The Crux of the Matter by Most Rev. Donald J. Sanborn (1984)
Why an April ’83 crisis happened in SSPX, and why it keeps on happening. Bewildered is probably the best word to describe the reaction of the faithful to the April break-up of the Society. My impression, even now, is that the faithful who have read the positions of both sides are clear in their minds about the particular issues, but still do not understand just how the whole dispute started. Their impression of the Society, at least in the Northeast District, was one of harmony, steady growth, and optimism. By the Spring of 1983, the seminary had achieved its peak in growth rate, both from the point of view of new vocations and physical expansion. The laity were enthusiastic and forward-looking; people were confident that their spiritual needs would be met by the ever-expanding and apparently trouble-free Society of Saint Pius X. December, 1982, brought in $60,000 to the Seminary building fund; January $50,000. To my disbelief, it seemed that we were going to get through the first part of our contract without having to borrow a cent. Never had there been such a surge in new vocations; never had it looked so good for the Fall semester. Had things been normal this past year, I estimate that we would have accepted 20 to 25 new candidates. Then disaster struck, like the tornado that descends swiftly but silently from the somber, sultry cloud upon its unsuspecting victims. Accusations were hurled, priests were thrown out on to the street, seminarians left. Despair, the sullen sister of hope, gripped the laity as they watched the weeks' events in horror.
Why an April ’83 crisis happened in SSPX, and why it keeps on happening. Bewildered is probably the best word to describe the reaction of the faithful to the April break-up of the Society. My impression, even now, is that the faithful who have read the positions of both sides are clear in their minds about the particular issues, but still do not understand just how the whole dispute started. Their impression of the Society, at least in the Northeast District, was one of harmony, steady growth, and optimism. By the Spring of 1983, the seminary had achieved its peak in growth rate, both from the point of view of new vocations and physical expansion. The laity were enthusiastic and forward-looking; people were confident that their spiritual needs would be met by the ever-expanding and apparently trouble-free Society of Saint Pius X. December, 1982, brought in $60,000 to the Seminary building fund; January $50,000. To my disbelief, it seemed that we were going to get through the first part of our contract without having to borrow a cent. Never had there been such a surge in new vocations; never had it looked so good for the Fall semester. Had things been normal this past year, I estimate that we would have accepted 20 to 25 new candidates. Then disaster struck, like the tornado that descends swiftly but silently from the somber, sultry cloud upon its unsuspecting victims. Accusations were hurled, priests were thrown out on to the street, seminarians left. Despair, the sullen sister of hope, gripped the laity as they watched the weeks' events in horror.
Why an April ’83 crisis happened in SSPX, and why it keeps on happening. Bewildered is probably the best word to describe the reaction of the faithful to the April break-up of the Society. My impression, even now, is that the faithful who have read the positions of both sides are clear in their minds about the particular issues, but still do not understand just how the whole dispute started. Their impression of the Society, at least in the Northeast District, was one of harmony, steady growth, and optimism. By the Spring of 1983, the seminary had achieved its peak in growth rate, both from the point of view of new vocations and physical expansion. The laity were enthusiastic and forward-looking; people were confident that their spiritual needs would be met by the ever-expanding and apparently trouble-free Society of Saint Pius X. December, 1982, brought in $60,000 to the Seminary building fund; January $50,000. To my disbelief, it seemed that we were going to get through the first part of our contract without having to borrow a cent. Never had there been such a surge in new vocations; never had it looked so good for the Fall semester. Had things been normal this past year, I estimate that we would have accepted 20 to 25 new candidates. Then disaster struck, like the tornado that descends swiftly but silently from the somber, sultry cloud upon its unsuspecting victims. Accusations were hurled, priests were thrown out on to the street, seminarians left. Despair, the sullen sister of hope, gripped the laity as they watched the weeks' events in horror.