In the Swiss village of Econe, a house that the Canons of Great St Bernard had put up for sale was bought by the local Catholic faithful and donated to the new Fraternity to save the property from secularisation.

The Society was canonically instituted under the authorisation of Bishop Charriere of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lausanne-Geneva-Fribourg, and approved by Cardinal Wright, Prefect of the Congregation of the Clergy in the Roman Curia. It was established in a rented house by Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus Marcel Lefebvre, retired Superior General of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost and previously Pope Pius XII’s Apostolic Delegate to French Africa, after he was approached by many young men who requested a traditional priestly formation. The Assistants must be consulted in all important matters and they have a deliberative voice in the major decisions regarding the life of the Society (new foundations, nominations of superiors, building projects, etc.).The Priestly Fraternity of St Pius X ( Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Pii X, or FSSPX) was founded in Switzerland on 1st November 1970. Once a month the General Council meets for three consecutive days. With their familiar presence in the communities they foster the unity among the members, and by the means of personal meetings, retreats and conferences they encourage them to maintain a burning zeal in the service of the Church and the souls. Residing at the General House in Menzingen, Switzerland, the two Assistants must travel extensively and frequently to the four corners of the world, in such manner that each seminary and district is visited at least once a year. The First Assistant acts as well as Vicar General, replacing the Superior General if he is incapable of fulfilling his office, or if the office itself becomes vacant. In their capacity of official advisers of the Superior General, they share with him and under his authority the government of the Society worldwide. They are elected by an absolute majority of votes. They must be priests, permanently engaged in the Society, and be at least 30 years old. The Assistants are elected by the members of the General Chapter for a term of office of 12 years. Pius X is composed by the Superior General and his two Assistants. The General Council of the Society of St. The work Read about the organizational structure of the SSPX and its practical means of accomplishing its essential mission.Apostolates Inspired by charity, the SSPX works for the good of souls through schools, retreat houses, missions, and other apostolic societies.Religious family The SSPX brothers, our oblate sisters, and other religious congregations faithful to Tradition live closely united to our priestly society.Presence The SSPX is established in over 60 countries and has experienced constant growth around the world since its foundation in 1970.

Organization Like any religious society, the SSPX is organized hierarchically to oversee a worldwide network of districts, seminaries, priories, and schools.

Sspx sisters