Author Topic: Archbishop Lefebvre on Sedevacantism (Read 34239 times)

JohnGrey · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2011, 02:51:36 PM »

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

In-correct, actually John. ABL at one point almost took the sedevacantist path. He was very sympathetic towards sedes.

Sympathy for one has nothing to do with the validity of their opinion. I have sympathy for Protestants, who desire in their hearts to please God, yet are unable to do so because of the heresies they espouse. The paramount question in dealing with the Society's relationship to sedevacantism is thus: did Archbishop Lefebvre assent, interiorly and with supernatural faith, the sedevacantist position as being a historical fact? If he did, then we must ask why he never taught thus and continued until his death to offer prayers to heretical usurpers as though they were legitimate claimants to the Holy See.

ora pro me · « **Reply #11 on:** February 17, 2011, 03:31:04 PM »

I read an article about this sermon after the Archbishop gave it, and then some time after this (I don't remember when) I was under the understanding that Archbishop Lefebvre did take the sedevacantist position but then reverted back again to a cautious wait and see approach. For years I was still under this impression, that the Archbishop took the sede position for awhile, but I couldn't remember if I had read an exact quote of his where he himself declared the papacy to be vacant OR if it was something that someone else had told me.

Then a year ago or so I did a little googling and could only come up with this sermon which I read and studied, but I couldn't find a sermon or a writing online from ABL where he stated that he was definitely taking a sede position.

So, my question is: Does anyone know if he did take a sedevacantist position at some point and if he did, how long he remained in that position or did he only go as far as this cautious waiting position? Thanks.

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2011, 04:21:42 PM »

Quote from: JohnGrey

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

In-correct, actually John. ABL at one point almost took the sedevacantist path. He was very sympathetic towards sedes.

Sympathy for one has nothing to do with the validity of their opinion. I have sympathy for Protestants, who desire in their hearts to please God, yet are unable to do so because of the heresies they espouse. The paramount question in dealing with the Society's relationship to sedevacantism is thus: did Archbishop Lefebvre assent, interiorly and with supernatural faith, the sedevacantist position as being a historical fact? If he did, then we must ask why he never taught thus and continued until his death to offer prayers to heretical usurpers as though they were legitimate claimants to the Holy See.

People need to realize that taking the sedevacantist route isn't the solution to the problem. Even if LeFebvre had permenantly done so, what would it have solved? We'd still have a modernist Pope. More than believing the Chair of Peter is empty is needed to change the state the Church and world are in.

ServusSpiritusSancti · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2011, 04:23:40 PM »

Quote from: ora pro me

I read an article about this sermon after the Archbishop gave it, and then some time after this (I don't remember when) I was under the understanding that Archbishop Lefebvre did take the sedevacantist position but then reverted back again to a cautious wait and see approach. For years I was still under this impression, that the Archbishop took the sede position for awhile, but I couldn't remember if I had read an exact quote of his where he himself declared the papacy to be vacant OR if it was something that someone else had told me.

Then a year ago or so I did a little googling and could only come up with this sermon which I read and studied, but I couldn't find a sermon or a writing online from ABL where he stated that he was definitely taking a sede position.

So, my question is: Does anyone know if he did take a sedevacantist position at some point and if he did, how long he remained in that position or did he only go as far as this cautious waiting position? Thanks.

I've read numerous articles about him and even a book about his life, and have never seen any evidence that LeFebvre was at one point a sedevacantist. I know he had considered doing so, but I don't think he actually did it.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2011, 05:46:42 PM »

Quote from: SpiritusSanctus

People need to realize that taking the sedevacantist route isn't the solution to the problem.

No position as to the exact nature of the present problem is, or is even meant to be, a solution. That is something that many overlook, plunging into heady discussions with all sorts of ideas distorted from the start.

"What, in fact, is the problem?" is a completely different question from "What is the solution to the present problem?"