Quite an eventful month for the German-speaking bishops.
In Germany, several bishops are afflicted by what can only be described as "mass hysteria" regarding an absolutely normal act of the life of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX / SSPX) - and it cannot be denied that the great act (very merciful, very just, or both) of Pope Benedict XVI, lifting the excommunication of the Bishops of the SSPX, did not entail the complete paralysis of the regular life of that society. It may still be in an irregular situation, but there has been no sign from the Vatican that the Sacraments ordinarily ministered by its Bishops and priests must be suspended while negotiations go on.
Meanwhile, in Austria, the local Bishops are heading off to Rome for emergency meetings in the Vatican, which include a rendezvous with the Pontiff himself. The topic? The unbearable "autonomy" of the "Church of Austria", particularly after the Linz scandal.
[Rorate note: It is not a regular "ad limina" visit of the Austrian bishops, which should take place no earlier than late 2010 or early 2011.]
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Update (June 15): "The Holy Father received this morning in audience: Bishops of Austria." (Bollettino)
