Our Founder, Archbishop Lefebvre, wanted every seminary of the SSPX to be international. Currently, we also have one seminarian from Mexico, and another from the Dominican Republic. Our own seminarians come mainly from English speaking countries: specifically, the United States, Canada, and Ireland.

Do most of the North American seminarians come from the US, Canada, and South America? Will most of those who are ordained remain in the Americas?įather Patrick Abbet: There are a total of six seminaries of the SSPX worldwide. LG: I believe I read that the Society has five seminaries and is present in 35 countries. During this year, seminarians study some classical works of literature, as well as Latin additionally, they take introductory courses in philosophy, scripture, and the history of the present crisis in the Church. During their year of Spirituality, seminarians learn “the principles of the interior life, of life in the presence of God and in union with God, the foundations of the spiritual combat, the soul of the apostolate, and so on and they apply themselves to putting these principles into practice in their personal life.” (Rule for the Seminary) To this program we have added a preparatory year of Humanities. The entire course of studies begins with a year of Spirituality, followed by two years of Philosophy and three years of Theology. Archbishop Lefebvre established at Ecône?įather Patrick Abbet: Yes, we follow the six-year program which Archbishop Lefebvre established. LG: Does the North American Seminary follow the same curriculum, both academically & liturgically, as H.E. The exemplary generosity of their parents is certainly a positive influence on their vocation. Very often, they come from large Catholics families. LG: Do you have any statistical data on your seminarians, such as average age, average number of siblings, etc.?įather Patrick Abbet: The majority of our new seminarians are between 18 and 21 years old. Additionally, more than 65% of our seminarians went to one the schools run by the priests of the Society of Saint Pius X. The majority of that figure come from families who attend Mass in SSPX Chapels. Pius X later in their discernment?įather Patrick Abbet: Around 80% of our seminarians did grow up assisting at the Traditional Mass. LG: Did all of your seminarians grow up assisting at the traditional Mass, or did some discover the Mass and the Society of St. On June 22, God willing, we will have the ordination of seven new priests and six new deacons. How many seminarians do you now have?įather Patrick Abbet: We currently have 80 seminarians. Thomas Aquinas Seminary moved from Winona, Minnesota to Dillwyn, VA in 2016 to help address increasing enrollment. I recently had the privilege of corresponding with Father Patrick Abbet, vice rector of the Society’s North American seminary, regarding vocations, formation, and the traditional Latin Mass. What hasn’t received nearly enough attention is their continued growth, most visibly illustrated by the 2016 relocation of their U.S. Much ink has been spilled discussing the complicated history and canonical status of the SSPX. Having previously highlighted dioceses such as Lincoln and Charlotte, as well as the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP), I would now like to turn your attention to the Society of Saint Pius X. A recovery of orthodoxy and tradition consistently leads to a boom in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. In the past I have explained why increasing vocations isn’t rocket science.

New sspx seminary