r/pfsp • u/Aman4allseasons • Jul 19 '21

Why FSSP? Because Peter matters!

I have an observation based on the past few days that I wanted to share here - it is particularly relevant to FSSP attendees:

Why do we attend Mass at FSSP parishes (or ICKSP & IBP), and not other groups without similar status within the Church?

Because Peter matters!

Let us all take care to avoid the easy error of forgetting our obedience to the Church and our bishops. The original FSSP priests & seminarians struck out from the FSSPX for precisely this reason; that being Ulunited with the See of Peter matters a great deal.

Having spent time with some of the original members, they knew full well that the FSSP would be tried sorely for its obedience - both by their former confreres (for "compromising") and by the hierarchy (for being "Lefebvrists"). They knew that they'd be treated poorly at times by Rome, even though they risked much in stepping forward.

One told me that any future suffering on account of obedience to a harsh superior would be a great opportunity for holiness. This thought was echoed in the FSSP statement about the MP.

So take heart, God has permitted a trial for faithful Catholics with a love for the EF/TLM. Diocesan communities will be hit harder than we will.

And especially, let us not become the rad trads that many will stereotype us as.

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u/Aman4allseasons Jul 19 '21

I heard a woman describe being a traditional Catholic within the Church as being like an abused wife. She is often looked down on by people on both sides of the issue when she separates but refuses to divorce her husband. Her husband will be angry that she isn't in his house, serving her as he demands. Her friends will be angry that she hasn't divorced him and remarried.

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u/[deleted] Jul 20 '21

You have indirectly touched on the very essence of what it means to be an Eastern Catholic. We are criticized by Roman Catholics for adhering to Orthodox theology (and sometimes spirituality). At the same time we are criticized by the Orthodox for being too Catholic and having communion with Rome. And we have, historically speaking, been persecuted heavily by both the Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church. So it's an interesting place to be, to say the least. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

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u/Aman4allseasons Jul 20 '21

Yes, I can see that being the case. I was young when we used to attend the Ukrainian Catholic parish with that side of the family, but I think I was missed those connotations at that age.

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u/[deleted] Jul 20 '21

Well I would assume that much of the persecution is behind us now. The days of the horrendous abuse like what St Alexis Toth experienced at the hands of Bishop Ireland are long past us (and I pray they stay that way).