Archbishop Vigano's full response to de Mattei:
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/abp-vigano-about-some-declarations-of-professor-roberto-de-mattei-which-recently-appeared-at-corrispondenza-romana
Abp. Viganò: About some declarations of Professor Roberto de Mattei which recently appeared at ‘Corrispondenza Romana’
'If I have spoken evil, give testimony of the evil; but I have spoken well, why do you strike me?' ~ Jn 18:23
Tue Jun 22, 2021 - 10:52 am EST
(https://assets.lifesitenews.com/images/made/images/remote/https_www.lifesitenews.com/images/local/Archbishop_Carlo_Maria_Vigano_810_500_75_s_c1.jpg)
Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò at the Rome Life Forum on May 18, 2018.Steve Jalsevac / LifeSiteNews
By Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò
June 22, 2021 (LifeSiteNews (http://lifesitenews.com/)) – The article The Viganò Case: The Archbishop and His Double, which appeared yesterday at Corrispondenza Romana in both Italian and English, signed by Professor Roberto de Mattei, has been pointed out to me.
I am unable not to express my amazement at the statements that an illustrious Catholic intellectual, hailed as a champion of Tradition and who has not spared the Hierarchy criticism that is at times severe but always carefully considered and just, felt that he had to make in my regard. In reality, it would have been enough to consult me verbally or by letter in order to dispel his suspicions and feel reassured that all of my writings, declarations, and interviews which I have given are the fruit of a maturation of convictions of which I proudly claim full paternity.
The idea that I have a “double” must be the fruit of some adviser to whom Professor de Mattei has improvidently lent his faith, without realizing that by doing so he has exposed himself to the public refutation of completely unfounded allegations, which also sound, if I may be allowed to say so, not very charitable in my regard. I am therefore taking the opportunity afforded by his article to deny his impudent and fanciful theses, reassuring those who have the goodness to read me and listen to me that there is no ghost writer, and that by the grace of God I still have full possession of my faculties, I am not manipulated by anyone, and I am absolutely determined to continue my apostolic mission for the salvation of souls.
In other times, de Mattei would have been proud to be at my side in the common battle for Catholic truth, for the defense of the immutable Magisterium and of the venerable Traditional Liturgy against the assaults of the Modernists. He would have probably also been at my side in denouncing the pandemic fraud and the intrinsic immorality of experimental ναccιnєs produced with fetal material derived from abortions.
+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop
June 22, 2021
S. Paulini, Episcopi et Confessor
Defending Viganò: Two of the archbishop’s editors respond to Professor de Mattei’s accusations
We thought that, by virtue of our work and close collaboration with His Grace, we might be competent to speak for and defend him.
Wed Jun 23, 2021 - 8:57 pm EST
(https://assets.lifesitenews.com/images/made/images/remote/https_www.lifesitenews.com/images/local/Propstei_Paring-00032-20180518-101828_810_500_75_s_c1.jpg)Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò speaks at the Rome Life Forum in May 2018.
June 23, 2021 (LifeSiteNews (https://www.lifesitenews.com/)) – The following text is a composite response from Professor Brian McCall and Dr. Maike Hickson, both of whom are involved in book projects with collections of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò's writings of the last years.
We thought that, by virtue of our work and close collaboration with His Grace, we might be competent to speak for and defend him. We do so in two consecutive texts, written individually. We are both honored to add our Apologiae pro Viganò to those already published by Dr. Taylor Marshall (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctxhniG1Rs) and Robert Moynihan (https://insidethevatican.com/news/newsflash/letter-38-2021-tuesday-june-22-accusation/).
The Real Archbishop Viganò
By Brian McCall
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/the-john-henry-westen-show?utm_source=webad)
Sadly, Professor Roberto De Mattei decided to publish a calumnious attack on Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò (https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/the-john-henry-westen-show?utm_source=webad)[1] (https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/defending-vigano-two-of-the-archbishops-editors-respond-to-professor-de-matteis-accusations?utm_source=top_news&utm_campaign=catholic#_ftn1). Before addressing this surprising and disappointing attack, I wish to state that I have had great respect for Professor De Mattei. I have highly recommended his book: The Second Vatican Council: An Unwritten Story. I was very much taken by surprise when he came out so forcefully in favor of totalitarian government measures and mandatory vaccines this past year. Yet, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Living in Europe, and especially Italy, this past year must have been devastating. Yet, when I saw this scandalous attack on Archbishop Viganò, I was left speechless. Finally, a bishop of the Church responds to the crisis in the Church the way Traditionalists have urged the hierarchy to respond. Finally, a bishop has his eyes opened to the ʀɛʋօʟutιօn that De Mattei meticulously docuмents in his book. Yet, Professor De Mattei hurls insults rather than opening his arms in acceptance to someone who is clearly indebted to his very work.
De Mattei levels three main accusations at the Archbishop: (1) the Archbishop’s public statements from 2020-2021 exhibit “discrepancies” from his statements from 2018—2019 and are essentially not in continuity; (2) the Archbishop’s more recent statements are “pompous” and “sarcastic;” and (3) the Archbishop is not the real author of the statements attributed to him recently and there is some secret alter ego author publishing them under his signature.
As to the first criticism, from someone who has studied the Archbishop’s writings extensively (both for publication through Catholic Family News) and for editing and explanation in the book A Voice in the Wilderness (https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wilderness-Archbishop-Vigan%C3%B2-America/dp/1621386961/ref=asc_df_1621386961/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509360428262&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13931934241828133641&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011770&hvtargid=pla-1214015667075&psc=1), I find absolutely no discrepancies between the identified time periods. I see a perfectly logical and coherent development of understanding running through the four-year period. As I explain at length in A Voice in the Wilderness (https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wilderness-Archbishop-Vigan%C3%B2-America/dp/1621386961/ref=asc_df_1621386961/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509360428262&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13931934241828133641&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011770&hvtargid=pla-1214015667075&psc=1), that logical progress goes from seeing a serious problem with corruption (and in particular sơdơmy and its harboring) in the highest levels of the hierarchy to tracing the root causes of that moral corruption to Vatican II and the New Mass. This is frankly the consistent and logical course of development that Traditionalists have been urging and praying for the priests and bishops of the world to follow. Archbishop Viganò avoids falling into the pit we have been criticizing “conservatives” for landing in for years: seeing the moral corruption as an isolated problem not connected to liturgy or doctrine. Rather than denouncing the Archbishop for discrepancies or being inconsistent, we should be congratulating and encouraging him for following the evidence wherever it led, even when it led to denouncing the conservative position and the “hermeneutic of continuity’ he had accepted during his Vatican career.
As to the second charge concerning the tone and manner of his more recent interventions, I am surprised to see them called “pompous.” As I explain in A Voice in the Wilderness (https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Wilderness-Archbishop-Vigan%C3%B2-America/dp/1621386961/ref=asc_df_1621386961/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=509360428262&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13931934241828133641&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011770&hvtargid=pla-1214015667075&psc=1), his message these past years has been incredibly humble. His Grace has done what so few clerics are willing to do and which takes humility: admit he was wrong. Even when his critics have blamed him for “criticizing” Pope Benedict XVI or claiming that Benedict “deceived” the whole Church, the Archbishop has been quick to respond and make clear that we were all deceived. He has disputed the ability of the “hermeneutic of continuity” to save us from the crisis, but he has made clear that he believes Pope Benedict offered it with good motives and with a love for the church. He has many times admitted his own fault in not seeing the problems with the Council earlier. Rather than pompously telling others “I told you so,” he has merely decried our mutual suffering at the hands of the great deception.
Yes, some of his expressions and criticisms have been strongly worded. Yes, he has called the Vatican of Pope Francis the New Sanhedrin. Yes, he alleged that there are those in the Vatican, including Francis, who are wittingly or unwittingly advancing the agenda of the “invisible enemy.” A grave crisis calls for strong words. The first step to healing is to admit one has a serious problem. Tiptoeing around a problem with euphemisms when the one suffering refuses to admit there is a crisis is not helpful. I remind readers that the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre was often criticized for using strong language to denounce the infiltration and betrayal of the Church. In his famous November declaration he referred to Paul VI’s Vatican as “Neo-Protestant and Neo-Modernist Rome.” In his famous sermon at Lille, he referred to the new rites as “bastard sacraments.” When we are living in self-denial, we sometimes need to be shocked out of it. I admit that some of Archbishop Viganò interventions include some sarcasm. Rather than a fault, I see these instances as strengthening his texts. Some of the things we have witnessed, the veneration of the Pachamama for example, are so outrageous that they deserve sarcasm. Yes, his language has been sometimes powerful, graphic, and sarcastic (although justified) but never pompous.
I also must note that in my regular personal, direct communication with Archbishop Viganò, I have found him to be kind, gentle, and very understanding. Much like Archbishop Lefebvre, I have noted his strong public statements when necessary are in tandem with his very gentle and supportive personal communication. I find this combination not disconcerting but saintly. I am also aware that Archbishop Viganò has provided caring and paternal spiritual guidance and assistance to many lost souls in this time of crisis. He has shown real compassion to help those who reach out for help.
As to the final and in my opinion most outrageous accusation, I find it extremely disappointing that such an accomplished historian would level such an accusation with no evidence or proof. I have already noted that I believe his public interventions are perfectly consistent with a mind open to the truth and reality who sifts the mountains of evidence of the past five decades that lead one to the Council and its New Mass. Certainly, many of the Archbishop’s interventions have been composed in Italian and translated by different translators over the past few years. I do not dispute that one might be able to point to some minor semantic differences in the English translations but there is nothing of substance that I find inconsistent with a developing understanding of the reality of the past five decades. I find it most bizarre that Professor De Mattei specifically attacks in this criticism the “philosophy of history” in the Archbishop’s writings. In these texts, I discover a philosophy of history that is clearly indebted to Professor De Mattei. Rather than seeing the Second Vatican Council as a collection of abstract texts, His Grace has come to see the Council as an entire historical event, and one that is part of a larger ʀɛʋօʟutιօn. This is the same philosophy that I read in The Second Vatican Council: An Unwritten Story. Is Professor De Mattei disturbed that Archbishop Viganò has become his pupil of history?
As to this absurd and unfounded accusation that there is some secret behind the scenes author, how does Professor De Mattei explain the fact that many of the interventions of the past year are transcripts of conferences given by Archbishop Viganò personally and recorded in video or audio form (until YouTube deletes them). For example, his text from the Catholic Identity Conference was delivered via video. His speech at the Jericho March in Washington was also preserved in video as was his speech to the Venice Philosophy Festival. Does Professor De Mattei think that there is some Archbishop Viganò impersonator who gave these recorded lectures? The Archbishop himself publicly denied this scurrilous accusation (although I guess De Mattei might claim that was merely his double speaking).
After his first article, Professor De Mattei issued a second missive that purported to present linguistic evidence that there is a double who wrote the recent texts. He argues that since the Archbishop’s texts use the following expressions, which are also used by a blogger writing for Opportune Importune under the pseudonym Baronio, this Baronio must have authored the texts attributed to Viganò: “counter-church,” “conciliar sect,” “innovators,” and “idol” in reference to the Council. De Mattei claims further proof exists in that both Baronio and Viganò claim an equivalence between Vatican II and the New Mass and both claim that the New Mass was composed by progressives and those suspected of Fɾҽҽmαsσɳɾყ. He also adds that both refer to the New Mass as the “reformed rite” or “Montinian Rite.” This flimsy evidence is unworthy of such an eminent historian. The listed phrases are found all throughout Traditionalist literature and conferences for decades. Does de Mattei claim this Baronio is the secret author behind Michael, Davies, Chris Ferrara, and even Archbishop Lefebvre, all of whom have used some or all of these expressions? I have repeatedly claimed a deep equivalence between the Council and the New Mass and have written and spoken on the Freemasonic and Progressives who forged the New Mass. Am I next to be accused as a puppet of this Baronio?
Further, de Mattei claims that this Baronio is an Italian named Pietro Siffi, someone whom I do not know but who apparently is a controversial figure in Italian traditional circles. His main fingering of Siffi as Baronio/ Viganò II is a defense of Siffi on Baronio’s blog. Then to add insult to injury after using the flimsy vocabulary claims to link Viganò to Baronio and then just asserting that Baronio is Siffi, he intimates that Siffi is a practicing ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ or at least sympathetic towards such lifestyle. This last intimation defies reason. Archbishop Viganò has been one of the few prelates of our time to unambiguously condemn sơdơmy and the attempt to temper Catholic doctrine on the intrinsic evil. We are now to believe that the power behind the miter is a ɧoɱosɛҳųαƖ! We are to believe all this on the basis of an αnσnymσus blogger also using terms like “counciliar sect.”
Sadly, this attack on Archbishop Viganò is another example of a criticism often justly lobbed at Traditionalists. Too often some in the Traditionalist movement do not embrace with open arms those who find the truth late. They are often pushed away or mocked. We should rejoice for any Catholic, lay or clerical, who is willing to follow the evidence to its root. We should be tolerant of any rash or overly zealous language they may employ in discussing their newly found knowledge. (Not that I am claiming that the Archbishop has been overly rash or imprudently zealous). Too often we attack rather than welcome brave souls like Viganò.
I for one stand behind Archbishop Viganò. I welcome his contributions to the debate over the crisis in the Church. I read in all his texts, even his strongly worded ones, a true love for the Church and for lost souls. I admire his courage and his humility. To anyone scandalized by the recent attack, I would urge put these accusations aside and read the texts authored by Archbishop Viganò. Decide for yourself if he speaks consistent truth or not. I assure you that I find nothing in his public addresses or his personal correspondence with me that is inconsistent or contradictory. Finally, pray for Archbishop Viganò. His brave stand against the New Mass and the Council will bring persecution, even from unlikely corners. Pray that he receives the grace to persevere to the end.
In Defense of Archbishop Viganò
By Dr. Maike Hickson
It has been one of the greatest honors and joys of my work as a journalist and author to have gotten to know Archbishop Viganò personally and through his work. I am also currently working with him on a book dealing with his writings on the Second Vatican Council and the message of Fatima. It is a very rewarding work to collaborate with him in every aspect. Most of all, it is a spiritual endeavor that touches the heart of one's Faith, because one sees a man of the Church who gives his all and his best to Christ's Bride, willing to die for her. Day and night – I sometimes wonder when His Grace ever sleeps – Archbishop Viganò is at the service of mankind. People of all steps of life – from simple to high-ranking – have his attention and prompt assistance.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
I can testify for this, since I am honored to have been the channel of many communications from priests and laymen who reach out to me, asking me to pass on a message to Archbishop Viganò. I have seen close up how quickly he responds, whenever he is able to. Promptus ad bonum, prompt unto the good, at every moment of his life. With fatherly kindness and gentleness, he responds to desperate souls, to priests who are under pressure from their superiors; to faithful who seek his advice.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
I remember one case where I had asked Archbishop Viganò to pray for someone who was in a difficult situation, for weeks he kept him in his prayers. When finally he was able to reach out to that person, he wrote with such kindness, that the person was touched to tears.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
Who is this archbishop who acts like a servant, a true shepherd, and a father?
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
It is Archbishop Viganò.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
Also in our little family, we have been touched so many times by his kindness. When our daughter was sick for a longer time last summer, His Grace sent her sweet pictures and photos with angels and saints. He sometimes gets back to me, asking how someone in my family is now doing, and I had forgotten I had even mentioned it to him.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
But also intellectually, Archbishop Viganò is such a blessing. He names things as they are. It seems that God used the McCarrick case to remove His Grace from the Church's hierarchy and structure so that he would be fully free to speak in Catholic language. And He seems to bless him abundantly for his willingness to suffer for the Church and under her. So it makes sense that Viganò is growing deeper and deeper in his understanding of the crisis in the Church and in the world, as well.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
My husband, who has followed the Church crisis for 40 years and with much agony, so often rejoices about Archbishop Viganò's writings. “This is definitely his best text so far,” is what he has now said already several times, not knowing that something even better was to come! It is a great consolation to Robert to see that an archbishop of the Church finally speaks those criticisms that he has uttered for many years now and for which he himself had much to suffer. Viganò's kindness toward him means so much.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
In our many communications, I have seen how His Grace takes in new information, learns from others, and deepens his thought and takes counsel. I would say that it is his deep humility that makes this intellectual honesty possible.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
At the same time – and here I respond directly to the claim of Professor de Mattei that there are two Viganòs – I can testify that what His Grace writes is authentically coming from him. There is no split between his own thoughts as he expresses them in private and his writings for the public. He might take counsel with others – as I have seen it myself –, but this is what every responsible churchman should do.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
As to what His Grace is writing about, I can see much farsightedness. I still marvel at how clearly he saw the corona situation, more than a year ago, at a time where my family was still trying to figure out what was going on. Many of his statements have come to be proven right. Just the other day, a family member who works in the medical field told us how many patients she now has that have grave side effects from the corona vaccines. So much suffering, and we have a shepherd who tried to warn us, at a time where the Supreme temporal Shepherd appears to have largely abandoned us.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
And truly, he leads us on the path of truth, repentance, reform, trust in God and love of Mary.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
And this is why so many priests and faithful love Archbishop Viganò. Whether they agree with everything he says or with most of it, they know that he truly loves them and truly cares for them. He acts like a father to us. As one Catholic told me: “the sheep follow when they hear their shepherd's voice.” Or as a priest told me who witnessed a telephone conversation between His Grace and a nun: “she took to him like a duck to water,” meaning they had an immediate, trustful rapport.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
I have seen Archbishop Viganò calling in to give counsel, taking time to listen and to help.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
This is the churchman my family and I so cherish.
(https://www.lifesitenews.com/podcasts/mother-miriam-live?utm_source=webad)
The “Parking Lot Priest” to Archbishop Viganò: “You are the warrior Prelate!”
Written by Michael J. Matt | Editor (https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/itemlist/user/580-michaeljmatt|editor)
https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/5442-the-parking-lot-priest-to-archbishop-vigano-you-are-the-warrior-prelate (https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php/articles/item/5442-the-parking-lot-priest-to-archbishop-vigano-you-are-the-warrior-prelate)
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We typically don’t publish letters not initially intended for public consumption. As I see it, however, the following exchange provides a teaching moment for us all, since it speaks to the profound impact Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò is having on the lives of hundreds of thousands of battle-weary faithful Catholics, including not a few priests.
Why does this matter?
Christ established a hierarchical institution, and it is through that hierarchy that His Church will ultimately be restored. It is thus true, then, that in a moment of crisis such as this, all the blogospheric commentary in the world cannot possibly replace the witness of one faithful Prelate whose fidelity reminds us of Our Lord’s promise to be with us always, even unto the consummation of the world.
The present crisis is that the shepherd has been struck and the sheep are scattered, which is why for the past half century traditional Catholics have been begging God to send faithful shepherds to lead us out of this post-conciliar wilderness.
Traditionalists are not renegades. We are scattered sheep, abandoned children, who know that tradition means to hand down that which has been given to us. We know that the Church is not a democracy. We know that it is not our job to save God’s Church, even if it were within our power to do so.
We keep the Faith of our fathers, we pray, resist, and constantly scan the horizon for the advance of the faithful shepherds God will send. And when He sends one, it is our sacred duty before God to “fall in” behind them and let them lead.
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God will save His Church in His good time and through the hierarchical channels He has established. Until then, we keep the Faith of our fathers, we pray, resist, and constantly scan the horizon for the advance of the faithful shepherds God will send. And when He sends one, it is our sacred duty before God to “fall in” behind him.
One of those faithful shepherds is Archbishop Viganò, a man who has proven himself spiritual father and able leader of the scattered soldiers of Jesus Christ. In a short period of time, he has taken the holy cause of Tradition not only to the Chair of St. Peter but also to the attention of the princes of the world. Readers will recall this presidential tweet from last year:(https://remnantnewspaper.com/web/images/2021/Tɾυmρ_and_Vigano_tweet.jpg)
Not surprisingly, therefore, Archbishop Viganò has come under attack, from quarters expected as well as those unexpected. He is accused of having a “ghostwriter” who is using Viganò for his own ends and purposes. These critics also tell us that His Excellency’s “tone” and “extreme views” are dividing the Children of Light and even alienating members of the episcopate who are sympathetic to Tradition.
Let me be clear: Archbishop Viganò has not asked for my defense, nor does he need it. But I would like to offer a few personal thoughts on the recent controversy, if for no other reason than to explain my own editorial support of the Archbishop.[/font][/size]
I count legendary pioneers of this movement (such as Michael Davies) as friends and mentors. And yet I must admit that I can think of no other person who has exposed the corruption in the Catholic Church to the extent which Archbishop Viganò has. Just ask MISTER McCarrick!
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I have been in the fight for Catholic restoration all of my adult life. It is my honor to have received Confirmation from the late, great Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. I count legendary pioneers of this movement (such as Michael Davies) as friends and mentors. And yet I must admit that I can think of no other person who has exposed the corruption in the Catholic Church to the extent which Archbishop Viganò has. Just ask MISTER McCarrick!
Viganò has stood strong against the current disastrous pontificate, taking his old “boss”, Pope Francis, to task as no one else has.
And even when it comes to the Liturgical ʀɛʋօʟutιօn and the destructive spirit of Vatican II, I can think of few other Prelates who rival Viganò’s success in raising the profile of the traditional Catholic counterʀɛʋօʟutιօn on the world stage.
And yet, even among some traditional Catholics, there is at this moment, a concerted effort to discredit the man who has exposed corruption in the Church at the highest levels, just because of disagreements over vaccines and the Great Reset.[/font][/size]
Do not slander the most effective critic Francis has ever faced.
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One can disagree with him, as I have done from time to time. Viganò is not infallible, and he makes no claim to be. But it is the height of folly to seek to undermine his massive contribution to the work of exposing the rot and scandal in the human element of the post-conciliar Church.
Do not slander the most effective critic Francis has ever faced.
Do not calumniate one of the few members of the hierarchy who has the courage to stand up and resist the attempted takedown of the Bride of Christ.
Given his position as former Apostolic Nuncio, Viganò is their most formidable adversary. He has walked with the post-conciliar popes. He has moved in circles of power most of us have only read about. He knows the enemy, which is why they fear one Viganò more than an army of bloggers and YouTubers. And with good reason.
Look at the damage Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre did to the ʀɛʋօʟutιօn! Viganò is on a pace to match or exceed that. Even if you disagree with his approach or his “tone”, let the man do his work and pray God gives him the grace to continue. There are plenty of “nice guys” in the hierarchy who can be counted on to never ruffle any feathers. Let Viganò be the voice crying in the wilderness. [/font][/size]
I have met Archbishop Viganò and found in him a razor-sharp intellect and strong faith. He is also a kind and humble gentleman, who is motivated by a manifest concern for the faithful and for their children betrayed.
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The enemies of Tradition would like nothing better than to see Viganò fall. So, let’s stand with him!
His critics allege that Viganò has a ghostwriter. To which I say: Please, God, send this indefatigable warrior the able assistants he needs to do his work. I have met two of his team, in fact, and I thank God for them both.
As for the man himself, let me say this: I have met Archbishop Viganò and found in him a razor-sharp intellect and strong faith. He is also a kind and humble gentleman, who is motivated by a manifest concern for the faithful and for their children betrayed.
I met His Excellency in Munich back in January 2020. We spoke at length about the important issues affecting the Church, after which he gave me his blessing:
Since that time, I have worked with him on a regular basis by email and telephone, and I can assure the reader that the Viganò I know personally is the same Viganò I publish on a regular basis in The Remnant.
If he has changed his outlook over the past couple of years, it is perfectly consistent with the transformation we’ve all seen in those priests who, after returning to the Traditional Latin Mass, come to a more fundamental understanding of the depth of the ʀɛʋօʟutιօn in the Church. Archbishop Viganò’s wrath, then, is righteous. He has moved beyond raising “respectful dubia” against those who have declared war on the Church. And, yes, his “tone” reflects that move.
But a ghostwriter? This would be inconsistent with his personality. I suspect that nobody tells Archbishop Viganò what to do, much less what to think or write. And anyone who says otherwise, presumably does not know the man.
So that’s my experience with Archbishop Viganò. I don’t pretend to speak for him, nor do I lay claim to inside information over and above that which comes naturally through the friendship and alliance that has formed between us. [/font][/size]
I suspect that some of his most powerful enemies plot to destroy Viganò primarily because he stood with us, making his cause the cause of traditional Catholic resistance.
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What I’m offering here is the personal testimony of just one lifelong traditional Catholic who sees in Viganò a long-awaited ecclesial ally to the cause of Catholic restoration. But let me be clear: I am not out here on this battlefield because of Viganò. He’s not my “personal magisterium.” Over the past few years, Archbishop Viganò cut the chains of collegiality and walked out onto No Man’s land to join us on the frontline. We welcomed him with all our hearts. But we were already here, and Viganò has never suggested otherwise.
In fact, I suspect that some of his most powerful enemies plot to destroy Viganò primarily because he stood with us, making his cause the cause of traditional Catholic resistance.
I pray this short exchange between Archbishop Viganò and the Parking Lot Priest, Father John Echert, will serve as just one small example of the good that is being done, the important alliances that are forming, and the clans that are uniting around the manifest fidelity to Christ’s Bride on the part of this good and faithful shepherd. As he is now under renewed attack, please pray him![/font][/size]
The Exchange
June 10, 2021
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Your Excellency:
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota and longtime pastor of Michael Matt and his family. Michael was gracious enough to forward this email to you, at my request. I have been offering the Tridentine Mass in this South St. Paul community for more than twenty years now, going back to the “Indult” days. Though slightly too young to have been trained as a seminarian to say the traditional Mass, having begun seminary in 1970, it was the traditional Mass which first awakened in me a vocation to the priesthood. What a blessing to have rediscovered this venerable treasure as a priest. We now have upwards of 600 faithful attending our Tridentine Masses every Sunday, as well as on weekdays.
I am writing this email to express my profound gratitude to you for your courageous, faithful words and actions these past couple years in particular. I frequently quote you from the pulpit and regard you as the one warrior Prelate who has not wavered or waffled in the face of the crises which we face in the institutional Church and the world. You showed yourself a true friend of our Nation, which you formerly served, when you encouraged American Catholics to pray on behalf of President Tɾυmρ and his reɛƖɛctıon. My congregations were on their knees at church and at home praying daily rosaries for this cause. Though Divine Providence has another plan, our numbers swelled in my parish and our faith was strengthened in the face of testing and adversity.
Be assured of my continued prayers for your well-being, especially in light of the mortal dangers you face at the hands of our adversaries in the ranks of the institutional Church. God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father John Paul Echert
Pastor, Holy Trinity Church
St. Augustine Church[/font][/size]
A Reply from Archbishop Viganò
June 13, 2021
Dominica III Post Pentecosten
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Dear and Reverend Father John Echert,
It is with great pleasure that I receive your kind letter and learn of the long-standing relationship with our mutual friend Michel J. Matt. Just as I am really happy to know that you celebrate since the beginning of your priesthood the Holy Sacrifice in the traditional rite with great spiritual fruit for your faithful.
I have often had the opportunity to listen to your homilies, always well formulated and from which a great supernatural inspiration shines forth. From your words I understand what an inestimable source not only of spiritual progress, but also of ascetic and mystical growth, is the Liturgy of the Holy Church.
Unfortunately, difficult times are preparing, at least to hear the rumors coming from Rome about the limitations to the Motu Proprio that the enemies of the Mass are preparing. Not only the laity, but also and above all we Ministers of God will be asked for a courageous witness, which will make us understand that “obedire oportet Deo magis quam hominibus”(Acts 5:29), if men of the Church abuse their authority in damage of souls and against the glory of the divine Majesty.
I therefore urge you to persevere in the words of the Apostle: “Prædica verbum, insta opportune, importune: argue, obsecra, increpa in omni patientia, et doctrina” (2 Tim 4: 2). In this month dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of the promise that the Lord made, to the priests who will carry out the pious practice of the Nine First Fridays: “I will give priests the gift of moving hearts more hardened”. Let us therefore pray that we can also move the hardened hearts of our Shepherds, to snatch them from the flames of Hell and have them as valiant leaders in the battle that is being prepared alongside Christ the King.
Let us continue to live with generous zeal the expiatory and reparative nature of our Priesthood, on the model of Our Lord Sovereign Priest: may the Most Sacred Heart spur us to make reparation for the injuries to which it is made the object, in particular those that come to Him from His Ministers and those whom He constituted in the fullness of the Levitical Order. May the oblation of ourself merit their conversion.
Joining every day my prayers to yours for the USA, I invoke the most abundant graces on you, on your loved ones and on the faithful entrusted to your pastoral care, while I impart my fatherly Blessing to you with all my heart.
+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop[/font][/size]