An update on the SSPX situation

I blogged extensively on this controversy here. Today, two signs of hope:

• {SSPX is coming around...} Commonweal: Has the purge begun?:

"Not only has the SSPX started removing questionable texts on Jews from their websites, but word is now that clergy who refuse to adopt a new line are also getting the boot. Rorate Caeli cites Italian sources reporting that Father Floriano Abrahamowicz, the SSPX priest responsible for Northeast Italy, was expelled today.

This could get ugly. But it certainly seems to signal that the schismatic Traditionalists of the SSPX may be getting serious about “cleaning” up their act. Could Williamson’s “recantation” be next? And what would Pope Benedict XVI do then?"

{Of problems to have, dealing with a contrite Williamson doesn't strike me as a particularly bad one.}

• {The Vatican is getting it ...} Catholic Culture: Vatican spokesman admits publicity gaffes:

"... Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, conceded that the Holy See has not handle public relations effectively ... [he said] “I think we still have to create a communications culture inside the Curia, where each dicastery communicates by itself, not necessarily thinking of going through the press room or issuing an explanatory note when the issue is complex.”

The director of the Holy See Press Office took aim at Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos and others who were involved in the decision to lift the SSPX bishops’ excommunications. “They didn't take the views of the other bishops enough into account,” he said. “One thing that's certain is that the pope didn't know [about Bishop Williamson’s denial of the Holocaust’s extent]. If someone should have known, it was Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos.”

{This is some sign, at least, that those responsible for communicating the pope's message realize that the current modus operandi isn't working. Let's hope the lessons learned from this debacle sink in - deeply.}