This item has appeared in a couple of blogs, but I have done my own translation, which I didn't have time to do earlier in the week. Panorama Catolico is a Spanish Catholic site.
Even if the information is in general terms, it provides an insight into the openness of the Vatican-FSSPX doctrinal discussions and its well-defined parameters, which seem to be eminently sensible.
Some 'news' about the
Vatican-FSSPX talks
Translated from
December 21, 2009
What follows is already public knowledge because they were said on December 19 by Mons. Alfonso de Galarreta when he ordained 3 priests and five deacons in the FSSPX seminary of La Reja, Argentina.
As planned, the discussions between the theological committee designated by the Holy Father and their counterparts from the FSSPX, headed by Mons. de Galarreta, are understandably behind closed doors
Nonetheless, Mons. Galarreta, addressing an overflow congregation at the seminary of Nuestra Senora Corredentora {Our Lady Co-Redemptrix) near Buenos Aires, shared the following general information at the end of a homily on priestly virtues:
He made clear that:
1. The results of the first meeting [on Oct. 26) were good.
2. Principally, they established the thematic agenda and the method of discussion.
3. All the topics for discussion are of a doctrinal nature, expressly excluding anything regarding the canonical status of the FSSPX.
4.
The common point of doctrinal reference will be the Magisterium before the Second Vatican Council.
5. The discussions will follow a set procedure: when a subject is raised, the questioning side submits a document that lays the bases for its doubts. The Holy See will reply in writing through e-mail. This exchange will then be discussed at the actual meeting.
6. All sessions are taped and filmed by both sides.
7. The conclusions reached on each topics will be sent to the Holy Father and to the FSSPX Superior General.
8. The timing of the meetings will depend on whether the topic for discussion is new or one that is still under discussion. In the first case, it would be every three months; in the second case, every two months. The second meeting will be held in mid-January.
9. The CDF theologians are "persons one can speak to" and "they share our theological language"
[i.e., they are Thomists.]
Some of the discussion topics mentioned by the bishop in his homily, which is not necessarily the full list, are:
a. The Magisterium before and after the Council
b. The post-Conciliar liturgical reform
c. Ecumenism and inter-religious dialog
d. Papal authority adn collegiality
e. Freedom of conscience, religious freedom, secularism and the social kingdom of Jesus Christ
f. 'Human rights' and 'human dignity' as defined by Vatican II
Galarreta underscored that the outcome of the first meeting was an improvement to the previous relationship; and that everyone spoke very freely, and only on doctrinal matters, which were examined from the viewpoint of Thomistic theology.
He said it is not possible to predict what will happen, but that the process must proceed in steps as prudence indicates and in the evangelical spirit.
It is expected that the FSSPX South American district will put Bishop Galarreta's entire homily on line soon.