The Third Order of the Society of Saint Pius X
The Third Order allows the laity to participate more closely with the apostolic work of the Society of St. Pius X.
What is the Third Order?
"Third Order" signifies membership of the laity in a religious order. The laity has always been distinguished from clergy or religious. A third order gives the laity a degree of participation in what is proper to the clergy or religious.
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The Importance of the Third Order Today
Letter from Fr. Pagliarani on the Third Order of the Society of Saint Pius X
The importance of the Third Order >
Sursum Corda - Newsletter
Sursum Corda is the newsletter of the SSPX's Third Order in the United States District. It is published by the Third Order chaplain.
What is the origin of third orders?
Collaboration of the laity with the ministers of Christ is as old as the Church.
And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church that is in Cenchrae. That you receive her in the Lord as becometh saints; and that you assist her in whatsoever business she shall have need of you. For she also hath assisted many, and myself also. Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus.” (Rom.16:1-3)
St. Paul often enumerates by name those who help in his apostolate.
It seems logical that this collaboration of the laity would eventually find some legal expression. And so it is that the Church has granted a kind of affiliation of the laity with religious orders, primarily for obtaining of the graces and indulgences of the Order. The Church thus legislates for these associations and enumerates the specific privileges that can be obtained.
The Spirit of the SSPX by Archbishop Lefebvre
A compilation of five articles written by Archbishop Lefebvre in which he outlines to the SSPX's members the spirit of their priestly society.