The General Chapter of the Society of St. Pius X

Rev. Vianney Vandendaele

The Society of Saint Pius X is a priestly society whose rules were approved by a decree issued from the bishop of Fribourg, Mgr. Charrière, on 1 November 1970. It was founded and organised by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, with the approbation of the diocesan authority, during a period of collapse of the Catholic priesthood. Its constitutions, placed under the patronage of Saint Pius X, were the object of an official letter of praises written by Cardinal John Joseph Wright, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, on 18 February 1971.

In his introduction to the revised edition of the rules of the Society, on 20 March 1990, Archbishop Lefebvre highlights the action of Divine Providence which, “in its infinite Wisdom, raised up a work of restoration of the Catholic priesthood in order to preserve the treasures which Jesus Christ confided to His Church, namely the integrity of the faith and the formation of clergy destined to the dispensation of these treasures of divine life.”

Today, the Society of Saint Pius X numbers 637 priests as well as 123 religious brothers and 79 oblate sisters.

In its seminaries and noviciates, around the world, about 250 young men are trained for the service
of the altar. This year, 2018, will be marked by an important event in the life of this priestly society. Indeed, the General Chapter is gathered every 12 years in view of electing the Superior General and his two assistants, but principally in order to check that the rules within its statutes are faithfully applied in order keep the initial spirit which directed its foundation.

As a prelate of the Church, having acquired great experience in missionary countries, Archbishop Lefebvre warned the members of the Society against any innovation, apart from those necessary for the administration of the society and the development of its apostolate.

Thus, the members of the General Council, the Seminary Rectors and Districts Superiors, as well as the most senior priests of the Society, will gather for the fourth General Chapter of the Society from 11 to 21 July 2018 at the Seminary of Saint Pius X, at Ecône, Switzerland.

The Superior General, Bishop Bernard Fellay, has prescribed some prayers to be said everyday in all the houses of the Society of Saint Pius X from 11 January, that is six months before the beginning of the Chapter. All the faithful and souls of good will are cordially invited to join in these prayers.

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