Rorate Caeli

A decisive man
in the Rome - SSPX negotiations


A guest contribution by Harry Griffin

The Holy See has proposed to the Society of Saint Pius X a preamble that should precede a canonical recognition. Some thoughtful minds wonder what will be the decision of the Superior General, Bishop Bernard Fellay. On October 7 and 8, 2011, he will assemble the main authorities of the work founded by Archbishop Lefebvre at Albano Laziale, Italy, just a few meters away from the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo. Among these, a decisive character: Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta.

The Spanish-born bishop has been traveling the world since his episcopal consecration by Abp. Lefebvre at the age of only 31. He had previously seen with his own eyes the havoc that the spirit of the Council had caused in his diocesan seminary, in La Plata, Argentina, the institution which he left in order to enter Écône, whose founder detected his qualities very soon - naming him district superior and choosing him early one as one of those who should be consecrated. If he is, on one hand, the most discreet of the four bishops of the Society, he is, at the same time, the one who ascends most in authority within it. The London exile of his British colleague has only increased this aura. Some of the Society's priests go so far as to say that they see Abp. Lefebvre in this prelate, at once composed, measured, cheerful, warm, pragmatic, and firm in the faith.

In each delicate situation, he is called upon by his superior, of which he is near. In 2008, it is to him that is given the charge of announcing, in Écône, the decision of not folding before the ultimatum presented by Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos. The following year, he replaced Bp. Williamson as the head of the Argentine seminary of La Reja, in a stormy atmosphere. Some months later, he is chosen to direct, in a noteworthy manner, the commission of experts assembled for the discussion with those chosen by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. At the same time, he is the bishop of reference of all religious communities friendly to the Society but not part of it.

This man of faith, who has never been swayed by the waves of various dissensions with which the Society has been confronted, will have his say in these discussions. He knows the Society well. He also knows Rome well, after having debated with its representatives. He knows, therefore, up to what point the Holy See is willing to go. His opinion will undoubtedly be heard with great attention.