21 April 1982
Your Eminence,
I have received your letter of 7 April. I have studied it with great interest, and willingly recognize that the declaration which you put forward is very close to that which I believe it would be possible to sign.
The first point in particular presents no more problems as soon as "tradition" and the "rule of theological interpretation" become the norms that enlighten our judgment of the conciliar texts.
The second point would be more appropriately expressed as follows:
"Mgr. Lefebvre signed the conciliar Decree on the Liturgy, so accepting the possibility of reform. He has never affirmed that the texts of the new liturgical books in their original Latin versions were heretical or invalid in themselves, but he believes that the reform of the Liturgy as implemented necessitates grave reservations, as Cardinals Ottaviani and Bacci rightly stated."
The third point, which aims to place the Society and my work in a regular position with regard to Canon Law, is subject to acceptance by the Holy See of the requests put forward in my letters to the Holy Father and to Cardinal Seper in the course of the past two years. Might it not be put in the following way:
"Mgr. Lefebvre wishes that an Apostolic Delegate should be appointed, and should make a Visitation; when the Delegate has seen the work of the Society and its associated bodies, he could, in agreement with the Society, propose a project for the regularization of the Society and of its activities."
The fourth point really could be expressed in slightly modified terms:
"Mgr. Lefebvre regrets those of his words and deeds which may have displeased the Holy See."
I consider it indispensable that subjoined to the declaration or in some other document there should be indicated the intentions of the Holy See concerning what would be granted in respect of the Liturgy and of recognition of the Society.
In the hope that these explanatory details will enable Your Eminence to propose a definitive text, I ask you to take note of my feelings of respect and heartfelt devotion in Christo et Maria.
+ Marvel Lefebvre
Your Eminence,
I have received your letter of 7 April. I have studied it with great interest, and willingly recognize that the declaration which you put forward is very close to that which I believe it would be possible to sign.
The first point in particular presents no more problems as soon as "tradition" and the "rule of theological interpretation" become the norms that enlighten our judgment of the conciliar texts.
The second point would be more appropriately expressed as follows:
"Mgr. Lefebvre signed the conciliar Decree on the Liturgy, so accepting the possibility of reform. He has never affirmed that the texts of the new liturgical books in their original Latin versions were heretical or invalid in themselves, but he believes that the reform of the Liturgy as implemented necessitates grave reservations, as Cardinals Ottaviani and Bacci rightly stated."
The third point, which aims to place the Society and my work in a regular position with regard to Canon Law, is subject to acceptance by the Holy See of the requests put forward in my letters to the Holy Father and to Cardinal Seper in the course of the past two years. Might it not be put in the following way:
"Mgr. Lefebvre wishes that an Apostolic Delegate should be appointed, and should make a Visitation; when the Delegate has seen the work of the Society and its associated bodies, he could, in agreement with the Society, propose a project for the regularization of the Society and of its activities."
The fourth point really could be expressed in slightly modified terms:
"Mgr. Lefebvre regrets those of his words and deeds which may have displeased the Holy See."
I consider it indispensable that subjoined to the declaration or in some other document there should be indicated the intentions of the Holy See concerning what would be granted in respect of the Liturgy and of recognition of the Society.
In the hope that these explanatory details will enable Your Eminence to propose a definitive text, I ask you to take note of my feelings of respect and heartfelt devotion in Christo et Maria.
+ Marvel Lefebvre
