A heavy thunderstorm interrupted the episcopal consecrations conducted by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) at Écône, Switzerland, on July 1, 2026, the feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as Bishop Alfonso de Galarreta, assisted by Bishop Bernard Fellay, conferred the episcopate on four priests – Fr Pascal Schreiber of Switzerland, Fr Michael Goldade of the United States, Fr Michel Poinsinet de Sivry of France and Fr Marc Hanappier of France – in a large outdoor ceremony without pontifical mandate, despite appeals from Pope Leo XIV warning of automatic excommunication.

The four-hour Pontifical Mass, attended by an estimated 16,000 adults together with many children, began under bright skies on the meadow beside the international seminary. Attendees received white "Écône 2026" caps at the entrance. As the liturgy progressed, clouds gathered and screens warned of an imminent thunderstorm.

A torrential downpour with thunder and lightning broke around the elevation of the Host during the Canon and intensified shortly before the distribution of Holy Communion, forcing a temporary pause. The vast assembly, including the newly consecrated bishops, largely remained in place; many knelt in the muddied field and joined in the recitation of the Rosary as the rain continued for about 20 minutes before easing to a drizzle.

The SSPX has described the consecrations as a necessary measure taken in a state of grave necessity to ensure the continuation of its apostolate and the transmission of the episcopate for the salvation of souls. The new auxiliary bishops, selected from among seminary rectors, district superiors and experienced priests, will serve without ordinary jurisdiction. In his homily, Superior General Fr Davide Pagliarani emphasised fidelity to the Church's perennial Tradition. A declaration was read affirming obedience to the Roman Pontiff while citing the duty to act amid perceived doctrinal and liturgical difficulties.

Pope Leo XIV had issued a personal appeal on June 30, urging the Society to refrain from what he termed "a schismatic act of extreme gravity". The SSPX proceeded, maintaining its longstanding position on the current crisis in the Church. The event echoed the 1988 consecrations by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre at the same location.

Following the rite, the new bishops processed through the crowd to impart blessings, their vestments glistening after the rain. Organisers reported orderly conduct throughout, with no significant injuries despite the weather. The ceremony was broadcast live, reaching a global audience. Vatican officials expressed sorrow at the development and indicated that canonical consequences would follow established norms.

Online Catholics were quick to suggest the inauspicious weather may be a sign of disapproval. "The sky opened up and drenched this schismatic event. Get out of the Boat of St Peter and you will drown," commented one user, in a post that received thousands of likes and more than 100,000 views.

This development underscores ongoing tensions between the SSPX and the Holy See. The Society has reiterated its desire for reconciliation grounded in doctrinal clarity and its commitment to serving the faithful through the traditional liturgy and formation.

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