Bishop's concern over ‘illicit’ Masses

Concerns have been expressed that SSPX Resistance, a Christian fundamentalist group, may be operating in Donegal.

SSPX Resistance is an extreme splinter group which broke away in 2012 from the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) - a society that has been in existence since the 1960s and whose members prefer pre-Vatican II Catholicism 

SSPX Resistance was founded by Richard Williamson, a former Bishop who was twice excommunicated by the Vatican and was convicted of Holocaust denial in Germany in 2009.

SSPX Resistance rejects the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, including the abolition of Latin Masses, and is critical of the modern papacy.

It regularly hosts Latin Masses and is now believed to have begun operating in the Derry Diocese.

The Bishop of Derry, Bishop Donal McKeown, has issued a circular to parishioners on the matter. Twelve of the parishes of the Derry Diocese are in County Donegal.

Bishop McKeown said he was aware that the group is holding Masses within the territory of the Diocese of Derry. 

“The priests associated with SSPX Resistance Ireland are not in full communion with the Catholic Church and they do not accept the full teaching authority of the Church,” Bishop McKeown said.

“The priests of SSPX Resistance Ireland administer sacraments, but do so illicitly - that is, without the necessary faculties and approval of the Church.”

Bishop McKeown stressed to parishioners that the Catholic Church has “no supervision whatsoever” of the priests or ministers of SSPX Resistance Ireland.

He added:  “Considering this information, I urge all the faithful to remain steadfast in communion with the Church, united with the Holy Father and the bishops who share in full communion with him. 

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“Let us continue to pray for the unity of the Church and for those who have distanced themselves from full communion that they may one day be reconciled.”