Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, Sweden, issued a strong pastoral appeal for unity Aug. 15 after Bishop Bernard Fellay, former superior general of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), conducted episcopal ceremonies in the diocese without the bishop’s knowledge or permission, according to the diocese.
Marking the Solemnity of the Assumption, Cardinal Arborelius reminded the faithful that unity within the Church flows from fidelity to the Pope and the diocesan bishop.
“As Catholic Christians, we believe that the Pope, as the successor of Peter, administers the office of unity,” he stated, later adding, “It is only from this inner unity that we can contribute to strengthening unity with other Christians.”
He pointed to the significance of the upcoming Jubilee year in 2025, which commemorates 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea.
“Since then, we Christians have had the same confession of faith,” he said. “There we confess our faith in ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.’”
In a corresponding diocesan clarification, officials clarified that no bishop may conduct liturgical acts in the Diocese of Stockholm without Cardinal Arborelius’ explicit permission.
“[Bishop Fellay] has performed episcopal ceremonies in our diocese without the knowledge of our bishop,” the diocese said. “To summon a church leader to the diocese on a private initiative is contrary to canon law and leads to division and discord.”
It noted that the SSPX, which lacks full canonical recognition, is not in communion with the Holy See, and its priests are not authorized to celebrate Mass or administer sacraments within diocesan churches, chapels, or monasteries.
Moreover, sacraments received through the SSPX cannot be recorded in diocesan or parish registers — affecting the faithful’s ability to obtain baptism and confirmation certificates. The sacraments, while considered “valid but illicit,” should be avoided, the diocese said.
“Since the sacraments of the Church are the most sacred things she administers, they demand the deepest reverence,” the clarification stated. “A priest should never knowingly celebrate unauthorized sacraments, and this also applies to the participation of the faithful.”
In his statement, Cardinal Arborelius spoke of the Eucharist as the heart of the Church’s unity and explained why he felt compelled to address the faithful.
“In order to safeguard the inner unity of our diocese, I would like to make this statement and clarification,” he said. “The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of unity, in which we are united with Jesus and with each other. That is why it is so important that the celebration of the Holy Eucharist strengthens us in the unity of faith, hope and love and does not give rise to division.”
He concluded by entrusting the diocese to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Today we especially pray that the Virgin Mary, assumed into the full glory of heaven,” the Cardinal said, “prays for us and helps us to remain in the unity that Jesus has entrusted to his apostles and their successors to preserve and strengthen.”
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Author: Rachel Quackenbush
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