ntroibo ad Altare Dei A Catechism of Holy Orders: Part 1 - Minor Orders oly Orders, as is well known, is priests—attain to a direct relation with the elementary catechesis, to lead the Church’s and in the Novus Ordo these functions are one of the seven sacraments insti- Body and Blood of Christ in the Mass and psalmody, to read or to sing clearly and almost always performed by the unordained Htuted by Christ. When considering are consecrated permanently to the service distinctly certain passages from the Divine laity, it would be shameful to disregard this sacrament one may readily overlook the of the altar. Office, and to bless bread and first fruits. them as unimportant or impractical. If the indication of plurality appended. The mind The first rung of Orders to which the One can easily infer from the name of Society of St. Pius X insists on preserving first associates the priesthood with this term, cleric will ascend is the Ostiariate, or order the third Minor Order which are an Exor- the tradition of these lesser ordinations it which is only fitting, since it is the highest of Porter, etymologically taken from the cist’s powers. This word is not of Roman or- is not without good reason—the formation degree of Orders. Yet the fact remains that Latin ostium, or door. This name signifies igin, however, but Greek. Exorcista implies of holy and learned priests for the salvation there are indeed lower steps leading to this a porter’s function, for the office contains a a rebuking, or adjuration of the demons to of souls. The ceremonial surrounding their summit. Regrettably, most Catholics have spiritual power of opening and closing the be cast out. The exorcist today probably will bestowal is beautiful, something that ought little knowledge of them beyond the to be defended for its own sake. fact of their existence. However, these orders provide A partial remedy for this instruction also—an unequalled condition presented itself in an un- chance for those in Minor Orders anticipated way. The Seminary will to increase their understanding furnish no candidates for ordina- and love of the nature and duties tion to the priesthood this sum- of the priesthood. This can be mer, but only nine young men for through observation and study consecration to the diaconate. This of the rite of their ordination, or will prevent the VERBUM’s annual through the exercise of their re- tradition of offering biographies of spective powers, assisting priests the ordinands, but a silver lining in the subdivisions of the sacerdo- appears in the possibility of exposing to the tal mission. readership the beauties Exorcist Acolyte Most importantly, of the inferior degrees “Therefore, as you cast “Therefore, be fervent these Orders are invalu- of Orders. In ascend- out devils from others, in all justice and able occasions of grace. ing dignity these are: seek to remove from your goodness and truth, Being sacramentals of porter, lector, exorcist, own minds and bodies all that you may enlighten Holy Mother Church, acolyte, subdeacon, uncleanness and iniquity.” yourselves and others.” each minor ordina- and deacon. tion bestows a The majority of seminarians in Wino- specific grace on the ordinand and na make this ascendance in rank during late doors of the Church to the laity, not use the Roman Ritual which an increase of God’s divine life. Relying on winter or early spring. It is for them a kind and of guarding the building itself. Ap- forms the matter for his ordination until this grace and the protection of the saintly of graduation, far surpassing in importance propriately then, the matter for the bestowal after he becomes a priest. Each diocese (or patrons they customarily choose for each the academic advance that they make at the of this power is a set of two keys, which the SSPX district) normally has a specific priest degree of Orders, the seminarians can confi- end of each scholastic calendar. The real candidate touches while the bishop pro- appointed to perform such dangerous tasks, dently advance toward the sublime honor of divisions of Seminary hierarchy stem from nounces the words of ordination. He takes and the necessity for the new exorcist to the ultimate order, secure in God’s assis- orders received and not merely from tenure. his relation to the Holy Eucharist from this: implement his power will likely never arise. tance despite knowing their own unworthi- This year the first ecclesiastics promoted that he is to keep faithfully the material He may, however, prepare the materials ness for so infinite a dignity. were seven ordained to the orders of porter objects needed for the Mass and he is to call such as salt and water, which the Church and lector by His Excellency Bernard Fellay and admit the faithful to it. In the days of uses in her exorcisms. Having concluded this discourse on on Friday, February 1. On the same day the Roman persecutions the porter’s duty The highest degree of the lower Minor Orders, it would be incongruous not eleven more acceded to the exorcistate and was essential to the safety of the Christians Orders is the Order of Acolyte. It is his right to set the Major Orders in greater relief. The the acolytate. These are the four orders des- coming to Mass. It was his responsibility to to serve at Mass, by preparing the water and ordinations to the Subdiaconate normally ignated as “Minor”. This appellation is not ensure that only those worthy were allowed wine which will become the Blood of Christ. take place on ‘Sitientes’, the Saturday before meant to imply that they are unimportant, to enter the Church and that all hostile or This greater proximity to the Eucharist is Passion Sunday; but this year, as a special but comes from the fact that they grant spe- dangerous persons were prevented from what gives the Acolytate a greater dignity act of homage to the Seminary’s patron, cific abilities that bear on the Holy Eucharist crossing the threshold. Although not so than the aforementioned orders. He also they took place one day sooner, on the feast only indirectly and which can be forfeited necessary today in this regard, the porter still may bear lit candles during the liturgy and of St. Thomas Aquinas, March 7, 2008. The with the loss of the clerical state. They are must see to the integrity and safekeeping of prepare incense for the thurible. Altar boys next issue of the VERBUM will begin with a generally considered to be sacramentals consecrated objects and places. frequently perform these functions by way description of the subdeacon’s office before rather than sacraments. Yet the rubrics seem From the Ostiariate a cleric will ad- of privilege—a most necessary and admi- proceeding to explain the diaconate, ranked to emphasize their relation to the Eucharist, vance to the Lectorate. A lector quite simply rable custom, especially due to the shortage second in dignity to the priesthood. So for although indirect, by requiring that every is a reader, which indicates the faculty of of ordained acolytes—but they belong only these descriptions and for photographs of ordination to reading the Holy Scriptures for the com- to the acolyte by strict right. the various ceremonies, see issue #106! whichever dig- mon instruction of the faithful. While the Some may have realized after this nity take place ordaining bishop pronounces the form, the brief exposition of these powers that these during the Sacri- ordinand touches a book of the liturgical orders themselves are not, strictly speaking, fice of the Mass. Epistles. He then has the right to prepare necessary for the life of the Church, al- Those in “Ma- men for the Eucharistic Sacrifice through though their functions are. While this is true, jor” or “Sacred” Orders—namely Porter Lector subdeacons, “So act, even as about to give “What you read with your lips, deacons, and an account to God of the things you must believe in your hearts which are kept under these keys.” and practice in your works.” ollowing last issue’s consideration A more perceptible duty of the progressively louder sound. The end result, cals. The persons featured vary as Beyond Mere Survival of the Seminary’s sacristy depart- department is to provide live audio for besides acute pain in the ears of listeners, widely as the subjects themselves: ment, we shall now shift gears and major ceremonies or on occasions when a is the potential destruction of the speak- from Dr. David Allen White to uring this year’s Priests’ Meeting I think the change of culture, of habit of VERBUM: Father, getting F examine the Audio Department. In a sense, guest speaker addresses a large gathering ers themselves. Ultimately, the work of the His Excellency Bishop Rich- (February 11-15), the VERBUM living, is also a difficulty because, well, we back to this idea that per- there are perhaps few departments more of priests, seminarians, or faithful. This is Audio Department with regard to major ard Williamson. In addition to had the opportunity to speak change our world. So we need to adapt to haps some of us will be go- D widely different than these two: the sacris- a common responsibility during the annual Seminary events ought to be similar to that these treasures of doctrine and with Fr. Arnaud Rostand, the superior that. Nevertheless, I think today the world is ing to the missions sooner tans devote their energy to caring for those Priests’ Meeting and, of course, at the June performed by the Sacristy. If its members science, the department has a of the Canadian District. Father shared a mission, so wherever you go: it can be in rather than later, what things which pertain directly to the worship ordinations when microphones and speak- prepare and execute well, no one will notice number of recordings of the some of his experiences and offered some the States; it can be in Canada; it can be in things can a seminar- of Our Lord Jesus Christ while the members ers are rigged up in such a that they are there. If, sacred liturgy celebrated at thoughts regarding what seminarians Asia; it can be in Europe; we are in a mis- ian do while he is in the of the Audio Department are immersed in manner as to render however, some- the Seminary, for example, might encounter after their ordination. sion world. The organization of the aposto- process of his formation many activities frequently found in secular Matins of Christmas Eve or late is pretty much the same everywhere. to try to prepare better? life. Nevertheless, each department is truly Tenebrae of Holy Week. VERBUM: Where are you in the service of Our Lord— though mani- This department, from originally, Father? VERBUM: The tools are the same Fr. Rostand: I think maybe few years in the school—to see how much festly in different ways—and the members under the name of “STAS everywhere. the main obstacle in adapting to this kind influence he can have on the students by of each are sanctified by their work... Audio,” is able to make Fr. Rostand: I am from France, from of situation is in fact our attachment to our his behavior, by his example, and just by these items avail- Paris. I was born in Paris, and I lived Fr. Rostand: Yes, in that sense there is no world, our way of doing things, leaving our being a priest among them. So it is, I would As the sacred ministers able to the faithful as CDs in Paris until I went to the Seminary. big difference anywhere. It is the outside comfort and things like this. So try to be say, not really difficult to influence the process up the red- or tapes. Hopefully, it shall soon be world which really makes the difference. more detached from things which seem to children. It is one effect of being with them carpeted aisle, those able to make them easily available VERBUM: Was your family in Tradition us to be nothing, but which, when we don’t and living with them. We may be scared attending a June in .mp3 format as well. Through while you were growing up, Father? VERBUM: Perhaps it varies depend- have them, can become a bit more difficult. when we realize what the influence we can ordinations ceremony these services, the department ing upon whether you are working in a have is, because it is in both ways. We are turn their heads to see their approach. provides some small amount of Fr. Rostand: Yes. My parents from the country VERBUM: Father, after you left your responsible for their progress in many ways, What they may not notice is that, as revenue for the Seminary while very beginning took us from one place which has assignments in Asia, I understand you and especially in the spiritual life, but it is the procession enters the ordinations simultaneously conducting an to another in order to have the tradi- a history were placed in charge of a school. also a wonderful surprise because we see tent, it passes by a wooden platform apostolate—an apostolate not tional Mass. So we were going around. of being how much good we can do and give them. upon which is perched a seminarian so much directed at converting I was in St. Nicholas du Chardonnet Catholic Fr. Rostand: Yes. It was Saint Bernard So it seems to me that to really help the vested in surplice and headphones. He non-Catholics as at helping souls for the first Mass when the church was or not, School in Paris. After five years in Asia I children, to form them, is not that difficult. might seem an unusual spectacle, but to grow in knowledge and sanctity. taken over—or taken back, whichever. but do the was back home. In fact, when I was in Asia, this member of the Audio Department The Audio Department I was a young boy, but I was there. people I was about 20 hours by plane from home. But to form a good team of teachers, well, it almost symbolizes the delicate task of executes many tasks which one tend Now it was about twenty minutes walking. is not that easy. Or to influence the parents this lesser-known team of seminarians: would not ordinarily expect semi- VERBUM: Did we have a to be drawn to the Society or to the in their education, well, it is not that employing the latest electronic media narians to be called upon to perform. school in Paris at the time? Faith in pretty much the same way? VERBUM: easy either. We don’t spend as much technology in the service of timeless Catho- Nevertheless, taking to heart St. That is quite time with them; we don’t have as lic tradition. Anything pertaining to the Paul’s admonition “Whether you eat Fr. Rostand: No, we didn’t, so I didn’t Fr. Rostand: I would say so, yes. We work a change. much influence with them as with broadcast, recording, or distribution of Sem- or drink, do all in the name of Our Lord go to a Society school. After high school pretty much by spread of word. Now it can Was it just a children because, of course, they are inary sound falls under their jurisdiction. Jesus Christ,” its members joyfully fulfill I went to the St. Pius X Institute in change according to the circumstances, as grade school? adults. They already have their own This group has a number of func- the duties entrusted to them. With God’s Paris before entering the seminary. you mentioned. The fact that it is a Catho- formation. But in a school it is very tions to perform in the daily life of the grace, they shall keep both a supernatural lic country or a country with a Catholic important to work with the teachers, Seminary. One of the most regular involves spirit and a cool head in their undertakings. VERBUM: So you went to the seminary in background does change a lot of things. The Fr. Rostand: It was a junior and senior high obviously, but also with the parents. I have recording the preaching of the Seminary Écône—and did you go to Flavigny also? Philippines, for school for boys only. It was from the age seen that we can do really wonderful things professors each Sunday and major feast. what is said or sung instance, was an of ten, eleven up to seventeen, eighteen. with children especially when there is this This entails several steps. Usually the most during the Mass easily heard by Fr. Rostand: I went to Flavigny first. It easy background unity between all: the priests, teachers and junior member of the department is deputed the 1,500 to 2,000 faithful. It is this role of thing should go was the first year of the opening of Flavi- where whatever VERBUM: Schools are something that the parents. Fortunately this is something to prepare the wireless microphone on the the Audio Department which may at times wrong, then every- gny, and I stayed three years in Flavigny. you do is kind a priest will very often be called upon to which is real in our schools, but it is some- become complicated and nerve-wracking. one will notice. Then I did my military training, in fact, as of successful, run, and almost certainly every priest thing the priest has to cultivate, to make it At last year’s ordinations, for ex- Of course, the we were required at that time in France, because the will be called upon to teach in a school. even stronger. So that may be a surprise for ample, when time came for the celebrant Audio Department and finally the three last years at Écône. whole society What might the young priest, to see how much to give his sermon, he ascended the altar, does not simply was Catholic. So surprise them work he has to do outside the school turned to the faithful, and began to ges- record sermons and VERBUM: Then after you were ordained, it is there. It just going into that in order to have a good school. ticulate wordlessly. At least this is what he provide live audio, Father, where were you sent first? needs to be revived. It was not the case in environment? appeared to be doing, because the micro- nor does it deal only Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country. Everything VERBUM: You mentioned, phone intended to amplify his voice was with seminarians. Fr. Rostand: I was assigned to Asia, was much more difficult, and you could Fr. Rostand: Father, that obviously this not working. The seminarians overseeing It imitates many to the Philippines first, for two years, do exactly the same thing—in the Philip- Many things Catholic education is not done the soundboard aged many years in a few monasteries and and then to Sri Lanka for three years. pines it would work perfectly—and in Sri (laughs). We with a secular role in mind, seconds. Fortunately, a backup plan had religious communi- Lanka, you get no one. I remember orga- usually think that the most difficult aspect but that the spiritual formation is the One of these things is not like the others...a small sanctuary podium where it is employed been prepared, and soon everyone was lis- ties which have produced goods as a means VERBUM: nizing retreats in the Philippines, and you in the school would be the students, the most important. One aspect might be picture of St. Rita hovers over the computer to capture the homily. The sermon is then tening to the celebrant explain the vocation of supporting themselves. The Seminary Regarding would have quite a lot of people coming. children. I would say the most difficult thing to dispose the souls of the children to named in her honor. She helps to keep the saved as a computer file (usually in .wav of priests to work for the Social Kingship of does not produce Trappist cheeses or the missions, In Sri Lanka, I tried the same, and on the is really to take care of and to be a priest respond to a vocation. What kinds of seminarians of the Audio Department focused format in order to be used with CDs). Our Lord. A second incident which tests the Carthusian liqueurs, but this department Father, day to start the retreat, there was no one. for the teachers and the parents as well. things can a priest do? You mentioned on their real end despite their being Later in the week, another seminarian will vocation of Audio Department members is has inherited a number of conferences some of us that his influence is already very great. awash in technological means. “master” the file; that is to say, remove any when they receive feedback from their audio given at the Seminary in years past which are think- VERBUM: That can be a bit discouraging. Why that? Well first, because for the unwanted sound from the file and break it equipment. In effect, a microphone “hears” it reproduces and distributes. Their topical ing that children, I think we don’t realize how much Fr. Rostand: I would say be a priest. Be a into 6-8 minute tracks. When this is done, itself in the speaker and causes a continu- matter ranges from literary commentary on someday some of us may go, and we have Fr. Rostand: (Laughs.) It can be. we have an influence on them. That would priest means be a man of prayer; be a man the sermon is ready to be put onto CD for ally more intense and powerful signal to be Shakespeare and Dante’s Divine Comedy, to a vague idea of what the missions are be one of the surprises of a priest after a of preaching; be a man of the sacraments. whomsoever would like to hear it anew. sent to the speaker, which in turn produces a doctrinal explanation of the Papal encycli- like and the difficulties that we will It is the way of fostering vocations. Of encounter. But I am sure that there At the Priests’ Meeting, the Canadian visitors graciously posed with the current crop of Canadian seminarians. course, there are plenty of things we can is a lot that we cannot foresee. As a Back row from left to right: Marc Potvin, Jonathan Prescott, Garry Moore, Fr. Riccomini, do. I mean, to teach the boys to serve at new priest going into the missions, Fr. D’Andre, Fr. May, Simon Kirk, Lawrence Barrett, Robert Suzuki. the altar is of course a way of helping a seminary. It is necessary once again, VERBUM: Very good. And now, is mainly through its I think one temptation in this world is that what is going to take us by surprise? Seated: Fr. Sommerville, Fr. Rostand, Fr. Gerspacher, Fr. Boulet. them to come to a vocation. Or youth but I think it is not the most important. Father, one final question. Now that priories, with their we would just try to survive in our spiritual groups or certain devotions in a school. you have the responsibility for an community life, with life. It is a temptation for the faithful, but Fr. Rostand: Yes, well it depends re- Things like this are necessary means, VERBUM: If a priest is going to a entire district, it would seem that you their spiritual life, even for us priests to just try to survive in ally on where you go in fact, in which but I think the most important thing school for the first time, what must would have to monitor the apostolate especially in Canada, this world, which is a pagan one. I don’t country. For me I think the first dif- of all is to work to be a holy priest as he bring to his assignment? from a high level and to plan over a where you have a think it is our mission, and I don’t think it ficulty definitely was the language. It much as we can with the grace of God. longer term. What sort of thoughts do huge country with is the will of God. God does not want us surely depends on the country where you Fr. Rostand: I would say humility. If you have when you look out over the very few priests. I to merely survive, but to live in this world are sent, but in many places it is a real VERBUM: Without placing too much you don’t know your shortcomings, don’t future, over your entire district? What think we have to a true spiritual life, and He gives us all the barrier and not that easy to live with. For confidence in external means? worry, the children will tell them to you. strikes you as important or necessary? work to rebuild a real Catholic life around graces we need for that. So it is not just a your apostolate it doesn’t make things And you have to be prepared to hear things the priories. I try to encourage people as question of survival, but also and more im- easier. In Sri Lanka, for instance, every Fr. Rostand: Exactly, but rather more or learn things. Contact Fr. Rostand: I think our aim today is much as possible to be around these priories portantly a question of rebuilding the Catho- sermon had to be translated from English in the spiritual ones because a voca- with children is great really to build or rebuild a Catholic world. and schools, as that is where we can really lic order and the Catholic life around our to Singhalese. So it can bring even tion is a mystery, a mystery to every for that. They usually And wherever we are assigned, at every revive the Catholic life. Of course, we have priories and schools. I would say that is our strange situations. I remember one time one of us. Why me? Why not? It is a have a great respect for level, that is our goal. We want to work missions, Mass centers, where we go maybe aim and the aim of the district of Canada. when someone was literally doing his call from God, but it is a supernatural the priest, and that is a on that around our priories, our schools, once a week, once a month or even less of- own sermon instead of translating what one, so it comes only by supernatural wonderful thing, but they and I think that is our real goal, instaurare ten. We have to do this missionary work in VERBUM: Thank you very much, Father. I was saying, and I had to correct him. means. Often we are too easily at- also have the easiness omnia in Christo (to restore all things in many different places, but where we can re- I know you have had a busy week. Well, it’s a bit funny, but it doesn’t help. tracted by the external way of bring- to tell you or make sure Christ). The way the Society of Saint ally do a deeper work is around the priories. ing the youth to a religious life or that you know things. Pius X wants to restore this Catholic spirit Fr. Rostand: You’re welcome. A Nigerian Precedent Extending the Family and Buddhism. The Second Vatican Council ast December the Seminary was sisters. The members of the family have was given supreme importance; all customs pleased to receive as its special guest certainly remained united in purpose, if and practices previous to it were portrayed LFr. Niklaus Pfluger, the first assis- not in place, due to their various duties. as out-dated or out of touch with the modern tant to SSPX superior general Bishop Ber- Fr. Pfluger’s particular duty on the world especially in the areas of liturgy and nard Fellay. In this office, Fr. Pfluger found feast of the Immaculate Conception was to ecclesiology. Having made his solemn himself in Winona to visit the Society’s further expand the Society’s spiritual family profession in 1998, he was ordained Fr. American seminary and to help celebrate by receiving, as Gregory on August 21, 1999. the feast of the Immaculate Conception. is the custom, Fr. Gregory spent five years at his Such trips are not unusual. The supe- the engage- post—first as assistant parish priest and rior general’s assistants spend a substantial ments of new then as superior of the community at St. portion of their time visiting the congrega- and renew- Augustine’s Catholic Church in the town tion’s houses around the world, in order to ing members. of Ibusa—before involving himself fully in acquire a more thorough knowledge of the Among the the traditional movement. His contact with Society and thereby be better able to offer former were tradition began in 2001 when he visited a counsel to the superior general. (Just over a twenty-one priest from his hometown who had come to year previous to Fr. Pfluger’s visit, the Sem- seminarians. the United States. This priest had joined the inary had the honor of welcoming Fr. Alain- Noteworthy Fraternity of St. Peter, and he celebrated the Marc Nély, second assistant to the superior also was the Latin Mass during Fr. Gregory’s stay. “That general, on the occasion of Fr. Iscara’s first engage- was the first time I saw a priest celebrating twentieth anniversary of ordination. See ment of Fr. Fr. Pfluger elevates the host ecause of the liturgical innova- the traditional Mass in my entire life, and, VERBUM #102.) Also, by dividing the task Gregory Obih, during the Mass on December 8 tions following the Second Vatican taking my formation into account, it was not of visitation between more persons, the as- who as an assisted by Fr. Abbet, Council, many priests found them- attractive.” Speaking later with this priest, sistants remove some portion of the burden Augustinian B who served as deacon. selves no longer confident that they were ac- Fr. Eshiowu, Father came to realize the from the superior general and leave him fre- priest, spent complishing their role as other Christs— of- abuses that were taking place in the Church, er to attend to other administrative functions. two years in the Society’s Gabonese priory ferers of sacrifice and intercessors for sinful especially in the liturgy, and understood Even before his election as first as- in Libreville before coming to Winona in man. To counter this, Archbishop Lefebvre why it was necessary to come back to the sistant, Fr. Pfluger was well acquainted with the summer of last year. Fr. Obih is the founded the Society of St. Pius X, in order Tridentine Mass. This priest also passed on arduous responsibilities within the Society. first Nigerian priest member of the Society to maintain the sacrificial character of the to him the book A Critical Study of the New Since his priestly ordina- (see article at left). And it Mass and to preserve the true conception of Mass written by Cardinals Ottaviani and tion in 1984 at Pries- was also an especially joy- the priesthood. Recently not a few priests, Bacci. Returning to his duties, Fr. Gregory terseminar Herz Jesu, ful day for Fr. Patrick Ab- coming to realize the necessity of this doc- read the material which had been given him the Society seminary at bet, a Swiss compatriot of trine despite their previous formation, have and gave it thorough consideration for two Zaitzkofen, Germany, Fr. Fr. Pfluger and professor in either joined the Society or begun saying years. In 2003 he asked for a one-month Pfluger has held the posi- Winona since 2005, who made the Tridentine Mass on their own initiative. leave. He spent it with Fr. Eshiowu, learning tions of district superior his perpetual engagement. Among those in the first group, the latest is to say the Latin Mass while continuing to of Switzerland, district As always, such a grand Fr. Obih, a former Augustinian priest from read the writings of prominent characters in superior of Germany, and feast was followed by a festive the African nation of Nigeria. the battle for tradition. rector of the seminary banquet in the Seminary’s One of eight children, Father was born “At the end of this one month I re- at Zaitzkofen. But even refectory, of which a short to Catholic parents in Afikpo, in Nigeria’s turned to my parish and wrote straight to my if the first assistant is concert performed by musical state of Ebonyi in 1966. He attended the superior, requesting a one year sabbatical particularly well-trav- seminarians is fast becom- local public primary school and spent the and permission to join the Fraternity of St. eled, he is not the only ing a standard feature. New years of his secondary schooling at a board- Peter. I listed for my superior, my reasons, Father Pfluger one might to the program this time was ing academy. It was while at Imo State Uni- in seventeen encounter at a house of the Society. The a composition in German in honor of Fr. versity in the city of Okigwe, studying for points, and they Pfluger family has the happy distinction Pfluger. Offering hospitality to the Society’s a major in English, that he became friends mainly had to do of being unusually well represented within superiors who work tirelessly in support of with a young seminarian of the Holy the SSPX. Two of Father’s brothers are the apostolate is always a pleasure. In antici- Ghost Fathers. This friend intro- priests, and one is a religious brother. Two pation of future visits, the Seminary extends duced him to some pious societ- of his nephews are priests, while a third its thanks and promises its prayers to the ies, such as the Legion of Mary, pursues studies as a seminarian. Finally, General House in Menzigen, Switzerland. and was influential in his choice the Sisters of the Society of to pursue a religious vocation. St. Pius X count among their Graduating with his degree, Fr. with liturgy. I members two of Father’s Obih performed a year of national told him that service teaching at a high-school, I could no but, receiving no immediate and then, in 1991, he was invited longer tolerate reply, he obtained a one-year to join the Augustinians, to whom the deviations leave to go to the Fraternity of he was already intending to apply. in liturgy and St. Peter. He entered with the intention of that I had come to know that they are wrong, Fr. Gregory’s relations becoming a priest, and after a year of novi- they do not please God, they deviate from with the Fraternity of St. Peter tiate in which he took the name “Gregory,” Catholic teaching, and they undermine the proved rather strained. Asked he began his priestly studies: three years worship due to the Eucharist.” Surprised, by the faithful to give a con- of philosophy and four of theology. The his superiors invited him to the Augustinian ference on the New Mass, he formation he received in these two sciences motherhouse in the town of Jos to explain calmly expounded what he had Fr. Obih makes his first engagement in the Society was based on the ideas developed by the his grievances about the abuses in the liturgy come to realize in the recent years. Some of together with twenty-one seminarians. popular, if unsound, philosophers of the past in writing. Fr. Gregory then composed a his comments were published however, and few centuries: Kant, Descartes, and Hegel twenty-three page treatise, following the ar- caught the attention of Cardinal Arinze, the the sick and elderly, make some corrections to name but a few. Fr. Obih’s seminary guments of Michael Davies. “My basis was prefect of the Congregation for Divine Wor- in his celebration of the Mass, and assist the professors also instructed their students in that what is happening in the new liturgy is ship and the Sacraments. He contacted the priests in their weekend mission routes. the principles underlying the modernist idea not sanctioned in the Vatican II document local bishop who in turn barred Fr. Gregory Now called Fr. Obih since his en- of ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue, on liturgy; Sacrosanctum Concilum did not from saying Mass, until he should recant. trance into the Society, Father arrived in Wi- “with a view to making the seminarian more sanction altar girls, Communion in the hand, Under pressure from Rome, his religious nona during the summer of 2007. Although open to... seeing the truth in other religions.” Mass facing the people, experimentation, superiors, the local ordinary, and the priest already a priest, he will be studying philoso- Since approximately 40 percent of Nigeria’s inculturation, etc,…” Fr. Gregory’s supe- of the Fraternity of St. Peter with whom he phy this year, and next year he will follow population is Moslem, emphasis was given riors then asked him to spend six weeks at was staying (who was in danger of having the theology courses to fill the gaps left by to that cult, though his studies extended a novitiate in order to reflect on his choice. the bishop revoke permission for the use his his previous seminary formation. Father’s also to eastern religions such At the end of that time he decided to wait chapel), Fr. Gregory reluctantly gave in with reflections on his path to finding tradition as Hinduism a little longer and received permission to certain reservations. are particularly edifying for those who will return to his duties as priory superior. His Through the mediation of Fr. Daniel follow in his footsteps as traditional priests. time there was not peaceful, however, since Couture, superior of the Asian District, the “Being in tradition has helped me to see that he had to continue with all the practices Society ultimately responded, asking Fr. really there is a crisis in the church since which he had just challenged in his recent Gregory to take up residence at the Society’s Vatican II, and the best way I can cooperate letters. Deciding to wait no longer, he priory in Libreville, Gabon. During his two- with God in order to end the crisis is by liv- sent his first applications to the Society year stay, he was able, after overcoming the ing as a true Catholic priest.” of St. Pius X in April and May 2004, language barrier, to bring Communion to

The formula of oblation recited by candidates when making their engagement in the Society of Saint Pius X.