Benedict grants audience to priestly fraternity

THE HOLY FATHER received the superior general of the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter (FSSP), Fr John Berg, in his library at the Apostolic Palace on July 6.
Fr Berg had the opportunity to speak privately with the Pope for about 15 minutes and to thank him for all that he has done for the FSSP and for the Church. After hearing about the work being done at the seminaries and apostolates (in 115 dioceses worldwide) of the FSSP, Pope Benedict encouraged its members “to remain ever faithful”.
After the meeting the Pope greeted Fr Josef Bisig and the other founders of the Fraternity of St Peter who had come for the occasion.
He gave his blessing to them and to all 350 members of the FSSP.
No doubt the 2,600 members of the Confraternity of St Peter will have been included in this blessing, and generally all those – whether laity or clergy – who generously support the FSSP’s ministry.
The meeting took place on the 21st anniversary of the audience of the founders with Pope John Paul II at the Apostolic Palace. Also, July 18 was the 21st anniversary of the founding of the FFSP in Hauterive, Switzerland.
The FSSP is the largest extraordinary form priestly community that is in full communion with the Catholic Church. In England the FSSP is based in Reading, Berkshire.