June and July mark some bittersweet anniversaries in the traditional movement.  It was on 30 June 1988 that Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and Bishop Antonio de Castro Mayer did episcopal consecrations without the approval of Rome.  Pope John Paul II quickly wrote a document called Ecclesia Dei Adflicta, meaning “On the Afflicted Church of God.”  This is a barely-veiled reference to imply that Archbishop Lefebvre himself was “afflicting the Church of God” by consecrating bishops without the Pope’s approval.  Three weeks later, on 18 July 1988, the FSSP was founded with the approval of Rome to remain both canonically regular and maintain the old-rite sacraments. I believe one of the main … Continue reading “Ecclesia Dei Adflicta” Turns 34 Years Old