From Fr. Wegner: A Lenten Appeal

The US District Superior of the Society of Saint Pius X writes to the faithful at the start of this Lenten season regarding the sense of discouragement felt by many over the current state of the Catholic Church:

Dear Friend,

In several of my recent letters, I have mentioned the troubles in the Church. Unfortunately, the crisis continues, unabated. 

Indeed, as I write this letter, the former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been removed from the priestly state as a result of his crimes, and a number of bishops and cardinals are meeting with Pope Francis in Rome for a summit on sexual abuse. Finally, on February 4, Pope Francis signed a joint document, entitled “On Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. 

This document contained the disturbing statement that “the pluralism and the diversity of religions” is “willed by God in His wisdom,” a statement that is opposed to the dogma that declares that the Catholic religion is the one true religion.

Many of you I have met on my travels have spoken of your discouragement over the current state of the Church. To you I say this: The Church has survived many crises in the past—sinful priests, false popes, schism—and we are confident, because of Christ’s promise, that the Church will survive this too. You will also survive it—as long as you pray and remain faithful. 

With the impending arrival of Lent, it is a good time to turn away from worldly things and to focus on the spiritual life. I encourage you to, during Lent, give up the distractions of social media and the internet or, at least, limit their use to only what is necessary for school or work. Not only will this help you to avoid despair over the problems in the Church and the culture, it will give you the opportunity to do something much more efficacious: pray.

Pray for the Church, pray for the world, pray for your families—and pray for an increase in faith. 

And, please pray for the Society of Saint Pius X and your priests.

Wishing you a Holy and spiritually fruitful Lenten season.

Yours in Christ,
Jürgen Wegner 
United States District Superior 

P.S. As always, I must beg your help. We would not exist without your continued financial support. If you haven’t sent a donation in a while, please consider making a Lenten sacrifice in support of your priests.