[The document below is from Cor Unum, June 2013. The title and introductory sentence are from the original. Although, it would seem, the plan was never (yet?) carried out, it is interesting to recall that Bishop Fellay elsewhere pronounced himself in favour of it in principle.]
Elements of Information
With a view to a Canonical Solution
For the Society of Saint Pius X
In addition to the Doctrinal Preamble of September 2011, Bishop Fellay was presented with a project for recognising the Society of St. Pius X. As the title attests, it amounted to “some elements of information” prefiguring an apostolic constitution erecting our Society as an “International Personal Prelature.”
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I
The Priestly Society of Saint Pius X has been erected as an International Personal Prelature, in conformity with canons 294 - 297 of the Code of Canon Law, under the name of ‘Personal Prelature of Saint Pius X’.
- The Prelature is formed of the secular clergy who find themselves incardinated into it.
II
The Personal Prelature of Saint Pius X is governed by the norms of universal law, in particular by canons 294 – 297 of the Code of Canon Law, as well as by the present Apostolic Constitution, not forgetting its own particular laws and customs which are not contrary to the spirit of the present norms.
- The Personal Prelature of Saint Pius X depends upon the Congregation for Bishops and the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, and it maintains direct links with other Dicasteries of the Roman Curia according to their respective competences.
III
The Ordinary of the Prelature of Saint Pius X is its Personal Prelate, chosen by the Roman Pontiff on the presentation of a terna established by the governing Council of the Prelature. A special rule will determine how the terna is to be established.
IV
To the ordained ministers of the Personal Prelature of Saint Pius X is accorded the faculty of celebrating on a permanent basis the Eucharist, the other Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours and other liturgical actions, according to the Roman Rite and the liturgical discipline codified by Pope Saint Pius V, with the adaptations introduced by his successors up to Blessed John XXIII.
V
- The churches and Mass Centres served by the clergy of the Personal Prelature of Saint Pius X currently existing are canonically recognised and remain under the dependence of the Personal Prelate, in conformity with the common norms of the Code of Canon Law and this Apostolic Constitution.
- In accordance with the law and with written permission – required ad valitudinem – of the diocesan Bishop concerned, the Prelate could erect new churches and Mass centres for the pastoral care of the faithful of the Prelature.
- The churches of the Prelature which serve as stable Mass centres for the pastoral assistance of the faithful of the Prelature have the juridical condition of ‘rectoral churches’, in conformity with canons 556 – 563 of the Code of Canon Law.
VI
The laity would be able to co-operate in the apostolic works of the Prelature according to agreements reached with the Prelature itself.
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