May 3rd, 1994
Dear Mr. .......
I regret that
it has not been possible for me to reply at an earlier date
to your letter
of 25 March last. It took sometime for this to reach me,
due I imagine
to the Easter holidays, and in the meantime I have been
heavily involved
with the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of
Bishops for Africa.
Regarding your
inquiry, I would point out at once that the Directory
on Ecumenism
is not concerned with the Society of St. Pius X. The
situation of
the members of this Society is an internal matter of the
Catholic Church.
The Society is not another Church or Ecclesial Com-
munity in the
meaning used in the Directory.
Of course the
Mass and Sacraments administered by priests of the
Society are valid.
The Bishops are validly - but not lawfully - ordained.
What is required
is reconciliation with the Catholic Church, and this is
something greatly
desired by the Bishop of Rome. Unfortunately, there
does not seem
at this time any sign that this may happen at an early date.
I hope that this
answers your letter satisfactorily.
With every best
wish and a prayer that God may bless you and those
near and dear
to you,
Yours sincerely in the Lord,
Edward Cardinal Cassidy. President