Archbishop Lefebvre's body to be transferred in 2020

FSSPX.NEWS | DECEMBER 18, 2019

On October 5, 2019, in Friborg, the Saint-Pie X Seminary celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation. On September 24, 2020, he will celebrate the jubilee of the opening of Ecône.

On this occasion will take place the solemn transfer of the mortal remains of its venerated founder, Mgr Marcel Lefebvre (1905-1991).

On May 31, 1968, five friends bought the house of Ecône from the Canons of Grand-Saint-Bernard in order to preserve its religious vocation. The edifying story of this acquisition can be read on the Saint-Pie X Seminary website . Two years later, this house was proposed to Archbishop Lefebvre for the first year of his seminary. Conquered, the prelate accepted after obtaining the agreement in principle from the local bishop, Mgr Nestor Adam. At the start of the 1970 academic year, it could accommodate many candidates: the most beautiful chapter in the history of Ecône began.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this first school year with dignity, the Saint-Pie X Seminary will organize, on Thursday, September 24, 2020, a day of festivities, here is the indicative program:

9:00 am: Pontifical Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

After Mass: transfer of the mortal remains of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre from the seminary vault to the crypt of the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.


Aperitif on the forecourt followed by a meal (terms to be defined later).

Evocation of the beginnings of Ecône by elders and projection of photographic archives.


6:40 p.m .: 1st vespers of Saint Nicolas de Flüe, principal patron of Switzerland.



Called to God on March 25, 1991, Archbishop Lefebvre has been buried in the Seminary since the day of his funeral, which was celebrated on April 2, 1991.


The transfer to the crypt of the church is a decision of the Superior General taken following the wish of the General Chapter of 2018. It will facilitate access to the tomb of the founder of the Fraternity of Saint Pius X, by putting him in the honor.


So that the greatest number of priests, brothers and nuns could participate in this event, a weekday was set aside.



Thursday September 24, 2020: a date to reserve!