SSPX Resistance
Group of traditionalist Catholics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The SSPX Resistance is a loosely organized group of traditionalist Catholics, founded by Bishop Richard Williamson, which broke away from the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).[1]
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History
Bishop Williamson was expelled from the SSPX in 2012. Prior to his expulsion, Williamson had been convicted of Holocaust denial by a German court in 2010.[2] After Williamson left the SSPX, the priests and faithful who followed him were dubbed the "SSPX Resistance."[1]
In his discussions with the SSPX, Pope Benedict XVI had indicated a willingness to grant the Society canonical recognition. Certain priests within the SSPX accused their superiors of abandoning the group's traditional principles, for considering this offer of canonical recognition.[3]
The SSPX itself was established by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970 in opposition to the changes brought by the Second Vatican Council.[4]
Episcopal Consecrations
Bishop Williamson consecrated five bishops to serve the Resistance. The first bishop he consecrated was Jean-Michael Faure in 2015. Williamson later consecrated Tomás de Aquino Ferreira da Costa, Gerardo Zendejas, Giacomo Ballini, and Michał Stobnicki.[5] Williamson's 2017 consecration of Zendejas, at St. Athanasius Church in Vienna, Virginia drew condemnation from the local bishop.[6]
Williamson also performed a conditional consecration of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò.[7]
Structure
There are also Resistance chapels in Ireland, headquartered in Cork, overseen by Bishop Giacomo Ballini.[8] Regarding the Masses held in Derry, Bishop Donal McKeown warned the faithful: "The priests of SSPX Resistance Ireland are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and do not accept the full teaching authority of the Church."[8][9]
The SSPX Resistance also has a presence in England, including in London, Kent, and Berkshire.[10]
Affiliated religious orders
Traditional group called "Dominicans of Avrillé", France, who were formerly affiliated with the SSPX, have aligned themselves with the SSPX Resistance.[11]
The Benedictine Monastery of the Holy Cross in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is directly aligned with the Resistance.[12] This is also where Bishop Williamson consecrated Father Jean-Michel Faure as a Bishop on March 19, 2015.[13]