Well, we've discussed this several times, so I will repeat that the Society of St. Pius X has had continuous contact with Rome. In particular, Pope Francis has made efforts to extend more faculties to them. For instance, he granted the general faculty to all priests of the Society to hear confessions, which is a very important step. This means they have what we call the 'faculty' a type of jurisdiction because the faculty to hear confessions is a form of ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Therefore, these priests have ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the matter of confession. Additionally, the Pope granted them the jurisdiction to assist in canonical marriages and to celebrate the nuptial Mass.
So, the Pope also allowed them to celebrate the Holy Mass illicitly (though validly) in the context of weddings they assist with. We see that, in part, they are recognized and have received church faculties in some ways. Furthermore, there have been past statements from the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, one of which affirmed that Catholics can fulfill their Sunday obligation by attending a Mass celebrated by a priest from the Society of St. Pius X, provided that the priest is not formally rejecting the unity of the Pope.
The Society of St. Pius X has always recognized Pope Francis as the valid Pope, and they mention him in all their Masses, even publicly praying for him. These actions are sufficient signs that they are not schismatic, and therefore, people can attend a Sunday Mass celebrated by the priests of the Society of St. Pius X, as well as receive the other sacraments. I have already mentioned two sacraments, and the anointing of the sick (Extreme Unction) is also granted by the Code of Canon Law. This is extended even to priests who have canonical sanctions, such as those who are suspended or excommunicated, provided there is a serious danger to life. In such cases, they can administer the Sacrament of Confession and the anointing of the sick and still be in full communion with the Church.
As for the other sacraments, such as Confirmation and Ordination, the issue of ordinations within the Society of St. Pius X is still not completely clarified publicly. However, there is information suggesting that the Holy See may grant permission for ordinations within the Society. Therefore, we must pray that the Society of St. Pius X receives all the necessary powers and recognitions to function as a normal society within the Catholic Church. This is something we should desire and pray for, and I hope it will happen for the benefit of souls and the integral transmission of the Catholic faith, liturgy, teaching, and morality, as it was carried out throughout the centuries before the Council.
The Society of St. Pius X is doing nothing different than what saints throughout history have done: celebrating Mass, providing catechism, and praying for the Pope. Of course, they are not fully canonically subject to the Pope in the usual way, but this is an extraordinary situation, a crisis in the Church that has created a special, temporary phenomenon. I hope the Society will one day fully receive the faculties they need.
Dear visitors of Gloria Dei and all who have already written or who will write a personal message to me. I am grateful for your attention, your kindness, for your spiritual support and especially for your sacrifices and prayers for me. God may reward you!
