May 1980: The Visit of Archbishop Lefebvre
by Reverend Father Hector L. Bolduc District Superior,
The South-West District The Society of Saint Puts X in America
The notification of a visit of Archbishop Lefebvre to America is always the occasion of great joy. We always rejoice in having our spiritual father among us! His presence is like a shot of adrenaline—as one woman put it, "Just the sight of him gets me through another year!"
The occasion of such a visit is also one of frantic organization and coordination of work between the chapels being visited and the District Headquarters at St. Mary's. Hundreds of details concerning travel, dedications, confirmations, meetings, etc., have to be planned and scheduled. The recent trip was exceptionally long and complex. On the itinerary was the dedication of five chapels, six confirmation classes, one ordination to the Holy Priesthood, the taking of the habit by one brother, the conferring of tonsure and various minor orders to more than a score of seminarians, at least two seminars or conferences in each of eight locations, and meetings with groups of priests on four occasions! Then too, one must consider arranging for transportation for the Archbishop and his party across America and back!
His Grace arrived in New York on May 13th, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Michel Porcellana, friends of the Archbishop from Martigny, Switzerland, who had been instrumental in acquiring Ecône for the Society. They had been among the first and original founders of the Society of St. Pius X. The Archbishop and his friends were met at the airport by Society priests from Oyster Bay Cove, New York, of the Northeast District.
It had been decided to utilize private plane transportation for part of the Archbishop's trip. It was felt that this would facilitate travel and make it easier to meet the demanding schedule, not having to rely on limited scheduled airline timetables. When Archbishop Lefebvre arrived in San Francisco he was met by representatives of the Society, including Mr. Herman C. Belderok, who besides being Headmaster of St. Mary's Academy at St. Marys, Kansas, is an experienced pilot and had offered his time to pilot the rented plane across the country.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Campbell, California
Father Gregory Post and the faithful parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help had prepared an enthusiastic welcome for the Archbishop. Over 150 children were waiting to be confirmed. The day's activities, which included Mass, ended with a banquet sponsored by the parishioners. Catholics from a wide area attended the ceremonies which were performed out of doors in the warm California sunshine. (See last month's issue for a more detailed article about this portion of the visit!)
Immaculate Conception Chapel, Post Falls, Idaho
The next stop was Spokane, Washington. Mr. John O'Neill and Mr. Leonard Malloy were on hand at the airport to drive us all to the O'Neill home for dinner. Father Edward L. DeBusschere joined us.
A good night's rest found us prepared for the next day's activities. Father DeBusschere, who for many years has faithfully taken care of the spiritual needs of the faithful in the North Idaho–Eastern Washington area, celebrated the High Mass, which marked his 50th Anniversary as a priest. While visiting Spokane some years ago, Archbishop Lefebvre had promised Father DeBusschere that he would make every effort to assist at his Jubilee Celebration. His presence there confirmed not only his admiration and regard for Father, but also his faithfulness in keeping his word. We were all happy to see Fr. Yves Normandin there! Father well deserves the title "apostle of Canada" for his untiring efforts to bring the sacraments to the faithful in every section of Canada. One hundred seventy-six received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Miss Rita Holland, who heads the Immaculate Conception School in Post Falls, deserves much credit for her preparation of the children for this important sacrament.
The dedication of the chapel was attended by a large crowd. Large numbers from Montana and the Seattle area joined the Post Falls group for this joyous occasion. Among those who came to honor Father DeBusschere on this special occasion were Misses Joan and Frances Kitko, who had made North Idaho their home for several years before moving to St. Marys, Kansas. A delicious banquet attended by more than 350 brought the celebration to an end—a blessed and joyful event.
Flying with a small plane afforded Mr. and Mrs. Porcellana the chance to see this country to its best advantage. However, none of us were prepared for the spectacle which would present itself so dramatically on our trip to Los Angeles. Shortly after our take-off from Spokane, we were informed that Mount St. Helens, which was on our route, had erupted. We were only a short distance from the mount and were privileged with a spectacular view of an erupting volcano. Mr. Belderok immediately plotted a course around the growing black cloud of gas, ash, and smoke. As we circled its outer fringes at a safe distance Archbishop Lefebvre remarked that the quickly growing black cloud appeared to be following us. I remember thinking to myself, that old devil will do anything to stop the true Mass. Certainly, the blast looked like something that only Hades could have produced.
We were fortunate in having private plane transportation. All airports in the area were immediately closed. Had we not left when we did, we would have spent the next five days in Spokane and much of the trip would have been cancelled. There would have been thousands of disappointed Catholics all over the country. A departure of a half hour earlier would have put us in the danger zone of the blast. A half hour's delay would have resulted in no departure. How great is God's providence. Needless to say, I was grateful that Mr. Belderok had placed a statue of St. Michael in the plane's cabin!
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel Arcadia, California; Mission Maria Stella Maris, San Pedro, California
Msgr. Charles Donahue met us at the airport in Los Angeles and drove us to Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Arcadia, a suburb of Los Angeles. Here we enjoyed a superb meal prepared by two ladies of the chapel, and made ready for the next day's activities. The chapel in Arcadia had been dedicated on a previous visit; however, a second, larger chapel had been purchased in San Pedro. The new chapel overlooks beautiful Los Angeles Bay, and was appropriately named by Archbishop Lefebvre, Maria Stella Maris (Mary, Star of the Sea). An estimated 700 faithful came for the combined dedication and confirmation services. Nearly 200 children were confirmed. Once more the Archbishop gave a stirring sermon which served to strengthen and fortify the souls of the faithful. As always, the Archbishop mingled with the crowds, blessed the children, and gave words of encouragement to those having the courage to practice their faith and refusing the accept the horrendous compromises of the New Ordo.
The next morning Archbishop Lefebvre celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Angels in Arcadia for a large crowd which had gathered for the occasion. Much credit is due Msgr. Donahue and those who assisted him. Traditional Catholics have a firm foothold in the Los Angeles area, and the chapels there certainly rank among the largest in attendance in the country.
Our Lady of Sorrows Mission, Phoenix, Arizona
The short flight to Phoenix the next morning was an enjoyable one. Fathers Terence Finnegan and Regis Babinet met us at the airport and brought us to Our Lady of Sorrows Mission, from which they service chapels over a very large area. Fathers Daniel Dolan and Gerard Hogan of the Society had labored in the chapel prior to the appointment of Fr. Finnegan.
On the first evening of our arrival, the beautiful Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows Mission was blessed. A large number of faithful parishioners assembled for the joyous occasion. The Solemn High Mass celebrated by the Archbishop assisted by Fathers Finnegan and Babinet, and accompanied by their beautiful choir, moved those in attendance deeply—some to the point of tears. A dinner sponsored by parishioners afterwards was served out of doors—and enjoyed by all!
The following morning some fifty children were confirmed. The Archbishop reminded the children of their obligation to accept and carry the Cross by which they were being signed that day. He reminded them that the Cross is a sign of victory, the implement by which Christ secured our redemption.
Our scheduled departure that day was cancelled in order that His Grace be allowed to obtain some much needed rest. The extra day enabled us to take Mr. and Mrs. Porcellana for a ride through the nearby desert parks and the Gila Valley.
Saint Mary's, Saint Marys, Kansas
Early the next morning we flew on to St. Mary's, arriving there in the late afternoon. As we circled low over the College property, the children had assembled in the quadrangle on campus in the form of a huge cross. They all waved white cloths in greeting as we flew over to nearby Topeka airport.
Mrs. Dorothy Hoobler of the St. Marys Star wrote such a beautiful account of the Archbishop's visit to St. Mary's that I have decided to quote it in full here:
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SONGS & CEREMONY FOR THE ARCHBISHOP Excitement mounted steadily as the airplane circled low over St. Mary's College late Thursday afternoon, May 22. After all, the parishioners of the Kansas Friends of the Society of St. Pius X had waited in eager anticipation all day for the arrival of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. This was a sure sign of his imminent arrival. When word came via radio that his car was just two miles from the campus gates, a bell signaled a reminder that the students should immediately form the welcoming line. Archbishop Lefebvre emerged from the car to the warm sustained applause of the congregation, fifteen priests, and several nuns. He was escorted into Assumption Chapel (Canisius Hall) for the celebration of Mass, First Holy Communion, and the May crowning ceremony of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition and pageantry combined to make the ceremony an impressive, memorable one. His Excellency, the Archbishop, took his place in the scarlet cushioned, ornately carved bishop's chair under the crimson and gold canopy. Preceding even the smallest kindergarten boys and girls were several children just old enough to walk slowly down the long aisle to the altar. They carefully clutched long-stemmed pastel-colored carnations in hands reverently folded in the attitude of prayer. The blue and white garbed students of St. Mary's Academy followed in solemn procession, placing the flowers in vases which were then taken to the statue. Sung softly by both the choir and the congregation, the hymn, "On This Day, O Beautiful Mother," was a reminder that the month of May is traditionally devoted to Mary. The last rays of sunset streamed through the stained-glass window picturing "The Last Supper" as the other children making their First Communion slowly walked to the altar with their bouquets. Finally, "the littlest angel," chosen to carry the crown of lovely pink roses, made his way down the aisle in slow, measured steps. The six white-robed girls wearing green wreaths reverently placed the floral crown on the statue of Mary of the Immaculate Conception, her foot treading on the serpent as described in the Scripture, while the hymn, "O Mary, We Crown Thee," was sung. Wearing beautiful embroidered white and gold vestments, Archbishop Lefebvre celebrated Mass and distributed Communion. Following the worship service, the school children assembled around the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes to pay special tribute to the French-born archbishop. Forming a choir directed by Miss Judith Kelly, they sang several songs in the French language in his honor. The kind-faced, white-haired priest smiled his deep appreciation, gave them a special blessing, and then departed from St. Mary's College campus. His itinerary would take him on special visits to several other congregations in the United States before he returned to Ecône, Switzerland. Since it was now deep twilight, some of the littlest ones had already fallen asleep in their parents' loving arms. For young and old alike, however, the visit of Archbishop Lefebvre and the May Crowning ceremony would make it a day to long remember. The Saint Marys Star,
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Our stay in St. Marys was brief. It had been decided to shorten the visit to St. Marys in order that other areas have the opportunity of a visit from the Archbishop. After a brief tour of St. Mary's Academy, where His Grace thoroughly enjoyed visiting the children and their teachers in class, we flew to Kansas City, Missouri. During the trip we had been informed that the contract for the purchase of a large, beautiful church which we were in the process of obtaining, had been finalized, and we stopped there so that the Archbishop might be able to see his new church. (Note: see article on acquisition of this magnificent church elsewhere in this issue.) The St. Michael's Chapel of Kansas City presented the new church to the Archbishop as his cathedral church in America. Located in the center of the United States, the church was quite suitably situated. His Grace was deeply moved and said he would look forward to returning to dedicate this magnificent church.
Our Lady, Queen of the Rosary, Saint Louis, Missouri
A short ride to the airport and we were on our way to St. Louis. We were delayed because of an air show, but our arrival was heralded by an enthusiastic crowd. Father Carl Pulvermacher, of Queen of Angels Chapel in Dickinson, and Associate Editor of The Angelus, had traveled to St. Louis to greet the Archbishop, along with scores of parishioners who make up the congregation of Our Lady, Queen of the Rosary Chapel.
Archbishop Lefebvre first made a visit to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and then proceeded to the sacristy in the main chapel where he vested for Mass and conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on a large number of the faithful. A fine banquet attended by some 200 topped off the evening.
One of the delights of the banquet was the music provided by one of the chapel members, Mrs. Vickie Harvey, a concert violinist who was accompanied by a guitar and accordian.
The blessing of the chapel and May crowning took place at the Mass next morning. His Grace then toured the school, cafeteria, and facilities, and then we were off once more to the airport and our next stop, New York City.
This concluded the Archbishop's visit to the South-West District. We were all grateful for his presence among us and for the joy and hope he brought with him.
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