LETTER FROM THE ABBE R. DE PAZANAN PUBLISHED AMONG THE CORRESPONDENCE OF THE RHONE-ALPES NEWSPAPER FOR SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER 1978 Mgr. Lefebvre's Masses
I read with considerable pain the letters of Mme Gerald Massot and Mme Delastre about Mgr. Lefebvre and I take full responsibility for writing what follows.In 1973 I was invited by M. and Mme de M a French couple living in Bogota, Colombia, to concelebrate with Mgr. Lefebvre the nuptial mass of their daughter Elizabeth who was engaged to Alban T His Grace's nephew. The prelate firmly refused to take part in this concelebration. By my family who also live in Bogota and are on friendly terms with the relations of both of the engaged parties I learnt of the deception provoked by this refusal which amounted to complete opposition to all the possibilities offered by Rome and by the Council in seeking to "return to the original sources". This bishop who constantly appeals to the most ancient traditions of the Church in order to justify his behaviour was there in open contradiction to these traditions: bishops used to celebrate the Holy mysteries surrounded by the presbyterate who concelebrated with them.On the 7th July 1973 I took the 'plane for Bogota and there met Mgr. Lefebvre to whom I went, with all respect, to introduce myself. Our meeting was briefer than I had expected.On the 7th July in the Church of Saint Bibiana in Bogota at 11 o'clock, I assisted Mgr. Lefebvre at the altar, without concelebrating. On arriving at the sacristy, however, I discovered that the prelate was most unwell and wondering if he would last out until the end of the ceremony.On Tuesday 10th July, he was operated on at Bogota's military hospital. A few days later I called to see him and as I had authorisation from the Archbishop of Bogota to say my Mass in my sister's home, I suggested to Mgr. Lefebvre that I should come and celebrate my Mass in his bedroom to which he very readily agreed. I had two French missals of which I lent him one and the two of us concelebrated three times during his stay in hospital, in the presence of a number of the sick man's friends and relations. It was the rite of Mass of Paul VI which I affirm that we concelebrated together in French. I know that Mgr. Lefebvre was very happy to be able to celebrate Mass in this way.But where is the logic of all this...? I put up with his refusal that I should concelebrate with him at his nephew's marriage only to find that a few days later Mgr. Lefebvre is perfectly content to do the same thing - and that while using the French texts of the Mass of Paul VI. I did not have to insist, he was free to refuse, yet his acceptance was spontaneous and was renewed on two other occasions. We all know, however, the attitude which he shows in other ways to Pope Paul VI and to his Mass. Let us remain logical in his regard and be upright in our relations with those men and women whom he seduces into following him.I put myself at the disposal of any of your readers who would like further details about the facts which I am recalling. The dates, places and initials which I have cited are sufficient witness of their accuracy.Abbe R. de Pazanan
Welcome
