On behalf of the International Una Voce Federation I wish to express my satisfaction at the result of the General Assembly of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter which took place in Rome from 8 - 11 February 1999. Our members can take great satisfaction in the fact that Father Bisig has not been replaced as Superior General or by an Apostolic Administrator as a number of commentators had predicted with confidence, and we can be equally encouraged by the fact that the General Chapter of the Fraternity will definitely take place this summer. In a letter to Michael Davies, Father Bisig states that although the problems posed by Protocol 1411 still remain, the Assembly has provided a basis for unity which will safeguard the specific liturgical identity of the Fraternity.
Members of our association throughout the world have been praying for just such a conclusion to the Assembly, above all that Father Bisig would remain as Superior General at its conclusion. We should redouble our prayers that the forthcoming General Chapter will confirm the commitment of the Fraternity to the exclusive celebration of the 1962 Missal. Our Federation is committed to this Missal and will give no moral or financial support to any priestly society utilising any rite of Mass subsequent to this date. In the meantime, as a gesture of support for Father Bisig and our confidence in the power of prayer, I urge all our members to contribute as generously as they are able to the construction of the American seminary which is a cause of great hope to Catholics throughout the English-speaking world.
Michael Davies,
President
The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter held a general assembly in Rome from 8th to 11th of February 2000. This was convoked by the Holy See on account of certain internal difficulties. At the end of four days of discussion and reflection, an agreement was reached which serves as a basis for a reconciliation which will permit greater unity.
The priests and deacons present have pledged themselves to forgive each other all faults against charity and to remain faithful to the ideals of the Fraternity and of its founders. A committee, to be named by the Superior General, will be given the task of working out solutions to the existing problems, and will present these to the General Chapter which will be held, as foreseen, during the course of this summer. As was indicated in the letter of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei dated 13th July 1999, the Superior General once again exercises the full faculties which the law of the Church accords him.
Rome, 12th February, 2000
Joseph Bisig,
Superior General of the Fraternity of St. Peter