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Dear Friends and Benefactors,
As we enter into spring allow me to take this opportunity to update you on some
of the flowering projects of the SSPX across the country.
The first building project, already begun, is the erecting of new classrooms in
Olivet, Illinois at Our Lady of La Salette Boys Academy. Since opening its doors
in September 2005, interest has continued to grow among families who wish to
have their boys profit from its boarding school atmosphere. Filled to capacity
from the start, the school has received nearly 60 applicants for the 20
positions open next year to freshmen. Last year, plans were drawn up for a new
classroom building and if all goes well, the project should be completed by the
opening of next school year. The present classrooms will be converted into
quarters for housing more boarding students.
At St. Joseph’s, close to Armada, Michigan, a girls’ boarding school will be
officially opened next school year. For several years now a handful or two of
girls from across the United States have had the opportunity to stay with
various parishioners in order to attend the high school. Due to the increased
interest, plans have been made to convert a nearby house into the priory for our
resident priests, which will allow the former boys’ boarding facility to be used
for girls. In Syracuse,
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Church and Academy continues to improve the
recently purchased school building. Presently, new priest quarters are under
construction within the building, which when completed, will allow our resident
priests to again reside in community.
In Post Falls, Idaho fund raising continues for the construction of a new
school. Phase I construction will begin when sufficient funds have been
collected and will include a facility which will accommodate the boys’ high
school. With Phase I complete, the problem of overcrowding at the present
location will be solved for the moment.
And last, but in no way the least, at our largest parish in the United States,
St. Mary’s, Kansas, the number of faithful continues to increase making the need
for a larger church ever more pressing. With the planning stage complete, a fund
raising campaign was announced on March 29th with the goal of raising $10
million for the construction of what should prove to be a magnificent church for
the glory of God. With plans to accommodate 1200 faithful, this would be our
largest church in the United States.
On the spiritual side we would like to mention several international and
national events and works of importance to the SSPX. To commemorate the 150th
anniversary of Our Lady’s apparition at Lourdes, Pope Benedict XVI announced
that a plenary indulgence can be obtained by those who, during this year, visit
a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Likewise Bishop Fellay has announced
an international pilgrimage to commemorate the anniversary. This pilgrimage will
take place on the weekend of the Feast of Christ the King, October 25-27.
For the ongoing international Rosary Crusade, the general objective announced by
Bishop Fellay is the victory of Tradition through Mary. As a particular
objective, he requests that we pray that the second precondition be achieved,
namely the withdrawal of the decree of excommunication of the four bishops of
the SSPX and its founder. Plans for having the rosary prayed around the clock as
part of the crusade will be announced in each chapel.
Official membership in the Heart of Mary Crusade has grown to about 2000 in the
district. There are also many unofficial members throughout the district. I
thank all of you for the continued work of spreading devotion to Mary, the
Mother of God. This gives
you a brief overview of the apostolate here in the United States. I thank all of
you for the continual sacrifices you make to assist us spiritually and/or
material in any of these works, which are ultimately directed toward the honor
and glory of God. May He will reward you a hundred fold for your generosity.
Sincerely in Christ through Mary,
Fr. John D. Fullerton |
