6-30-2011

On a sweltering summer’s morning, twelve days after the ordinations at Winona, Econe too was ready for its own ordinations. Flanked on either side by the misty-topped Swiss Alps, the seminary had been a hive of activity for over a week: two large tents had been erected, one for ordinations and one for banqueting, the one hundred and twenty or so visiting priests had been accommodated, and the seminarians had been working all night to perfect the ceremonies' preparations.

After an early morning of private Masses, finally everything was ready for the procession. The seminary bells commenced their joyous peal, just before nine o'clock. At this signal the massed ranks of boy altar servers, young clerics, ordinands, priests—both secular and religious—not least Fr. Cyprian O.S.B. (prior of Silver City) who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of sacerdotal ordination began to assemble. After the priests, all four of the society's bishops, three processing in and Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta taking pride of place as the celebrant, descended the path from the seminary to the ordinations tent. Here one could glimpse the splendor of the Church's hierarchy: rank on rank they streamed down the hill in a seemingly endless profusion. There was a solemn gravity as well as a sober excitement charging the air.

As the community processed in, a trumpet duet with organ accompaniment resounded triumphantly throughout the thousands of gathered faithful who were ranged up the hill, sparking off (as it seemed) their restrained joy. The Church was about to receive fifteen deacons, including three Capuchins, and thirteen priests, twelve for the Society and one for the Dominicans of Avrille.

The Mass was that of the day, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, a fitting day on which to consecrate new apostles for the Roman Church who will labor to gather the ever-growing harvest. Bishop de Galarreta prepared the ordinands for the imprinting of their new sacramental character in his sermon. He restated the particular historical circumstances which called the Society, by the providence of Almighty God, into existence; reiterating the fundamental opposition between the Faith of the Catholic Church and the liberal values accepted and promoted by Second Vatican Council and the post-conciliar Magisterium. He reminded those present that although there can be no compromise with error there is no conflict of interests between fidelity to the deposit of the Faith and a Charity which is humble and gentle. And on this feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, he insisted that—despite the lack of any evident positive developments, the Society ought to maintain contact with Rome (the Primacy of Peter) as a matter of principle.

Despite the heat, gusts of winds began to assail the ordination tent and overhead rang echoes of distant thunder. But the ceremony proceeded steadfast. Soon the last sweet tones of the schola died away and the congregation watched with bated breath as the candidates lay face down before the altar of God. As they received this sacrament, by which they are now forever united to Our Lord and consecrated to the service of His Church, how could the thoughts of those present fail to look back with gratitude to Archbishop Lefebvre, whose foresight and courage made this day possible.

To be here in the Society's motherhouse; to see these men descending the hill in humility and abasing themselves before their God, before rising,  transformed; to see them processing out of the tent, the same in appearance, but utterly changed, up the hill; to let one's eye climb up the cloud-wreathed mountains and one's mind to push beyond to Heaven—all of this fills one's heart with wonder at the goodness and providence of God, who humbles Himself to make use of poor men to draw souls to Eternal Life.

After the ceremony, the obligatory photographs and a bout of impromptu first blessings, a celebratory banquet with families and friends was in order. During this convivial and leisurely luncheon the traditional speeches were made. The first speech was given by the eldest member of the new priests' class—the first Society priest from Madagascar—and the second by Bishop Fellay, who congratulated the newly ordained and reassured the faithful that any developments regarding Rome would be transmitted directly by the Society, so that searching out dubiously-sourced rumors ought to be avoided.

Shortly on the heels of this followed an organ concert in the main seminary church, whose program included pieces by J. S. Bach, Couperin, Pachelbel, Stanley and Vierne. At the same time the usual endless circles of faithful seeking first blessings and congratulating the newly ordained kept on replenishing themselves. This lasted until the bells for second Vespers called one and all into the church to close this beautiful day.

Tomorrow morning will see thirteen first Masses, and this place blessed to house the last mortal remains of Archbishop Lefebvre, will witness his spiritual sons continuing to offer unchanged the perfect sacrifice of the true Roman Catholic Mass. As the precious blood of God flows anew, new graces will be poured forth for the Church and for souls, and high up above the mountains will continue to lead our minds upwards with their breathtaking beauty, as if whispering, "Sursum Corda." And we shall be able to answer, in all truth and gratitude, "Habemus ad Dominum!"

SSPX USA District