Today’s consecration of bishops without the papal mandate is most unfortunate. There are no victors—only another painful reminder of the divisions that continue to wound the Church.
If there is any silver lining to be found in this tragedy, it may be that the controversy surrounding these consecrations has once again focused attention on the many scandals and doctrinal controversies that have surfaced in recent years. The very arguments advanced in defense of these consecrations have highlighted concerns ranging from the German Synodal Way and the spread of doctrinal confusion to the homosexual crisis within the Church. Perhaps, in God’s providence, this renewed attention will serve as a wake-up call to the Holy See and the Catholic hierarchy.
Faithful Catholics—and the Church herself—are in desperate need of reassurance from their shepherds that they recognize the gravity of the crisis confronting the Church. The Catholic faith is under attack not only from without but also from within. Now is the time for bishops and priests to proclaim, loudly, clearly, and without ambiguity, the perennial teachings of the Catholic Church.
Those shepherds who publicly teach, tolerate, or fail to correct doctrines contrary to the faith should themselves be fraternally, yet firmly, admonished and corrected by those entrusted with that responsibility, including the Pope. The faithful deserve shepherds who will strengthen them in the truth—not leave them to navigate confusion through silence, ambiguity, or inaction.
-Joseph Matt, Publisher, The Wanderer
