Thank you for this article. I believe one should look at Abp. Lefebvre, his intentions, thoughts, and actions, as a true pastor whose sole purpose was the salvation of souls. From a broader perspective this is what has been lost, this zeal for souls, since Vatican II and its embrace and tolerance of the theological, philosophical, psychological, sociological, and scientific ideas rooted in the New Theology, Liberalism, and the Enlightenment. In fact, the very ideas of the soul, sin, judgment, etc. have been reinterpreted and redefined contrary to pre-Conciliar Catholic teaching, at least in practice if not in formal declarations. This influence is so apparent in any poll of Catholic clergy or laity as to be undeniable. The only question that remains is whether one thinks pre-Conciliar teaching was timeless and infallible, correct or incorrect.
The Archbishop was a man, a fallible, fallen, man, in time, who had his own thoughts, feelings and perspectives based on his formation and experience. This included being a missionary and being at the Second Vatican Council (something none of his current heralders nor detractors can claim...). I appreciate the attempt to "re-historify" him (should that be considered a word) and regard him for who he was, however the man himself never claimed to be perfect. He is also frankly more a leader than Mel Gibson, his father or frankly any online sedevacantist ever was or probably will be (including his former disgruntled students). He can be taken as an authority insofar as he was at the front-line at the time before you or I were a speck in our parent's eye. He spoke out for Tradition, albeit perhaps if in an imperfect fashion, in the Catholic Church (not known for, at least then, anyhow, being a democracy). He was a dutiful bishop to his superiors, until he felt he couldn't be. Then, he wasn't always entirely sure what to do. I can hardly fault him for that. However, he set the tone for the resistance, whatever you particularly think that should be now. For, I will always be grateful. Archbishop Lefebvre, pray for us!
Appreciation and blessings from Sydney Australia.
Thank you for this article. I believe one should look at Abp. Lefebvre, his intentions, thoughts, and actions, as a true pastor whose sole purpose was the salvation of souls. From a broader perspective this is what has been lost, this zeal for souls, since Vatican II and its embrace and tolerance of the theological, philosophical, psychological, sociological, and scientific ideas rooted in the New Theology, Liberalism, and the Enlightenment. In fact, the very ideas of the soul, sin, judgment, etc. have been reinterpreted and redefined contrary to pre-Conciliar Catholic teaching, at least in practice if not in formal declarations. This influence is so apparent in any poll of Catholic clergy or laity as to be undeniable. The only question that remains is whether one thinks pre-Conciliar teaching was timeless and infallible, correct or incorrect.
The Archbishop was a man, a fallible, fallen, man, in time, who had his own thoughts, feelings and perspectives based on his formation and experience. This included being a missionary and being at the Second Vatican Council (something none of his current heralders nor detractors can claim...). I appreciate the attempt to "re-historify" him (should that be considered a word) and regard him for who he was, however the man himself never claimed to be perfect. He is also frankly more a leader than Mel Gibson, his father or frankly any online sedevacantist ever was or probably will be (including his former disgruntled students). He can be taken as an authority insofar as he was at the front-line at the time before you or I were a speck in our parent's eye. He spoke out for Tradition, albeit perhaps if in an imperfect fashion, in the Catholic Church (not known for, at least then, anyhow, being a democracy). He was a dutiful bishop to his superiors, until he felt he couldn't be. Then, he wasn't always entirely sure what to do. I can hardly fault him for that. However, he set the tone for the resistance, whatever you particularly think that should be now. For, I will always be grateful. Archbishop Lefebvre, pray for us!