-25 17:55:47

[Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce] Statement

Foederatio Internationalis Una Voce Quae patronum invocat sanctum Gregorium Magnum Papam. LEO DARROCH, Executive President. Statement. Concerning the Decree of the Congregation for Bishops. The International Federation Una Voce welcomes with joy the Decree of the Congregation of Bishops which remits the censure of latae sententiae excommunication from the four bishops of the Society of St. Pius X. In his Letter to the Bishops of the Church [7th July 2007] which accompanied the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI said the positive reason which motivated his decision to issue the Motu Proprio was the "matter of coming to an interior reconciliation in the heart of the Church." Pope Benedict explained that in looking back over the past to the divisions which have rent the Body of Christ at critical moments in the history of the Church "not enough was done by the Church's leaders to maintain or regain reconciliation and unity." No one can doubt that our Holy Father, in this courageous decision to lift the excommunications, has made clear his intention to heal the wounds of division. Our Holy Father has acted as one would expect from a good shepherd who loves his flock. With great pastoral solicitude the Vicar of Christ wishes to unite his family before divisions become too entrenched. The members of the International Federation Una Voce, whose members all over the world attend the usus antiquior Masses celebrated by all the traditional priestly societies, and by priests in their parishes, pray for fraternal cooperation and a unity of purpose across the traditional spectrum. It is now incumbent on everyone, the leadership and priests of the Society of St Pius X, the leadership and members of all the traditional societies, and the bishops of the world, to unite behind the throne of Peter in these difficult days for Holy Mother Church which is under increasing attack from the secular world. Pope Benedict XVI has shown great moral courage in seeking reconciliation and unity. The International Federation now looks to all the Church's leaders to show courage and charity in equal measure. There is much work to be done but we can do no other than to respond with fervour and filial obedience to the call of the Supreme Pontiff. Leo Darroch – Executive President. 24 January 2009.