The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X (FSSPX) officially announced on May 26 the names of the four priests who will be consecrated bishops on July 1 in Écône, Switzerland.
The announcement was made through a communiqué signed by the Fraternity’s superior general, Father Davide Pagliarani, from the general house in Menzingen.
The priests chosen to receive episcopal consecration are:
- Father Pascal Schreiber, of Swiss nationality;
- Father Michael Goldade, of American nationality;
- Father Michel Poinsinet de Sivry, of French nationality;
- and Father Marc Hanappier, also of French nationality.
Consecrations scheduled for July 1 in Écône
The ceremony will take place on July 1 in Écône, the Swiss town historically linked to the Fraternity founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.
In the communiqué, the FSSPX states that the files of the four priests were previously submitted to the Holy Father along with various explanations related to “the very particular and exceptional context of these episcopal consecrations.”
The Fraternity further affirms that these consecrations are not intended to establish a parallel authority within the Church or to question the authority of the Roman Pontiff.
“In no way do they constitute a denial, rejection, or challenge to the supreme, full, and immediate power of the Vicar of Christ over the universal Church,” the text states.
Ensuring the continuity of the sacraments
According to the communiqué, the purpose of the future episcopal consecrations is to ensure the continuity of the administration of the sacraments of holy orders and confirmation, as well as other sacramentals reserved to bishops, according to the traditional Roman rite.
The Fraternity describes this decision as a service “to souls and to the Church” amid what it considers an “unprecedented crisis of faith.”
In the final part of the text, Father Pagliarani reaffirms the FSSPX’s determination to transmit the Catholic faith in its entirety and to continue serving the Church.
“Our determination to serve the holy Catholic Church remains unwavering,” the communiqué states.