July 3, 2026 

My dear friends in Christ, 

It is with deep sadness that I write to you concerning recent events involving the Society of Saint Pius X, commonly known as the SSPX. On July 1, in Écône, Switzerland, the Society consecrated four new bishops without the mandate of the Holy Father and against his expressed will. In response, the Holy See issued a decree on July 2 declaring that the bishops involved have incurred the penalty of excommunication. 

Of particular importance for us in the Diocese of Bridgeport is the clarification that accompanied that decree. The Holy See has made clear that the clergy of the Society are now to be regarded as schismatic. This means that, from this day forward, the sacraments they celebrate are illicit and, most significantly for the faithful, the confessions they hear and the marriages at which they preside are considered invalid by the Church. 

I know these words are difficult to hear, especially for those among us who have worshiped, whether regularly or on occasion, at liturgies celebrated by priests of the Society. Over the years I have come to know some of these families. I have been moved by their love for the beauty of the sacred liturgy, their devotion to our Catholic tradition, and the seriousness with which they seek to raise their children in the faith. My heart goes out to them at this painful moment, and I want them to know that they remain very much a part of our diocesan family. 

I also wish to offer a word of reassurance. This excommunication does not fall upon those who have simply attended these liturgies out of a sincere desire to worship and who have never intended to reject the authority of the Holy Father or the teaching of the Church. What the Church now asks is straightforward: knowing the situation as it now stands, the faithful of the Catholic Church can no longer take part in the liturgies of the Society, for to do so knowingly would be to share in a separation from the Successor of Peter. 

And so, I invite home those who previously worshipped with the Society. The reverent worship that has drawn those faithful remains very much alive in our own parishes. The traditional Latin Mass (the Vetus Ordo) continues to be celebrated in our diocese at Saint Mary Parish in Norwalk, The Oratory of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Bridgeport and The Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Georgetown, in addition to the celebration of Holy Mass in its ordinary form throughout our diocese. In these sacred places you will find not only the beauty you cherish but the fullness of communion with the universal Church and with our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. As the ancient saying reminds us, “Where Peter is, there is the Church” (Ubi Petrus, ibi Ecclesia). 

I am also grateful to share that our Holy Father has made provision for any priest or member of the faithful of the Society who desires to return to full communion. Our diocese stands ready to welcome them with open arms and great tenderness. Anyone who wishes to walk this path, or who has a personal question about his or her own situation (for instance, regarding a marriage or a confession), is warmly encouraged to speak with a priest of the diocese, who will offer guidance with patience and care. 

Please join me in praying for all who are affected by these events, for the clergy and faithful of the Society, and for the unity of Christ’s Church. Let us pray as well for our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as he carries the heavy burden of shepherding and unifying the flock entrusted to him. 

May Mary, Mother of the Church, watch over all her children and draw them ever closer to the heart of her Son. 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano 

Bishop of Bridgeport