“I had a glimpse of this task in a sort of dream in Dakar around 1958. It could very well be said that God prepared me for this task for a very long time. Blessed be God for His ineffable inspirations and for the immediate support from the many benefactors that this work received, and which even visibly (the benefactors as well) were brought by Providence. Did I save the Catholic priesthood, the Catholic Mass, and the Catholic Faith? Certain people attribute these wonderful things to me. But, you see, I am for nothing in this.” -- Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
Letter from the Publisher:
Dear Reader,
November 1, 1970, marked the birth of the Society of Saint Pius and the last great work of its founder, Archbishop Lefebvre. This year, then, we’ll be celebrating throughout the traditionalist world the golden jubilee of this early event. Jubilee because, from its humble beginnings, it has brought forth generations of priests, religious, and lay folks who have flown the flag of Tradition in its fullness. A gilded and glorious jubilee which, despite the growing pains and battle wounds, has not lost its luster and sharpness.
In this magazine, articles illustrated with copious photos tell the memorable saga of the founder’s mindset confronted with progressive authorities, of events prior to the foundation, and of the subsequent growth, attacks, and de facto vindication of the work of Tradition.
Certainly, in our traditional circles, this year’s end will be marked by celebrations, conventions, and prayers. With this year’s first issue, we wanted to anticipate the event by bringing the bigger picture of the Society, with its Swiss foundation and its inception in Europe. In a later issue, we’ll concentrate on our own territory to see how God has blessed the American branch of the Archbishop’s work.
There is little doubt in my mind that, after perusing this issue, most readers will be able to perceive God’s Providence at work during the struggles, contradictions, and crosses, met throughout by the close collaborators of our founder. If not perfect, the growth and wide expansion of the SSPX tree and its satellite congregations has borne fruit in much patience. May these blessings be soon recognized by the highest authorities. No doubt, the entire Church will see a genuine revival the day Tradition is finally given pride of place in Rome again. Let this be our wish and our insistent prayer.
Fr. Jürgen Wegner
Publisher
Contents
Letter from the Publisher, by Fr. Jürgen Wegner
Theme: SSPX 50th Anniversary
The Origins of the Society of Saint Pius X, by Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais
The Archbishop, the Society, and Rome, by Bishop Bernard Fellay
For the Love of the Church, by Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais
Establishing the First District, by Fr. Patrick Groche
Archbishop Lefebvre and Shakespeare, by Andrew J. Clarendon
Why Is the SSPX Necessary?, by Benjamin Bielinski
Spirituality
St. John’s Use of Words, by Pater Inutilis
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: The Offertory, Part One, by Fr. Christopher Danel
A Bishop for All Seasons, by Fr. Dominique Bourmaud
The Deposit of the Faith, by a Benedictine Monk
Christian Culture
Book Review: Blessed Leonid Feodorov (by Father Paul Mailleux, S.J). Reviewed by Fr. Brendan D. King
A Rebours, En Route, and Very Much on Target: Huysmans and the Apostolate of the Outsiders, by John Rao, D.Phil. Oxon.
Letter to a Young Lady About Strength, by Fr. Vincent Gelineau
Who Is My Child?, by the Sisters of the SSPX
Questions and Answers, by Fr. Juan Carlos Iscara, SSPX
Catechism
Complex Questions & Simple Answers, Part One, by Prof. Felix Otten, O.P. and C.F. Pauwels
Bishop Schneider on the Problem of a Heretical Pope, by Fr. Jean-Michel Gleize
Last Word, by Fr. Daniel Couture
