The bishop of Superior, Wisconsin, has written a letter of rebuke against Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, citing his actions of defamation and an illicit ordination. Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior and Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò originates from a March 22nd post on X in which the former US nuncio denounces what he termed a “shamanic ceremony” at the start of the Diocese’s 2024 Chrism Mass. The March 19th Mass displayed four Ojibwe women conducting a traditional dance with indigenous drumming.
DIOCESE OF SUPERIOR OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
STATEMENT OF BISHOP JAMES POWERS
It has come to my attention that there is a social media message allegedly posted by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano which challenges the sanctity of the Diocese of Superior Chrism Mass celebrated on March 19, 2024. If this information is accurate, I would charge Archbishop Vigano with a violation of my right to a good name and reputation accorded by Canon 220 of the Code of Canon Law. This kind of public defamation does not befit an Archbishop of the Catholic Church. It has long been a tradition in the Diocese of Superior to honor the heritage of our Native Americans before major diocesan celebrations. In fact, this tradition was carried out at my own ordination and installation as Bishop of Superior. Archbishop Vigano was present for that ceremony and has never in the last eight years expressed any concerns about that ceremony in which he participated as Apostolic Nuncio. I would have at least expected the courtesy of a prior contact before any alleged public accusations of promoting Shamanism. (Matthew 18:15) To refer to me as a "servant of Freemasonry" and challenge my authenticity as a Successor to the Apostles is especially egregious. This kind of rhetoric brings harm to the faithful entrusted to my care. Archbishop Viganò, if it is true that you in fact reported the above inflammatory statements about me, I would expect a public apology from you to me and my people.
On another matter about which I would seek clarification from Archbishop Vigano is his allegedly ordaining Bryan Wallman and sending Bryan Walman (aka Fr. Ambrose) and Rebekah Siegler (aka Sr. Tecla) to the Diocese of Superior to operate without episcopal approval. Archbishop Vigano has no authority whatsoever within the Diocese of Superior. Without proof of a valid ordination to the priesthood, Bryan Wallman is putting the spiritual lives of some of my people in danger. By establishing a so-called "Hermitage" within the Diocese of Superior without my approval these individuals give a further veneer of authenticity to their actions. If Archbishop Vigano is involved in any way with these activities, I demand that he cause their cessation immediately.
Most Reverend James P. Powers
Bishop of Superior
Given at Superior, Wisconsin
April 5, 2024
It has come to my attention that there is a social media message allegedly posted by Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano which challenges the sanctity of the Diocese of Superior Chrism Mass celebrated on March 19, 2024. If this information is accurate, I would charge Archbishop Vigano with a violation of my right to a good name and reputation accorded by Canon 220 of the Code of Canon Law. This kind of public defamation does not befit an Archbishop of the Catholic Church. It has long been a tradition in the Diocese of Superior to honor the heritage of our Native Americans before major diocesan celebrations. In fact, this tradition was carried out at my own ordination and installation as Bishop of Superior. Archbishop Vigano was present for that ceremony and has never in the last eight years expressed any concerns about that ceremony in which he participated as Apostolic Nuncio. I would have at least expected the courtesy of a prior contact before any alleged public accusations of promoting Shamanism. (Matthew 18:15) To refer to me as a "servant of Freemasonry" and challenge my authenticity as a Successor to the Apostles is especially egregious. This kind of rhetoric brings harm to the faithful entrusted to my care. Archbishop Viganò, if it is true that you in fact reported the above inflammatory statements about me, I would expect a public apology from you to me and my people.
On another matter about which I would seek clarification from Archbishop Vigano is his allegedly ordaining Bryan Wallman and sending Bryan Walman (aka Fr. Ambrose) and Rebekah Siegler (aka Sr. Tecla) to the Diocese of Superior to operate without episcopal approval. Archbishop Vigano has no authority whatsoever within the Diocese of Superior. Without proof of a valid ordination to the priesthood, Bryan Wallman is putting the spiritual lives of some of my people in danger. By establishing a so-called "Hermitage" within the Diocese of Superior without my approval these individuals give a further veneer of authenticity to their actions. If Archbishop Vigano is involved in any way with these activities, I demand that he cause their cessation immediately.
Most Reverend James P. Powers
Bishop of Superior
Given at Superior, Wisconsin
April 5, 2024
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