The suppression of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist by Bishop John Iffert of the Diocese of Covington represents a sudden and unjust disruption of a ministry that has demonstrated unwavering fidelity to the Church. The narrative that these priests have recently adopted a position of irreverence or contempt for the hierarchy falls apart under any serious scrutiny, particularly when examined in light of their relationship with Bishop Emeritus Roger Foys, who expressed profound appreciation for their work.
From their arrival in the Diocese of Covington in 2011 under Bishop Roger Foys, the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist have consistently shown reverence for the Church hierarchy.
Bishop Foys’ Support and Encouragement:
Bishop Foys actively encouraged the establishment of the Missionaries as a religious community. In 2015, under his guidance, the Missionaries formally organized as a community dedicated to the Traditional Latin Mass and sacraments. By 2019, he issued the decree of erection for the Missionaries as a public association of the faithful, explicitly stating that their charism was to serve those attached to the traditional expression of the faith. This mission was fully aligned with the Church’s guidelines under Summorum Pontificum.
Financial and Structural Investment:
With Bishop Foys’ blessing, the Missionaries spent over $2 million acquiring and renovating Our Lady of Lourdes Church, transforming it into a spiritual home for faithful Catholics. They also established a rectory and religious house for seminarians and consecrated men, further solidifying their commitment to the diocese and the faithful they served.
Healing Wounds of Disunity:
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Missionaries was their successful reconciliation of an entire independent Catholic community with the Church. This effort exemplifies their dedication to unity and their commitment to bringing marginalized Catholics back into full communion with the Church.
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The Sudden Shift: From Collaboration to Suppression
The suppression of the Missionaries under Bishop Iffert marks a sharp departure from the supportive relationship they enjoyed with Bishop Foys. This abrupt change raises questions about the motivations and narrative driving their removal:
- No Evidence of Irreverence:
The Missionaries have always emphasized reverence for the bishop as the local shepherd of the Church. As their spiritual inspiration, the Servant of God Jean Baptiste Rauzan, taught: “Wherever we go, we reverence the bishops, considering them our fathers and our masters.” This principle has guided their interactions with both Bishop Foys and Bishop Iffert.
- Continuity of Charism:
The Missionaries’ dedication to the 1962 Missale Romanum is not a recent development or a reaction to current controversies. It is a core part of their episcopally approved charism, woven into the very fabric of their constitutions and their mission. Their steadfast adherence to this liturgical tradition cannot be misconstrued as defiance.
- A Question of Motivation:
The sudden shift in diocesan leadership brought about a stark change in the relationship between the Missionaries and the diocese. Anyone paying attention can see that these priests, who for over a decade demonstrated fidelity and reverence, did not suddenly become irreverent or spiteful toward Church hierarchy. The more plausible explanation is that the change in leadership introduced a bias against their traditional mission.
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Bishop Foys’ Words: A Testament to the Missionaries’ Value
In an upcoming video segment, Bishop Roger Foys expresses his appreciation for the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist. His statements highlight the trust and admiration he held for these priests and their ministry. This video serves as a critical piece of evidence, refuting the narrative that these priests are divisive or irreverent.
The words of Bishop Foys stand as a testament to the Missionaries’ long-standing dedication to the Church, their pastoral care, and their role in fostering unity and faithfulness within the diocese. His support underscores the injustice of their current suppression and calls into question the motivations behind it.
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Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Prudence
The suppression of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist is not merely a matter of administrative policy—it is a profound injustice against priests who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church. Their history of collaboration, fidelity, and reverence for the hierarchy under Bishop Foys contrasts sharply with the accusations leveled against them under Bishop Iffert.
As Catholics, we are called to pray for both the Missionaries and the current bishop. At the same time, we must advocate for truth and justice, ensuring that these priests can continue their mission of healing, unity, and faithfulness to the Church’s sacred traditions.
Don’t take our word for it only but listen to the words of Bishop Foys, whose testimony reflects the true character of the Missionaries and their indispensable contribution to the Diocese of Covington.
