Dear Reader,

November 1, 1970, marked the birth of the Society of Saint Pius X and the last great work of its founder, Archbishop Lefebvre. This year, then, we’ll be celebrating throughout the traditionalist world the golden jubilee of this early event. Jubilee because, from its humble beginnings, it has brought forth generations of priests, religious, and lay folks who have flown the flag of Tradition in its fullness. A gilded and glorious jubilee which, despite the growing pains and battle wounds, has not lost its luster and sharpness.

In this magazine, articles illustrated with copious photos tell the memorable saga of the founder’s mindset confronted with progressive authorities, of events prior to the foundation, and of the subsequent growth, attacks, and de facto vindication of the work of Tradition.

Certainly, in our traditional circles, this year’s end will be marked by celebrations, conventions, and prayers. With this year’s first issue, we wanted to anticipate the event by bringing the bigger picture of the Society, with its Swiss foundation and its inception in Europe. In a later issue, we’ll concentrate on our own territory to see how God has blessed the American branch of the Archbishop’s work.

There is little doubt in my mind that, after perusing this issue, most readers will be able to perceive God’s Providence at work during the struggles, contradictions, and crosses, met throughout by the close collaborators of our founder. If not perfect, the growth and wide expansion of the SSPX tree and its satellite congregations has borne fruit in much patience. May these blessings be soon recognized by the highest authorities. No doubt, the entire Church will see a genuine revival the day Tradition is finally given pride of place in Rome again. Let this be our wish and our insistent prayer.

Fr. Jürgen Wegner
Publisher