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Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the ninth article of the Creed: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains what the Church actually is, why Christ founded one visible society for the salvation of souls, and who belongs to it. We’ll also look at the Church militant and triumphant, the necessity of a visible head, and the four marks by which the true Church can be recognized: one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic.
In this final chapter, the focus turns from Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s public battles to the man himself. Chapter 20 looks back on the character, spirituality, and priestly convictions that shaped his entire life: his devotion to the Mass, his love of the priesthood, his confidence in Providence, and his determination to hand on the Faith exactly as he had received it. We also see his gentleness, humor, simplicity, and deep life of prayer, even as age and illness begin to overtake him. Finally, the story follows his last months, his final sufferings, and his death on March 25, 1991, leaving behind the words that summarize his life: “I have handed on what I received.”
In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre faces the most difficult decision of his life. Chapter 19 follows the growing crisis of the 1980s, the Assisi interreligious meeting, his deepening concern over the future of the priesthood, and his conviction that Tradition could not survive without bishops to ordain priests and confirm the faithful. After years of negotiations with Rome, hopeful openings, delays, and failed agreements, he concludes that the time has come to act. On June 30, 1988, together with Bishop de Castro Mayer, Archbishop Lefebvre consecrates four bishops at Ecône in what he calls “Operation Survival,” determined to pass on what he himself had received.
In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre moves from preserving Tradition to rebuilding Catholic life around it. Chapter 18 follows the growth of priories, chapels, schools, seminaries, retreat houses, and religious communities across Europe and beyond. At the same time, he continues his dialogue with Rome, firmly rejecting both liberal compromise on one side and sedevacantism on the other. Through internal crises, growing opposition, and an expanding worldwide apostolate, his guiding conviction remains the same: preserve the Mass, form holy priests, strengthen Catholic families, and establish places where the Faith can survive and grow. What began at Ecône is now becoming an international work.
In this release, the conflict surrounding Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and Ecône comes fully into the open. Chapter 17 follows his definitive rejection of the New Mass, his growing confrontation with bishops and Roman authorities, and his determination to preserve the traditional priesthood and sacraments. As pressure mounts, the Society of St. Pius X is suppressed, yet Ecône continues. Then comes his famous 1974 declaration of fidelity to “eternal Rome,” followed by the dramatic ordinations of 1976, his suspension a divinis, and finally his long-awaited meeting with Pope Paul VI. Through it all, Archbishop Lefebvre insists that his resistance is not against the Church, but in defense of what the Church has always taught and handed down.
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