SSPX Podcast

Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the ninth article of the Creed: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church.” Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains what the Church actually is, why Christ founded one visible society for the salvation of souls, and who belongs to it. We’ll also look at the Church militant and triumphant, the necessity of a visible head, and the four marks by which the true Church can be recognized: one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic.

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In this final chapter, the focus turns from Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s public battles to the man himself. Chapter 20 looks back on the character, spirituality, and priestly convictions that shaped his entire life: his devotion to the Mass, his love of the priesthood, his confidence in Providence, and his determination to hand on the Faith exactly as he had received it. We also see his gentleness, humor, simplicity, and deep life of prayer, even as age and illness begin to overtake him. Finally, the story follows his last months, his final sufferings, and his death on March 25, 1991, leaving behind th...

Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the eighth article of the Creed: “I believe in the Holy Ghost.” Fr. William MacGillivray explains who the third Person of the Blessed Trinity is, why He is equal to the Father and the Son, and what the Church means when she calls Him the giver of life and sanctifier. We’ll also look at His gifts, His visible manifestations in Scripture, Pentecost, and why extraordinary charisms such as tongues and miraculous healings became less common as the Church grew.

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Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the seventh article of the Creed: “From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.” Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains the difference between the particular judgment at death and the general judgment at the end of time, why both are necessary, and why Christ will judge the whole human race in His humanity. We’ll also look at the signs that precede the Last Judgment, the final sentence of the just and the wicked, and how this truth should move us to both repentance and hope.

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In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre faces the most difficult decision of his life. Chapter 19 follows the growing crisis of the 1980s, the Assisi interreligious meeting, his deepening concern over the future of the priesthood, and his conviction that Tradition could not survive without bishops to ordain priests and confirm the faithful. After years of negotiations with Rome, hopeful openings, delays, and failed agreements, he concludes that the time has come to act. On June 30, 1988, together with Bishop de Castro Mayer, Archbishop Lefebvre consecrates four bishops at Ecône in what he calls “Operation Survival,” determined to pass on what...

In Episode 8 of The Catechism Series, Fr. William MacGillivray explains three closely connected mysteries of the Creed: Christ’s descent into hell, His Resurrection from the dead, and His Ascension into heaven. What does the Church mean when she says that Christ “descended into hell”? Fr. MacGillivray explains the different meanings of the word hell and why Our Lord descended not to the place of the damned, but to the limbo of the fathers, where the just of the Old Testament awaited the fruits of His Redemption. The episode then turns to the Resurrection. Unlike Lazarus or others restored temporarily to lif...

In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre moves from preserving Tradition to rebuilding Catholic life around it. Chapter 18 follows the growth of priories, chapels, schools, seminaries, retreat houses, and religious communities across Europe and beyond. At the same time, he continues his dialogue with Rome, firmly rejecting both liberal compromise on one side and sedevacantism on the other. Through internal crises, growing opposition, and an expanding worldwide apostolate, his guiding conviction remains the same: preserve the Mass, form holy priests, strengthen Catholic families, and establish places where the Faith can survive and grow. What began at Ecône is now b...

In Episode 7 of The Catechism Series, Fr. Paul Robinson examines the fourth article of the Creed: Our Lord Jesus Christ “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.” The Roman Catechism calls the mystery of the Cross one of the most difficult truths for the human mind to accept: that our salvation should come through suffering, humiliation, and death. Fr. Robinson explains why Catholics profess these events as real historical facts and why Christ truly suffered and died according to His human nature. But the episode goes beyond the historical facts to ask a deeper question: why did God...

In this release, the conflict surrounding Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and Ecône comes fully into the open. Chapter 17 follows his definitive rejection of the New Mass, his growing confrontation with bishops and Roman authorities, and his determination to preserve the traditional priesthood and sacraments. As pressure mounts, the Society of St. Pius X is suppressed, yet Ecône continues. Then comes his famous 1974 declaration of fidelity to “eternal Rome,” followed by the dramatic ordinations of 1976, his suspension a divinis, and finally his long-awaited meeting with Pope Paul VI. Through it all, Archbishop Lefebvre insists that his resistance is not agains...

Today on Questions with Father, we look at the role of a bishop in the Catholic Church. What makes a bishop different from a priest? What is the distinction between the power of orders and the power of jurisdiction? And why does that distinction matter when Catholics hear about episcopal consecrations, apostolic succession, and the continuation of the priesthood? Fr. William MacGillivray walks us through the Church’s teaching, drawing from canon law, the Council of Trent, Vatican I, St. Thomas Aquinas, and the traditional theology of the episcopacy. Along the way, we’ll see why bishops possess a unique powe...

In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre begins the work that will define the rest of his life: the restoration of the Catholic priesthood. Chapter 16 begins with seminarians in distress, young men seeking solid doctrine, traditional formation, and a priestly life centered on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. From those first uncertain steps in Fribourg, Providence leads him to Ecône, where a year of spirituality, Thomistic studies, liturgical life, and priestly discipline begin to take shape. We also see the official founding of the Society of St. Pius X, the first vocations, the beginnings of its sisters and b...

Today in The Catechism Series, we continue through the Creed with the mystery of the Incarnation: “Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” Fr. Marcel Ockerse explains how the Son of God assumed a true human nature in the womb of Our Lady, while remaining what He was from all eternity. We’ll also look at why this work is attributed to the Holy Ghost, why Mary is truly the Mother of God, and what the Virgin Birth teaches us about humility, gratitude, and our own life of grace.

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In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre enters the postconciliar crisis with growing clarity and urgency. Chapter 15 shows him recognizing the deep confusion spreading through the Church after Vatican II: a crisis of authority, doctrine, catechism, religious life, and liturgy. No longer able to rely on official structures alone, he begins encouraging priests, bishops, writers, and lay movements who are trying to preserve the Faith. At the same time, the reform of the Mass accelerates, and Archbishop Lefebvre sees that the battle is no longer theoretical. The Church’s doctrine, worship, and priesthood are now directly at stake.

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Today in The Catechism Series, we turn to the next article of the Creed and begin speaking about Our Lord Jesus Christ. Fr. Lukas Lipp explains the central truth that Christ is true God and true man: one divine Person with two complete natures. What does that actually mean? Why does the Church insist that Christ is not partly God and partly man, but fully both? And why does this doctrine matter for the Incarnation, the Redemption, and even the title of Our Lady as Mother of God?

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In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre is elected Superior General of the Holy Ghost Fathers, taking charge of the congregation at a moment of deep confusion and rapid change. Chapter 14 shows him trying to strengthen doctrine, restore discipline, protect priestly and religious formation, and resist the spread of modernist ideas in seminaries and communities. Yet the same revolutionary spirit he had fought at the Council now appears within his own congregation. Despite his efforts to reform, organize, and preserve the missionary spirit of the Holy Ghost Fathers, opposition grows. By the end, he resigns, leaves the motherhouse with almost...

Welcome to Sacred Restorations, a limited series on the SSPX Podcast highlighting the beautiful work being done across the U.S. District. In this episode, we travel to Denver, Colorado, where a new novitiate of the Consoling Sisters is taking root. Fr. Paul Robinson is joined by Mother Maria Rita and Sister Mary Veronica to tell the remarkable story of their congregation, founded in Italy in 1961 by Fr. Basilio Rosati, a Passionist priest devoted to the Passion of Our Lord and the consolation of the Sacred Heart. The Sisters recount their early years of poverty, apostolic work, their perseverance through...

In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre steps forward as a public defender of Catholic tradition during the Second Vatican Council. Chapter 13 shows him repeatedly taking the floor, not out of a desire for controversy, but because he believed it was his duty to speak. He challenges the Council’s growing ambiguities on religious liberty, collegiality, ecumenism, the liturgy, and the Church’s relationship with the modern world. At the heart of his interventions is one great concern: that Christ the King must not be dethroned by a new religion centered on man, liberty, and worldly progress. This chapter reveals both...

Today in The Catechism Series, we continue through the opening article of the Creed: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” Fr. David Sherry explains what Catholics mean when they profess belief in God, not merely as a conclusion of reason, but as our first beginning and last end. We’ll also look at how God’s existence can be known, why we call Him Father, what it means that He is almighty, and how creation itself points us back to Him.

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In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre enters one of the most consequential moments of his life: the Second Vatican Council. Chapter 12 follows him as a member of the Central Preparatory Commission, where he sees early signs of deep division within the Church over doctrine, liturgy, religious liberty, collegiality, Communism, and the social reign of Christ the King. As the Council begins, he becomes one of the leading figures in the Coetus Internationalis Patrum, a group of bishops working to defend Catholic tradition amid the growing influence of liberal and modernizing currents. This chapter shows Archbishop Lefebvre not as a spectator...

Today in The Catechism Series, we begin the first major section of the Roman Catechism: the Creed. But before looking at each article, Fr. David Sherry helps us understand the opening words: “I believe.” What does faith really mean? Why do we say “I believe” rather than simply “we believe”? And why is supernatural faith different from opinion, suspicion, doubt, or merely human trust? This episode lays the foundation for understanding the Creed as a personal profession of the truths revealed by God.

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In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre enters a new period of conflict and transition. In Chapter 10, we see his final years in Dakar, as Senegal moves toward independence and the Church faces difficult questions about Islam, socialism, inculturation, Catholic Action, and the future of Africa. Through it all, he remains steady: courteous and practical, but unwilling to compromise Catholic truth. Then, in Chapter 11, he is sent to the small French diocese of Tulle, where he finds a Church weakened by decline, discouragement, and confusion. Yet even there, in only a few months, he encourages priests, defends sound Catholic action, and...

Today in The Catechism Series, we continue with a practical question: how should Catholics actually use the Roman Catechism? Fr. Richard Boyle walks through its four major divisions: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer. He explains why this book is not ordinary reading, but a guide for study, reflection, and deeper formation. We’ll also look at why some topics are not treated directly in the Catechism of Trent, and why returning to the basics remains essential for knowing, loving, and serving God.

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Welcome to Sacred Restorations, a limited series on the SSPX Podcast that highlights the beautiful work being done across the U.S. District. In this episode, we travel to Walton, Kentucky, where Assumption Academy is building the future of Catholic education. Fr. Stephen Stanich and Mr. Sean Cooper walk us through the remarkable growth of this chapel, from the original SSPX church and school in Cincinnati, to the move to Walton in 2010, to the arrival of the Dominican Sisters and the flourishing of both the boys’ and girls’ schools. What began with a small chapel and just a few dozen stud...

In this release, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre receives a new and daunting mission: Pope Pius XII appoints him Apostolic Delegate for French-speaking Africa. Now, while still shepherding Dakar, he must represent the Holy See across dozens of missionary territories, from Morocco and Senegal to Madagascar and Réunion. Chapter 9 shows him encouraging bishops, creating new dioceses, helping choose future pastors, raising funds, bringing in religious congregations, and strengthening the Church’s presence across a rapidly changing Africa. We see his loyalty to Rome, his practical genius, his calm authority, and his deep concern that the African Church be truly Catholic, mis...

Today in The Catechism Series, we begin with two basic questions: what is a catechism, and why are we using the Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent? Before we enter into the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and Prayer, it is important to understand the kind of book the Church has given us, and the authority it carries. Fr. Richard Boyle explains the history of the Roman Catechism, its connection to the Council of Trent, and why Catholics today still need clear, systematic formation in the truths of the Faith.

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This audiobook is completely funded by you, the listener. If you would like to help us complete this project in full, please visit SSPX.gifts/audiobook. In this release, Father Marcel Lefebvre is called from formation work in France to a far greater responsibility: the episcopacy. Chapter 8 follows his consecration as bishop and his arrival in Dakar, where he takes charge of a vast missionary territory marked by Islam, animism, colonial tensions, and a small but growing Catholic flock. With his usual combination of doc trine, prayer, practical intelligence, and quiet determination, he begins building for the future: schools, seminaries, p...

Today on Questions with Father, we examine the recent decree of excommunication against the SSPX and the serious questions it has raised for priests, faithful, and families. Fr. Paul Robinson explains the Society’s response, the difference between disobedience and schism, and why the SSPX argues that no true excommunication has been incurred. We’ll also look at the validity of confessions and marriages, the role of supplied jurisdiction, and the deeper crisis in the Church that led to these consecrations. Above all, Father helps the faithful understand how to carry this cross without bitterness, while remaining firm in the Fait...

This audiobook is completely funded by you, the listener. If you would like to help us complete this project in full, please visit SSPX.gifts/audiobook. In this release, we follow Father Marcel Lefebvre from the missions of Gabon back to war-torn France, where a new and difficult assignment awaits him. Chapter 7 brings us to Mortain, a town devastated during the Battle of Normandy, and to White Abbey, where the Holy Ghost Fathers’ philosophy scholasticate is struggling to recover. There, Father Lefebvre becomes rector, rebuilding not only damaged buildings, but also discipline, unity, doctrine, and missionary zeal among young seminarians sh...

What do Catholics believe? They believe not in fragmentary constructs or passing doctrines, but the unyielding truths that lead to eternal life–the truths the Catholic Church has handed on for 2,000 years. This year, we begin a new series on the Catechism, using one of the great treasures of the Church: the Roman Catechism, also known as the Catechism of the Council of Trent. Written for priests, teachers, parents, and the faithful, this catechism is intended to form Catholic minds in the truths of the Faith: the Creed, the sacraments, the Commandments, and prayer. Each week, we will walk through th...

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In this release, we follow Father Marcel Lefebvre into the heart of Gabon, where his priesthood becomes deeply missionary. Chapter 6 shows him first as a teacher and rector at the seminary in Libreville, helping form a native clergy for the Church in Africa. But it also brings him into the bush — traveling by river and foot, visiting villages, guiding catechists, hearing confessions, settling disputes, building up missions, and strengthening Catholic life in difficult conditions. Through illness, war, exhausting labor, and separation from home, we see a priest who gives himself com...

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In this release, we follow the newly ordained Father Marcel Lefebvre into his first priestly assignment: a working-class parish in Lomme, near Lille. There, he learns the daily life of a parish priest — preaching, catechism, confessions, visiting families, caring for the sick, and trying to bring lost sheep back to the sacraments. But even as he gives himself to this parish, the call of the missions grows stronger. In Chapter 5, he enters the Holy Ghost Fathers’ novitiate, where prayer, sacrifice, obedience, and spiritual discipline prepare him for a more demanding apos...

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In Chapter 3, we follow Marcel Lefebvre as he arrives in Rome and enters the French Seminary at Santa Chiara. Here, the young seminarian is formed in the heart of the Eternal City, surrounded by the tombs of the apostles, the teaching of the popes, and the discipline of Roman doctrine. We see the deep influence of Fr. Le Floch, the spirit of St. Thomas Aquinas, and the ideal of Christ the King taking root in him. The chapter also shows trials within the seminary, the painful removal of Fr. Le...

Please help support this project: https://sspx.gifts/audiobook This episode contains Chapters 1 and 2 of the Audiobook. This project is an effort to shine a brighter light more widely on the life of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. Because his life is not only the story of one man. It is, in many ways, a window into the current crisis of the Church, the defense of the traditional Mass, and the history of the Church in the 20th century. See all the episodes of this series: https://sspxpodcast.com/audiobook Marcel Lefebvre: The Biography - https://angeluspress.org/products/marcel-lefebvre-biography We’d lo...

Today in the final episode of The Episcopal Consecrations, we step back and look at the whole picture. Over the course of this series, we have examined the life of Archbishop Lefebvre, the crisis in the Church, the state of necessity, the nature of obedience, schism, and the role of bishops. But how do all these pieces fit together? Joined once again by Fr. Robert Brucciani, we revisit the central arguments, address the relationship between the needs of souls and the needs of the Church, and ask what the future may hold for Tradition after July 1. This episode serves as...

Today in The Episcopal Consecrations, we address the questions and objections that many Catholics are asking. Does the SSPX see itself as a parallel Church? Are these consecrations motivated by self-preservation or by the good of souls? Why continue dealing with Rome if there are serious disagreements? And how can Catholics reconcile obedience to the Pope with resistance to policies they believe are harmful to the Faith? Joined by Fr. Shane Pezzutti, we take a step back from the historical and canonical arguments to examine the practical concerns, misunderstandings, and difficult questions surrounding the upcoming consecrations and the Crisis in...

Today in The Episcopal Consecrations, we step inside the ceremony itself. What actually happens during the consecration of a bishop, and what does every gesture, prayer, and symbol mean? Fr. Ian Andrew Palko guides us through the ancient rite of episcopal consecration, from the examination and oath to the laying on of hands, anointings, vestments, and enthronement. Along the way, we explore the theology behind the episcopacy, the history of the papal mandate, and the Church’s understanding of apostolic succession and jurisdiction. This episode offers a rare glimpse into one of the Church’s most solemn and beautiful ceremonies.

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In this episode, we travel to Bismarck, North Dakota, where the faithful of St. Michael’s are building a new Romanesque church on a hill overlooking the city. Fr. Dominic May walks us through the remarkable history of Tradition in North Dakota, from the legacy of Fr. Frederick Nelson and Powers Lake, to the first Society Masses offered in a living room, to the growth of a chapel serving faithful across the Dakotas and parts of Montana. After years of outgrowing their current church in Mandan, the parish purchased 20 acres on the edge of Bismarck and began raising a beautiful ne...

Today in The Episcopal Consecrations, we step back and look at the historical record. How has the Church actually handled episcopal consecrations throughout the centuries—and is the requirement of a papal mandate as absolute as many assume? Fr. Ian Andrew Palko walks us through the development of Church discipline, from the early Church to the modern era, and examines real cases of consecrations without papal approval. Some were clearly schismatic—but others were tolerated or even later accepted. What explains the difference? This episode brings clarity to a complex question and helps place the present situation in its proper hist...

Today in The Episcopal Consecrations, we turn to one of the most difficult and personal questions in the crisis: obedience. What does it really mean to obey the Church—and when can apparent disobedience be justified? Fr. Themann examines the nature of authority, the virtue of obedience, and the limits placed on every human command, even within the Church. Drawing on Scripture, theology, and practical examples, this episode explores how Catholics can navigate situations where commands seem to conflict with faith, morality, or the salvation of souls. Ultimately, we ask: how do we make these decisions with clarity, prudence, and pe...

In this episode, we travel to Armada, Michigan, where St. Joseph’s, one of the oldest and most historic SSPX communities in the United States, is preparing for a new chapter. Fr. Steven Soos and Tyler Gianattasio walk us through the remarkable history of this parish, from its beginnings with concerned Catholic families in the Detroit area, to the first Society foundations in Michigan, to the growth of a vibrant community centered on the Mass, the school, and devotion to St. Joseph. Now, after years of growth and tight limitations on its current property, the parish has purchased 22 acres of de...