🕒 Created · Updated

Jean-Marc Micas Revokes Public Worship Authorization for Society of St. Pius X at Lourdes Shrine

Jean-Marc Micas, the bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes, has officially revoked the authorization for the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to conduct public worship, including Mass and sacraments, at the Lourdes Shrine. This decision follows a Vatican decree of excommunication issued in July, which declared the SSPX in a state of schism after the group consecrated four bishops without a papal mandate. While the Society remains free to visit the shrine for private prayer, the institutional permission for public liturgical activities under their name is withdrawn. Micas noted that the decision may cause pain and bewilderment, but emphasized that the sanctuary remains open to all. The move marks a significant change for the pilgrims of the SSPX, who have traditionally held large international pilgrimages at the site. The Society has since submitted a preliminary recourse to the Holy See to appeal the decree of excommunication, though Micas maintains that the appeal does not change the underlying cause of the schism.

Sources