During these times when many religious congregations have withered away and even disappeared, it is almost a miracle for a congregation to attain 50 years of existence. Aware that we share in the same weaknesses that all men have, nevertheless we rejoice that the boat of the Society of St. Pius X does not take on the waters of the conciliar reforms. In spite of the strong waves that rock the Church, our Society does not sink in the storm, does not let itself be overcome by the waves that crash against it.
Dear Friends and Benefactors,
During these times when many religious congregations have withered away and even disappeared, it is almost a miracle for a congregation to attain 50 years of existence. Aware that we share in the same weaknesses that all men have, nevertheless we rejoice that the boat of the Society of St. Pius X does not take on the waters of the conciliar reforms. In spite of the strong waves that rock the Church, our Society does not sink in the storm, does not let itself be overcome by the waves that crash against it.
It would be illusory and even harmful to think that the sea spray of errors that flourish in today’s world does not affect the Church. Isn't the Church composed of men who, even in spite of themselves, are nonetheless affected by revolutionary ideas and weakened by the prevailing spirit of the times? Moreover, the Church is not timidly ensconced in an ivory tower, sheltered from any blows. On the contrary, she is at the heart of the storm, resolutely engaged in saving struggling souls, trying to keep their heads above water. The Church must remain prayerful, vigilant, humble. Nobody can claim for himself the infallibility that belongs only to the Church; nobody is safe from being rocked by the tempest.
As the history of the Church shows, Rome has usually lavished particular care towards young religious congregations. For reasons that are well-known – and increasingly evident today – we cannot rely on this ancient and irreplaceable wisdom. This unfortunate impossibility increases our sorrow.
But it is also a source of pride for us, because the very facts of our continued existence for these 50 years and of our perseverance in this combat are a living and undeniable testimony of the intervention and protection of Divine Providence and of the Blessed Virgin.
It is also a source of pride to have H.E. Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre as our founder, a man whom history will acknowledge as an exceptional figure of the past century. May he help us to remain faithful to his unwavering love for the Church and for the Catholic priesthood.
By decision of our General Superior, Rev. Fr. Davide Pagliarani, next year we will celebrate our 50th anniversary in Lourdes, during the Christ the King Pilgrimage, organized every year by our confreres of the District of France.
Why will we go to Lourdes? The importance of the apparitions of Our Lady in Lourdes is shown by its being the only Marian apparition to have a liturgical feast extended to the universal Church and this unique privilege was granted by a particular decision of our Patron, St. Pius X. Thus, with this pilgrimage, we will also be rendering an indirect homage to him. Moreover, this pilgrimage is dedicated to Christ the King, to Whom we want to pay a particular and glowing tribute, since it is He, and He alone, who will restore the social and religious order that is today collapsing.
That is the particular devotion that distinguishes our Society and gives us our own character – to work with the aim that Christ alone may reign in the Church, in our souls and in the whole world.
The seminary undertakes this pilgrimage of thanksgiving and supplication for the future of the Church and for our own future.
We should write “the seminaries,” in the plural, because we ardently hope to be able to help our seminary in Argentina to participate in this pilgrimage.
Let us explain. Throughout the years, we have appealed to your generosity to provide for our daily needs and to cover the costs of building our new seminary. You have always been unfailing and overwhelming in your largesse. We thank Divine Providence for arousing such generosity in your souls and pray God to bless you abundantly.
But, on reflection, we have realized that it would be selfish on our part not to let our less fortunate confreres share in the charity that you have shown us. Our seminarians have thus been invited to seek the funds necessary for the journey to Lourdes, not only for themselves but also for the seminarians in Argentina. That is also part of their priestly training, learning in a practical way to think first of their confreres, instead of being wrapped up in their own welfare. Thus, we hope to ensure that their future priestly hearts become accustomed to a loving vigilance over the good of many remote missions with immense needs.
For that reason, we have again launched another “Giveaway” operation, as described in the leaflet that accompanies this letter. Do not hesitate to go to our website (www.stas.org) to obtain more leaflets to distribute.
The prize is a Jaguar, not to encourage a disordered concupiscence, but to make this fundraiser attractive to people who otherwise perhaps would not contribute to the goal that we have in mind.
Knowing that your personal resources are not unlimited, this “Giveaway” is primarily addressed to people of your acquaintance who are not in Tradition and who perhaps could, in this roundabout way, discover it. As St. Francis of Sales said, “honey catches more flies than vinegar.” We thus invite you to become apostles of our work by means of this charitable action!
Please, know that you remain always in the prayers of the priests, seminarians, and brothers of St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary, with us especially praying that you may grow in intimacy with Our Lord Jesus Christ during this new liturgical year. Be also assured that your intentions will be remembered in the Christmas Novena of Masses that the Seminary offers for all its friends and benefactors.
In Christo Sacerdote et Maria.
Fr. Yves le Roux