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LETTER FROM BISHOP OSCAR CANTU
July 7, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace in Our Lord Jesus Christ.
In light of the recent declaration of the Holy See concerning the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), including the determination that the unauthorized episcopal consecrations of July 1, 2026 constitute a schismatic act, I wish to offer the following pastoral guidance to the faithful of the Diocese of San José.
As Catholics, we are called to remain steadfast in our communion with the Church, united with the Successor of Saint Peter and the College of Bishops. I therefore encourage all the faithful to avoid any actions that could signify adherence to a schismatic movement or separation from the full communion of the Catholic Church.
The Holy See has indicated that the faculties previously granted to SSPX clergy for the celebration of the Sacraments of Penance and Matrimony have been revoked. Consequently, the faithful should not seek the celebration of the sacraments from SSPX clergy.
Those who have been attending SSPX chapels or who may have questions or concerns regarding their participation should be received in our diocesan parishes, oratories, and chapels with pastoral charity, patience, and understanding. They should be encouraged and assisted in returning to full participation in the sacramental and ecclesial life of the Catholic Church. While avoiding unnecessary polemics, we must also present clearly and faithfully the Church’s teaching concerning communion, ecclesial unity, and legitimate ecclesiastical authority.
In accordance with diocesan policy, no SSPX cleric may be invited to celebrate Mass, administer the sacraments, preach, or participate in official parish ministries or diocesan events.
Following the events of July 1, 2026, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has established a formal process for priests and lay faithful who wish to leave the SSPX and return to full communion with the Catholic Church. This process applies to SSPX priests, members of the Third Order of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X, and lay faithful who habitually participate in SSPX liturgical celebrations while formally adhering to its doctrinal positions. Any questions regarding this process should be directed to the Diocesan Chancery.
The Dicastery also makes an important pastoral distinction regarding many members of the faithful. It states that the following persons “are not to be considered imputable: lay people who have attended the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X only for liturgical or spiritual reasons; lay people who, while aware of the tensions with the Holy See, do not reject the Magisterium or the authority of the Roman Pontiff.” For these individuals, it is sufficient that they approach a priest who is in full communion with the Catholic Church and sincerely resolve not to participate in SSPX celebrations in the future.
I also wish to reassure those of our faithful who are devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass that the Diocese of San José continues to provide for their legitimate spiritual needs. The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated at the Oratory of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, located at 1101 S. Winchester Boulevard, Building C, San José, California 95128, under the pastoral care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, whose priests are in full communion with the Catholic Church. The faithful who desire to participate in the Traditional Latin Mass are warmly encouraged to attend this approved apostolate of the Church.
Jesus bestowed a particular authority upon Peter (and to his successors): “I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt. 16:18). Pope Leo XIV now bears that authority and responsibility, one of ecclesial communion in the Church.
Let us respond to this situation with fidelity to words of Christ, genuine pastoral charity toward all who seek the truth, and confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who continually leads the Church in unity and peace. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, intercede for us that we may always remain one in faith under the visible and ecclesial unity of the Successor of Peter.
Fraternally in Christ,
Most Reverend Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José
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