Priests of the North-East District of the United States have rebelled against the Society's Superiors by obstinately refusing the 1962 liturgy. After vain attempts to show that the use of this liturgy is not a danger to the faith and that it should be accepted and used, the Society has expelled the rebellious priests and re-organised the district under Father Williamson.
Fr Barrielle, dear to many in the Fraternity, passes into the arms of St. Joseph. Rome shows a new attitude toward the old Mass, but there are still conditions that we cannot accept. The spirit of the new Canon Law is the same as that which inspired the changing of the liturgical books namely, it exposes conciliar Ecclesiology.
The Pope although seemingly inclined at first to grant the use of the Old Mass has been dissuaded from doing so. The Old Mass perfectly expresses the Catholic Faith and is an effective obstacle to false ecumenism whereas the New Mass is the opposite. We need good priests which requires the establishment of more schools providing a good formation.
Alas! How many Catholics have already lost the Faith. Nevertheless, souls everywhere are regaining their balance, deepening their Catholic Faith, regrouping around the priests who are, in ever greater numbers, coming back to Catholic Tradition.
The Society's expansion requires a greater organisation. The work of the Society must be a work of faith and trust in Providence. The Society working amidst the shambles must continue its work of restoration especially in Mexico and elsewhere. The Seminary at Ridgefield is being enlarged and the Seminary at Ecône will need to be divided as it is too small.
This nineteenth semi-annual letter coincides with the tenth anniversary of the official approval given to our Society by His Excellency Mgr. Charriere, Bishop of Fribourg, on November 1st, 1970. Let us thank God Who everywhere blesses the efforts of those who persevere in the Faith and in Tradition.
We rejoice that many Sisters are taking the habit and making their professions. They are living examples of the vitality of Tradition. We too must live in a spirit of faith, hope and charity. True progress in the Church cannot occur at the expense of Tradition. Let us continue to fight the good fight of faith.
Support of priests and faithful for Tradition growing rapidly. New seminary in the United States at Ridgefield, CT. New central headquarters for the SSPX to be organized soon.
In this letter there is a transcript of the letter which Archbishop Lefebvre sent to the Pope on Christmas Eve in which he clearly explains the Society's position and in which he asks that the Society be autonomous and allowed to foster Tradition. This would benefit the Church in general and in particular. The Society's expansion continues.
Notable events in the Church. More priests for the SSPX. Faithful are asking for the Traditional Mass and sacraments everywhere. Many vocations coming from everywhere also. The German speaking seminary moved to Zaitzkofen. Two new centers in Europe: Madrid and Brussels. In the US, the SSPX has acquired the center of St. Mary's, Kansas, site for future college.