'Let us remain united in Christ': Archbishop Golka offers pastoral guidance following Vatican declaration on SSPX

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Editor's Note: On July 1, 2026, the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) proceeded with the unauthorized ordination of four bishops without a pontifical mandate. In response, the Holy See declared the ordinations a schismatic act and announced the canonical consequences for those involved. In light of these developments, Archbishop James R. Golka has issued the following letter to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver.

July 7, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in our Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you regarding the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). After a warning from the Holy See not to conduct episcopal ordinations, the Society proceeded on July 1, without papal authority, to consecrate four new bishops. The Holy See has since notified those involved that by their actions they have incurred excommunication in accordance with the law of the Roman Catholic Church. This has caused a grave wound to the unity of the Church.

This is a sorrowful moment for us all. Every division within the Body of Christ stands in contrast to Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper: "that they may all be one" (John 17:21). Apostolic succession (communion with the successor of St. Peter, the first pope) is an essential mark of the Church established by Jesus Christ.

While many faithful Catholics have a deep love for the Church's liturgical traditions, this situation is not about the form of the Mass. At its heart is full communion with the Church and fidelity and obedience to the Holy Father.

As your shepherd, I have a responsibility to provide clear guidance. Out of care for souls, I must instruct the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver to refrain from participating in the activities of SSPX in any location, including these locations within our archdiocese:

St. Isidore

32100 E. Colfax Ave. Watkins, CO 80137

Annunciation Chapel Society of St. Pius X

290 E. County Road 56 Fort Collins, CO 80524

I know this news will be difficult for some who sincerely love the Church and have been drawn to SSPX. I encourage all the faithful to remain rooted in parish life, the celebration of the sacraments, and unity with the Holy Father. If you know individuals involved with SSPX, accompany them through this with charity, patience, and prayer, always reflecting the love of Christ. Laity involved with the SSPX community who wish to worship Christ in communion with the Church are welcome in any of our parishes; you may feel especially at home at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, in Littleton, where the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter celebrates the traditional Latin Mass.

Let us pray for the bishops, priests, religious, and faithful associated with SSPX, asking the Holy Spirit to heal this painful division within the Church.

Please also join me in praying for Pope Leo XIV, and for the unity of the Church throughout the world.

Mary, Mother of the Church, and St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend James R. Golka

Archbishop of Denver