Dossier on episcopal consecrations without Apostolic mandate by Fr. Hervé Belmont.

Consecration of St. Augustine by Jaume Huguet (15th century).

Foreword

The constitution of the Holy Catholic Church, concern for the common good, heightened prudence because we are orphans, the necessity of patience, the primacy of the witness of faith and doctrinal rectitude… these are arguments which, in our sad times, do not make for effective discourse, even among Catholics determined to remain faithful in the midst of the terrible storm the Holy Church is enduring. People prefer to focus on the ease of attending Holy Mass, the easy reception of the sacraments, the continuity of the works undertaken… Certainly, these are great goods! but goods that cannot be desired or obtained at any price.

Should one resort to episcopal consecrations performed without an apostolic mandate? Could such a recourse be in accordance with God’s holy will? For the past two decades, many have answered in the affirmative. This shows just how necessary it is to examine the question very seriously, and this booklet attempts to do so in light of the theology and practice of the Church. In truth, it should be impossible to consider doing otherwise!

This collection brings together occasional writings produced over the course of twenty years; as such, it lacks cohesion and is prone to numerous repetitions. On the other hand, it has the advantage of presenting a line of thought that we see taking shape little by little, as questions arise and the need for it becomes apparent: this is not “chamber music”; it is a dam built bit by bit as the waves of recourse to the episcopate rise and threaten to overwhelm everything.

One might also point out that this study has been and remains ineffective, since virtually the entire traditionalist community resorts to such consecrations, which sound theology and a true sense of the Church deem unacceptable. From a human perspective, this is all too certain! But in the eyes of the Good Lord and Our Lady, does not effectiveness consist in remaining faithful regardless of the consequences and in enlightening one’s neighbor to the best of one’s ability?

The constitution of the Holy Catholic Church, concern for the common good, heightened prudence because we are orphans, the necessity of patience, the primacy of the witness of faith and doctrinal rectitude… it is indeed in this light that we must place ourselves. This means that the publication of this brochure seems timely; it is even urgent, given how much the acceptance of the episcopate without an apostolic mandate is progressing: the fait accompli, the desire to find a certain comfort, the obfuscation of the sense of the Church are the cause of this. We must take action and restore the brilliance of holy doctrine.

1. The Daughters of Lot.
2. An Unbridgeable Chasm: The Autonomous Episcopate.
3. Appendix I: Response regarding the practical attitude to adopt toward priests ordained by bishops consecrated without an apostolic mandate.
4. Appendix II: Excerpt from the introductory letter to issue 5 of Les Deux Étendards (December 1997).
5. Appendix III: Excerpt from a letter to some young people regarding vocation (Spring of 1999).
6. Appendix IV: Excerpt from a letter to a young man who has just entered the seminary (fall 1999).
7. Appendix V: All the faith, nothing but the faith: excerpt from a note sent to the parents of some students.

(This work has been translated from the original French and published with the kind permission from its author, Fr. Hervé Belmont - Non Excidet's note)