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The recent publication of the
motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, vindicates the resistance of
Archbishop Lefebvre against the ecclesiastical "abuse of power" which
sought to forbid the traditional Roman Mass and proves the veracity of the
following two quotes from him:
This Mass is not forbidden and cannot be
forbidden. (…) If a priest were censured or even excommunicated
on this ground [i.e., for saying the traditional Roman
Mass, Ed.], the sentence would be absolutely invalid. (…)
We can celebrate it and the faithful can attend it with complete
peace of mind, knowing furthermore it is the best way of
maintaining their faith. (Open Letter to Confused Catholics,
ANGELUS PRESS)
I would say that we have to choose between an
appearance of obedience —for the Holy Father cannot ask us to
abandon our faith —and the preservation of our faith. Well, we
choose not to abandon our faith. (Ibid.)
It would do well to remember that ultimately,
the issue for Archbishop Lefebvre and for those who adhere to
Catholic Tradition is the Faith as taught by Holy Mother Church:
We do not want to break away from the Church;
on the contrary, we want the Church to continue. A Church which
breaks away from her past is no longer the Catholic Church. (…) We
are certain that the truth will come back. It cannot be otherwise.
The Good God does not abandon His Church. (Homily, Geneva, May 15,
1978)
Time will certainly vindicate Archbishop
Lefebvre of what else he stood for and defended. |
