25 March 1991: Archbp. Marcel Lefebvre – R.I.P.
On this day in 1991 Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre died.
Lefebvre was a great churchman, an astoundingly effective missionary.
I learned of Lefebvre’s death in an interesting way. I was that morning opening up our office (the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei“) because I was the first to arrive. As I was switching on lights and machines, there the doorbell rang. Thinking it was our secretary, who might not have the key handy, I opened the door to find… then-Card. Ratzinger. He gave me the news that Lefebvre had died. He had just received a phone call about his death and stopped at our office on his way in to the Congregation. I got on the phone to our own Cardinal right away.
Here are shots of Lefebvre’s memorial card, which I have kept these years. I have it in a plastic holder, usually also with a short list of names of bishops for whom I say a Memorare after every Mass I say.
Lefebvre needs prayers. He died excommunicated, poor man.
In your charity, you might pray for him too.
