Builder of Bridges
Bishop Fernando Areas Rifan from Campos, Brazil, recently completed a tour of the United States sponsored by Una Voce, the international organization established to work
for the restoration of the Latin Tridentine Mass. Since assuming his role as Apostolic Administrator of the Society of St. John Marie Vianney two years ago, Bishop Rifan has become the friend and champion of Latin Mass communities throughout the world.
On September 21, the feast of St. Matthew, Bishop Rifan came to Holy Name Church in Providence, Rhode Island, and offered the Tridentine Mass there at the request of his friend, Father Joseph Santos. The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Brothers and Sisters, were in
vited to sing the Gregorian chant. The incense, the singing, and the dignified bearing of the Portuguese-speaking prelate all added to the sublimity of the Solemn High Latin Mass. A reception with a delicious array of food followed the Mass. Then Bishop Rifan recounted the story that led him to his present position.
In brief summary, the Bishop’s work continues the noteworthy efforts of the late Bishop of Campos, Antonio de Castro Mayer who valiantly perpetuated the exclusive use of the Tridentine Latin
Mass in his diocese. After some thirty years of controversy over the Campos adherence to the ancient Latin liturgy and sacraments, Rome erected, in January, 2002, the personal Apostolic Administration to be directly subject to the Holy See by mandate of Pope John Paul II. Though the new Apostolic Administration is territorially the same as the Diocese of Campos, Bishop Rifan is responsible for only those priests and faithful who have retained the sole use of the Mass and sacraments of the pre-Vatican II Latin Rite. This has been rightly described as “the unprecedented Brazilian achievement.”
Bishop Rifan came to Saint Benedict Center the next day and celebrated Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, which was filled to capacity with students, guests, and religious. In his sermon he remarked that he felt like he was “at home away from home” —so much did the traditional 
Catholicism at the Center remind him of his own people in Brazil.
After lunch with the Brothers and visiting priests, the Bishop toured the Center complex. He was impressed with the work of the Brothers whose construction skills are amply displayed in each of the buildings. He showed particular interest in the school and in the print shop where the monastery printing apostlate is produced.
What impressed everyone about His Excellency was his true paternal concern for the faithful struggling in these times of betrayal and confusion. “I want to be a builder of bridges,” he said as an assurance of his willingness to help restore the traditional Latin Mass in any way he can.
“It was truly an historic event for the Center,” commented Brother Thomas Augustine, MICM, superior. “And one we will never forget,” he added.
Let us hope and pray that the role assigned to Bishop Fernando Areas Rifan by the Holy Father may soon extend beyond the borders of Campos, Brazil, to all traditional Latin Mass Catholics throughout the world.
