Archbishop Lefebvre and Padre Pio
On March 27, 1967—exactly 52 years ago—Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre visited Padre Pio, the stigmatized priest, in San Giovanni Rotondo, to discuss the storm that was just beginning to hit the Church. Bishop Bernard Tissier de Mallerais, in his authorized biography of the founder of the Society of Saint Pius X, gives a detailed account of this memorable meeting.
As Superior General of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost, Archbishop Lefebvre wished to visit the illustrious Capuchin in his convent in Puglia, Italy.
The times were serious: in the name of the conciliar aggiornamento, the congregations were expected to change and modify their constitutions. As the General Chapter of his order approached, the prelate wanted to obtain the spiritual support of the humble son of St. Francis.
“The conversation between the Archbishop, who was accompanied by Fr. Barbar and another priest, and Padre Pio flanked by two Capuchins, was simple, brief, and to the point,” explains Archbishop Lefebvre’s biographer.
“The priest with the stigmata promised to pray for the Holy Ghost chapter. The Archbishop was moved to veneration and asked him for his blessing, Padre Pio replied: ‘No, Your Grace, it is your place to bless me!’ Thus, Archbishop Lefebvre implored heaven’s blessing on Padre Pio.”
Source: Marcel Lefebvre, A Life
Sources: Bp. Tissier de Mallerais / FSSPX.News – 3/27/2019
