The Pope’s final appeal to the Lefebvrians: ‘I beg you from the bottom of my heart, come back.’ Forza Nuova will be present at the ordination
On Wednesday 1 July, barring any changes, the Society of Saint Pius X will ordain four bishops without a papal mandate at the seminary in Ecône, Switzerland
‘Filled with Christian affection, I implore and ask you with all my heart: turn back! I urge you to give careful consideration to the spiritual welfare of the faithful, for the schismatic act you would be committing would deprive them of the lawful – and in some cases even valid – reception of the Sacraments which they love and seek for their own sanctification. The Church is open to a path of dialogue and understanding which the Holy Spirit can make possible and fruitful.’ So wrote the Pope in a letter to the Lefebvrians on the eve of the illicit episcopal consecrations.
The letter, addressed to the superior of the Lefebvrians, the Reverend Don Davide Pagliarani, is dated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, but was released today by the Holy See Press Office. ‘With a fatherly heart,’ writes Leo, ‘I wish to address you and, through you, the bishops, priests, seminarians and faithful associated with the Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X, mindful of the responsibility which the Lord has entrusted to me as Successor of the Apostle Peter.The Church recognises the attachment to liturgical life, the commitment to priestly formation, the apostolic zeal and the desire for fidelity to Tradition which characterise many individuals and communities linked to this Fraternity. This has motivated – he continues – the attitude of attention and goodwill that my Predecessors have consistently shown towards you.”
‘I pray for you,’ the Pope concludes, ‘because tearing Christ’s seamless robe is a sin of the utmost gravity. May the Lord enlighten your consciences and awaken your hearts. By the authority received from Christ, with a sorrowful heart, yet still full of hope, I feel duty-bound to ask you to desist from your plan, and I entrust these intentions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel.”
On Wednesday 1 July, barring any changes, the Society of Saint Pius X – the Lefebvrians – will ordain four bishops without papal authorisation at the seminary in Ecône, Switzerland. The Holy See has already described the decision as a ‘schismatic act’, resulting in excommunication for those who carry out the consecration and for the new bishops.
Representatives of Forza Nuova, together with Secretary Roberto Fiore, “will be present at the ordinations in Ecône” in Switzerland, where the ultra-traditionalist followers of Monsignor Lefebvre will ordain bishops without a papal mandate. ““Many of us, led by national secretary Roberto Fiore – who has always been in line with the thinking of Monsignor Lefebvre and the Fraternity – are following these events alongside those who have never lowered the banner of Tradition,” the statement clarifies, “whilst maintaining an unwavering respect for Rome and the Holy Father”.
