Luxembourg is affected by the excommunication of the Society of St Pius X (SSPX) from the Catholic Church, as the group maintains a presence in Mondercange.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich has expressed concern for faithful who feel drawn to the group. He said these individuals are, in part, easily influenced and could become victims of the SSPX's ideology.
The SSPX's Benelux section is active in Luxembourg, holding masses in a private chapel at Lameschmillen in Bergem. Following the consecration of bishops on 1 July without the Pope's approval, the group's members – whether laypeople, bishops, or priests – are no longer considered part of the Catholic Church. Under canon law, excommunication automatically takes effect after a schism, and this applies universally, including to SSPX members in Luxembourg.
The group's local activities are centred on the St Hubert Chapel in Mondercange, which is managed via the Benelux section. Jean Ehret, director of the old seminary – the Luxembourg School of Religion and Society – said that only a few families in Luxembourg are involved, but added that it is generally difficult to engage rationally with these individuals.
According to the SSPX's website, mass is celebrated twice a week in Bergem, with specific emphasis on the pre-1970 liturgical style, prior to the Second Vatican Council. The Church has indicated it wishes to reach out to those who, following the excommunication, no longer feel comfortable with conservative traditions – offering, for example, strict liturgical forms and Latin masses.
Ehret noted that this is one of many legitimate liturgical styles available, and that in itself is not problematic. However, Cardinal Hollerich confirmed that the issue with the SSPX lies not in liturgy but in its worldview – which, he said, includes multiple "no-go" areas, such as a rejection of dialogue with other religions or Christians, and a disregard for human rights.
Ehret said that those who openly profess allegiance to the SSPX are excommunicated alongside the priests or bishops. The SSPX, he added, does not consider itself at fault and is likely to continue its activities, including at the St Hubert Chapel.
