September 14, 2011. (Romereports.com) The Vatican made a generous offer to the Lefebvrians today. If the traditionalist group accepts fundamental points of doctrine, it will be welcomed back into the Catholic Church under the so called 'personal Prelature' formula. The private meeting was held between the head of the traditionalist group Bernard Fellay and cardinal William Levada.
For an official reconciliation with the Vatican, the Society of St. Pius X, known as Lefebvrians, will have to accept the terms listed in a confidential document called “doctrinal Preamble.”
The document points out key doctrinal principles and interpretations within the Catholic Church.
It also leaves room for legitimate discussion of some theological explanations found in documents of the Second Vatican Council and the Magisterium.
Once and if accepted, then the Vatican will seek a canonical formula that's in line with the needs of the Lefebvrians.
Cardinal Levada offered the group the choice of becoming a “personal Prelature.” This is a very flexible canonical formula that welcomes Catholic groups that are both secular and hierarchical. It's headed by a prelate. The Prelature is not created based on a geographical basis, but rather to help the group with its particular needs.
The Lefebvrians must respond to the Vatican's offer within a few months.
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