It has taken the Vatican approximately 20 years to reverse itself on the Society of Pius X. In 2009, the Vatican has reversed itself. Under Pope Benedict XV1, the followers of Archbishop Lefebvre are being warmly welcomed by the Vatican, and their traditionalist agenda is being promoted. (return to the old Latin Mass with priest facing altar, not the people.
"The following day, July 1, 1988, Cardinal Gantin issued a formal decree of excommunication announcing that Lefebvre, Castro Mayer, and the four new bishops had performed a schismatic act and excommunicated themselves in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law. The following day, July 2, 1988, Pope John Paul II issued an apostolic letter Motu Proprio "Ecclesia Dei" in which he solemnly confirmed both the excommunications and the existence of the schism.
The pattern/strategy of the Vatican was: ignore, condemn, excommunicate, dialogue, "un-excommunicate!", promote agenda of group, incorporate changes into life of universal church!
I believe the hierarchy will follow a similar pattern with Roman Catholic Womenpriests.
In twenty years, or less, imagine the scene in St. Peter's when Roman Catholic Womenpriests are welcomed by the Vatican to celebrate an inclusive liturgy at an international gathering of God's people who have been living the vision of a renewed priestly ministry in a community of equals for years. Perhaps, it will occur as part of Vatican 111 which will be called by the grassroots church!
After lifting our excommunications, and engaging in "dialogue" with Roman Catholic Womenpriests, the Vatican will promote our vision of an egalitarian church as rooted in Jesus' example, and the twelve hundred year church tradition of women in ordained ministry. They will explain the positive contributions that women priests are bringing to a global church. Of course, the institutional leadership, which will not be by this time dominated by clerics, will have come full circle, and equal partnership, justice for all will be its top agenda! The new Roman Missal will adapt our liturgies and new eucharistic prayers for official worship and many will rejoice that finally the liturgy utilizes inclusive language including feminine images of divinity!
What else do you think will happen? How will the church grow?
Bridget Mary Meehan, rcwp
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