Novena for Doctrinal Discussions

It seems to me that the coming meeting between Cardinal Levada, the Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Bishop Fellay, Superior General of the Society of Saint Pius X, on the coming Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (September 14th) has some potentially very broad-reaching importance.

Many would look at the so-called "Traditionalists," and say that this is all about the celebration of the Mass, those folks who want to turn the clock back to the "Tridentine Rite," or what we now should properly call "The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite," and who dismiss the New Mass, don't recognize the Pope, etc, etc.

However, this is all a propaganda to mask the underlying issue, and that is the fact that this Society is essentially calling for a proper interpretation of the documents that were produced by the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. In point of fact, the members of the Society do recognize the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, and they do recognize the validity of the New Mass.

Now, this is not the place at all to get into the intricacies of the ongoing discussions, as they are complex; however, my purpose for writing today is to highlight the importance of these talks. These areas of discussion-- issues such as religious liberty and ecumenism, evangelization, and the organization of the Church, and yes, also the celebration of the Liturgy, all have very real implications on the person in the pews and their understanding of the nature and mission of the Church.

This is why I say that, potentially, these discussions with the SSPX have some broad-reaching implications for the rest of the Church. If we truly desire as Christ desires, that all might be One, then for the purpose of unity, these talks take on a particular importance (not unlike, I might add, the Holy Father's visit to Germany).

For this reason, I propose that we should engage in a novena to St. Pius X, for the Holy Spirit not to be impeded in these talks, and that, on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Christ's glory might be made manifest.

If you would like to join in, beginning tomorrow for nine days until the 14th, then here is a prayer (I'd mention, perhaps also it would be good to remember the Ember Days for this intention):

Novena to St. Pius X
Glorious pope of the Eucharist, St. Pius X, you sought “to restore all things in Christ.” Obtain for me a true love of Jesus so that I may live only for Him. Help me to acquire a lively fervor and a sincere will to strive for sanctity of life and that I may avail myself of the riches of the Holy Eucharist, which is sacrifice and sacrament. By your love for Mary, mother and queen, inflame my heart with tender devotion to her.

Blessed model of the priesthood, obtain for us holy, dedicated priests, and increase vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Dispel confusion, hatred, and anxiety. Incline our hearts to peace so that all nations will place themselves under the reign of Christ.

Most glorious servant of the servants of Christ, in a special way, guide the hearts of those involved in doctrinal discussions between the fraternity named in honor of you, and our Holy Father in Rome, that a spirit of unity, charity, and truth might be made manifest, so that all might be truly one. Amen.

Sáncte Míchael Archángele, defénde nos in proélio, cóntra nequítiam et insídias diáboli ésto præsídium. Ímperet ílli Déus, súpplices deprecámur: tuque, prínceps milítiæ cæléstis, Sátanam aliósque spíritus malígnos, qui ad perditiónem animárum pervagántur in múndo, divína virtúte, in inférnum detrúde. Ámen

Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem: sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

Ave Maria, gratia plena; Dominus tecum: benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculórum. Amen




St. Pius X, pray for us.

(For a good, concise explanation of the history of the issue, and some of the problems in the discussion, I'd refer you over to Rorate Caeli, where they have a link to an article that very well outlines the importance of the coming meeting: "Do You Wish to Understand the Holy See- SSPX Talks?")