SSPX Sends Book to Italian Bishops to Justify Upcoming Episcopal Consecrations

[katholisches.info] The Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) has launched a targeted information campaign ahead of its announced episcopal consecrations on July 1, 2026. According to reports, the traditionalist community sent a specially published book to every Italian diocesan bishop outlining its motives.

The volume, titled Al servizio della Chiesa ("In the Service of the Church") with the subtitle "The Episcopal Consecrations of the Society of St. Pius X," was published by the society's own press, Edizioni Piane. It aims to explain the theological and canonical arguments used by the SSPX to justify the planned consecrations. The content follows the line of reasoning established by its founder, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, in 1988, which he termed "Operation Survival" for Tradition.

"In the Service of the Church: The Episcopal Consecrations"

The work portrays a deep crisis within the Church where—according to the Society's position—even ecclesiastical authorities are contributing to the spread of a "falsified faith." From this, the SSPX derives a "right to resistance" against the hierarchy. A quote from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, warning against the preaching of a "different gospel," serves as a programmatic opening.

The book was accompanied by a letter from the Italian District Superior, Father Gabriele D’Avino. In it, the action is described as an invitation to diocesan bishops to engage with the current state of the Church and enter into a process of "joint reflection."

Parallel Efforts in German-Speaking Regions

Simultaneously, the Society published its own brochure in the German-speaking world, compiling essential information regarding the upcoming consecrations. This publication is explicitly intended as a contribution to transparency and aims to provide supporting arguments for priests, the faithful, and interested parties.

Whether this initiative will resonate with the recipients remains to be seen. Observers note that even fundamental texts on recent church history are often little known. Nevertheless, the SSPX's approach shows that it is making an effort not only to justify its controversial steps internally but also to represent them proactively to the Catholic public, seeking contact with other parts of the Church.

Text: Giuseppe Nardi 

Image: Edizioni Piane (Screenshot)

AMDG