It would seem that the story of Archbishop Lefebvre has already been completely written. There is the magnificently and definitive biography by Bishop Tissier de Mallerais. There is the famous Apologia Pro Marcel Lefebvre written by Michael Davies. Dr. David Allen White has contributed with The Horn of the Unicorn. We even have the Archbishop’s autobiography The Little Story of My Long Life.
However, the life of Marcel Lefebvre has never been told on film until now. We live in an age stimulated by visual and audio reinforcement. The Church has always instructed by catechesis;κατηχισμός “instruction by word of mouth.” This is an visual representation of the life of the founder of the Society of St. Pius X. The man who sometimes was called “the rebel bishop.” The life of a great Churchman who was an apostolic delegate of Pope Pius XII, Archbishop of Dakar, Superior General of The Holy Ghost Fathers and an active participant at Vatican II.
Why this film?
This project has received the support and encouragement of Bishop Bernard Fellay. He has opened all the archives to us! We will collect the stories of bishops, priests, the communities he served and the friends who were lucky enough to have known Archbishop Lefebvre. Additionally, we will also interview the surviving members of the family of the Bishop and all the laity who were willing to contribute to his life work.
We do not hide the fact that all this work has a cost, even if many professionals have offered their services pro bono. We invite you to participate by providing pictures, home videos, stories or any documents that you might have; or by simply making a donation.
We need everyone’s help to make this a complete and quality film. We are asking you to give whatever you can afford to assist in bringing Marcel Lefebvre’s life and work to the attention of the world.
An interview conducted by Fideliter (SSPX French District) with Mr. Jean-Jacques du Cray, producer of the documentary film.
1. It has been over a year since announcement has been made about the film on the life of Archbishop Lefebvre. Does it take so long for a documentary to be realized?
The realization of such a film takes considerable work. Our crew has often dedicated entire days and nights preparing for it. They must make historical considerations to establish a coherent synthesis, research archives of audio-visuals, make contact with the contemporaries of the different periods of Archbishop Lefebvre’s life, prepare for trips to meet them, transcribe interviews, translate, request of authorization, acquire technical equipment, choose music. These are some of the numerous aspects—among others—of this vast project. Thus, it is not, in short, surprising that we have taken our time. If my memory serves me well, I believe that we actually began to seriously discuss this idea in 2006!
2. What stage are you at, now?
Right now our crew is traveling around the world to meet the bishops, priests, religious and faithful who knew Archbishop Lefebvre intimately. This task is very delicate because we are not working on a documentary of a Carmelite or Capuchin [a cloistered religious—Ed.]. For example, when examining the life of St. Therese, one would not be compelled to go too far out of Normandy. However, when it comes to the life of a missionary, archbishop and founder who has trekked the world and who was Superior General of two different religious communities, one is led on a journey that passes even through the tropics! Under the circumstances, it is necessary to betake oneself to many parts of France, Gabon, Senegal, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and America! continue reading »
A Defense of Tradition – Celebrating 40 years of the Society of Saint Pius X Conference will be held at the Hilton Conference Center in Kansas City, MO this weekend. A few of the documentary project team will be in attendance filming spots and interviews with the attendees of the conference. We hope to see you there. If you see us please stop by and feel free to share any insights, stories, revelations, opinions, facts and statements about the Archbishop; his life, his work and his influence on the Church, the Mass and Catholic’s in the United States.
If you don’t plan to attend the conference this weekend, you can still contibute to the project. Let us know your thoughts and stories about the Archbishop on our Share page. Or contact us privately.
Glory be to God! Yet another great month of donations received for the documentary. During the month of September 2010 we received over 35 donations totally more than $4,300 USD! Once again, thank you to our benefactors all for your continued support and generosity. We have been truly blessed. Please continue to support the project!
Jump to the Fundraising page for more information and progress. And as always if you have any information or ideas you would like to share with us please let us know.
Once again, a great thank you to all of our benefactors. During the month of August 2010 we received over 150 donations totally more than $11,000 USD! Thank you all for your continued support and generosity. We plan to have some film updates soon. So please keep checking the site and your mailboxes!
Jump to the Fundraising page for more information and progress. And as always if you have any information or ideas you would like to share with us please let us know.
Thank you to all of our benefactors, especially over the past month. In July we were received over $13,000 USD in donations to help support the documentary project. What at amazing blessing; thank you for continued support financially and spiritually. Please keep up your prayers!
Jump to the Fundraising page for more information and progress. And as always if you have any information or ideas you would like to share with us please let us know.
New Documentary on Archbishop Lefebvre in Production An Interview with Father Arnaud Rostand, SSPX
Note: Catholic Family News Editor John Vennari conducted this interview with Father Arnaud Rostand, District Superior of the Society of St. Pius X in the United States. The Interview covers the Documentary itself, important points in the life of Archbishop Lefebvre, and how the laity can help in the Documentary’s production.
CFN: Please tell us about the documentary now in production: Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre: A Bishop for the Church
Father Rostand: A few months ago the French District of the Society of Saint Pius X initiated the production of a documentary on the life of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. I immediately offered the collaboration of the U.S. District, the second largest District of the Society, as I see this project as instrumental in making the role and mission of Archbishop Lefebvre more known. Before this, I was already in contact with some faithful here in the United States who had the same idea and were already offering help. continue reading »
Thanks to your generous contributions and prayers thus far, the film project team has been able to produce an English version of the film trailer. We hope you enjoy! Please keep up your donations and prayers as we continue through to the completion of the entire documentary.
Thank you to Our Donors. We are now able to add English subtitles to the film trailer. This little addition is expected to be available here by the end of the month; January 2010. Please check back soon.
Our plans include a voice over of the original film. If you feel that this movie would be better experienced with voice overs versus subtitles, let us know. Contact
John Vennari Editor, Catholic Family News Dr. Peter Chojnowski Professor and Writer Kevin Allen Composer Fr. Arnaud Rostand SSPX District Superior USA Bishop Bernard Fellay SSPX Superior General
Why a movie on Archbishop Lefebvre?
