A Vatican decree released in early July declares that priests, deacons, bishops, and lay Catholics who formally adhere to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) are excommunicated, a decision centered in the northeast Kansas town of St. Marys. The action follows SSPX’s July 1 consecration of new bishops without the pope’s approval at an SSPX seminary in Écône, Switzerland, after the Vatican warned those involved would be excommunicated.
In St. Marys, SSPX has built the Immaculata, a 66,400-square-foot church that seats 1,500 and hosts a traditional Latin Mass. The article also describes SSPX’s long-running presence in the community since settling there in 1978, including the start of St. Mary’s Academy and College. A key distinction noted in the reporting is that formal adherence can carry different implications than simply attending SSPX Mass.
The Vatican left open a path toward reconciliation, saying the church would welcome those who wish to return to full communion. While the piece notes that Kansas Catholic authorities have stated participation in SSPX Mass is sinful, it also says SSPX leadership, in an open letter, said the society will remain faithful to the Catholic Church.