In picturesque Alpine village Écône, a major religious ceremony unfolded Wednesday, drawing crowd to witness ordination of four bishops linked to traditionalist sect. This group known for contentious stance within Catholic Church. Event went ahead despite pontiff's plea,warning it could threaten Church cohesion .
Bishops from diverse regions stood before about 15,000 attendees,including priests in traditional vestments. Ceremony had procession through village,centered around large tent in nearby field. Candidates prostrated before altar, reciting vows in Latin while ceremonial music played .
This sect, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1970,opposes several Vatican reforms from late 20th century. Changes aimed to modernize practices,like allowing Mass in vernacular languages . The Society clings to traditional ways,preserving ancient customs over newer practices.
Days before ordination, pope urged Society leaders to rethink decision, fearing actions could deepen Church divides. He recalled 1988 event repercussions,which led to excommunication of those involved . Newly ordained bishops may face same fate as pope seems ready for disciplinary action .
Society supporters argue resistance aims to protect faith from distortions. Davide Pagliarani,Society's Superior General, addressed crowd,stressing commitment to pope while voicing concerns over modern Church influences. His words echoed desire to uphold tradition amid change.
Though Society's following modest,around 600,000 compared to Catholic Church's 1.4 billion,its impact felt globally,notably in U.S. Ceremony broadcast live in multiple languages, showing Society's broader reach . Attendees could buy commemorative items, like $92 Swiss wines with bishop's mitre.
New pope, still adjusting to leadership,faces complex challenge. He sees ordination as direct affront to authority,must tread carefully to avoid worsening tensions . Possible schism looms as Society of Saint Pius X asserts its identity against Vatican's directives…
