Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. has offered pastoral support to Catholics connected with the Society of Saint Pius X following the automatic excommunication of bishops who took part in episcopal consecrations without papal approval.
In a pastoral letter released Tuesday, July 7, Ayuban said he was deeply saddened by the July 1 episcopal consecration held in Écône, Switzerland. The Vatican issued a decree of excommunication the following day, July 2, in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
Ayuban addressed lay Catholics who regularly attend SSPX liturgies, acknowledging the spiritual difficulty and uncertainty they now face, including concerns over their access to the sacraments.
The bishop said many of the faithful associated with the SSPX sincerely love the sacred liturgy and Catholic tradition, and may not have intended to reject Church teaching or disobey the Holy Father.
He assured them that they remain part of the Catholic Church and continue to have a place in the Diocese of Cubao.
One of the country’s largest SSPX centers, Our Lady of Victories Church in New Manila, Quezon City, is located within the territorial jurisdiction of the Diocese of Cubao. The society regularly celebrates the Traditional Latin Mass and administers sacraments to its followers there.
Ayuban said some churches in the diocese already offer the Traditional Latin Mass, but the diocese will look into the possibility of making more such Masses available to devotees.
He said any arrangement would be carried out in accordance with Traditionis Custodes, the 2021 apostolic letter issued by Pope Francis regulating the use of pre-Vatican II liturgies.
The bishop also said the diocese plans to organize a group of priests and lay faithful who will provide accurate information, counseling, and pastoral assistance to those affected by the issue.
Ayuban urged the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Cubao to receive former and current SSPX members with charity, understanding, and patience, and to avoid condemnation.
He said the matter should be addressed through preaching and catechesis marked by pastoral sensitivity.
At the same time, Ayuban encouraged SSPX priests and lay members to seek reconciliation with the Church and take part in dialogue aimed at restoring unity.