His Excellency Bishop Donald Sanborn
His Excellency Bishop Donald Sanborn, born on February 19, 1950, in Flushing, Queens, New York, has emerged as a prominent figure in the sedevacantist movement. From an early age, Bishop Sanborn's strong Roman Catholic upbringing instilled in him a deep devotion to the Faith.
Bishop Sanborn's journey in the priesthood began in the Diocese of Brooklyn. In 1967, he pursued his vocation further by entering the seminary college. His exceptional academic abilities and passion for classical languages led him to graduate cum laude in 1971.
Seeking a more traditional approach to seminary training, Bishop Sanborn made a pivotal decision to join the newly-established Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in Ecône, Switzerland.
Under the tutelage of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, he deepened his understanding of the Latin Mass and traditional Catholic teachings. Ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, by Archbishop Lefebvre, Bishop Sanborn became a beacon of faith and a staunch advocate for preserving the traditional liturgy and teachings of the Catholic Church.
During his tenure in the SSPX, Bishop Sanborn played a pivotal role in the establishment of St. Joseph's House of Studies in Armada, Michigan, which later became the first American seminary for the SSPX. Appointed as its Rector, he demonstrated exemplary leadership and a profound commitment to forming young men for the priesthood. However, divergent views on liturgical changes imposed by Archbishop Lefebvre and other developments within the organization led Bishop Sanborn and eight other priests to part ways with the SSPX in 1983.
Bishop Sanborn co-founded the Society of St. Pius V (SSPV), striving to maintain fidelity to traditional Catholic practices. In the years that followed, he continued his mission by establishing Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Martinez, California, providing a spiritual home for like-minded Catholics.
Bishop Sanborn's dedication to the preservation of traditional Catholicism extended beyond his pastoral work. In 1991, he founded Sacerdotium, a scholarly quarterly for traditional Catholic priests, and Catholic Restoration, a periodical for the Catholic laity. These publications garnered widespread acclaim for their insightful content and high-quality presentation, contributing to the intellectual formation of clergy and laity alike.
Furthermore, Bishop Sanborn's erudition and passion for truth led him to write extensively on the errors of Vatican II and the pontificate of John Paul II. His articles and analyses have been instrumental in raising awareness about these crucial issues among Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. His prolific number of sermons preached, which have been shared worldwide over decades, continue to educate the faithful in these core issues, as well as provide ongoing guidance to the laity in how to lead a truly Catholic life and to repudiate the modern anti-Catholic culture.
In 1995, Bishop Sanborn founded Most Holy Trinity Seminary, a renowned institution that continues to educate and train future sedevacantist priests. With his profound grasp of Thomistic philosophy, Catholic dogma, and moral theology, as well as his linguistic abilities in Latin, French, Italian, and other languages, Bishop Sanborn has been an exceptional mentor to countless seminarians, imparting not only knowledge but also a solid appreciation for the sacred liturgy and priestly spirituality.
Bishop Sanborn's unwavering commitment to the sedevacantist position has made him a leading figure in the movement. His courageous decision to establish the Roman Catholic Institute (RCI) and relocate Most Holy Trinity Seminary to Reading, Pennsylvania in Fall 2022 demonstrates his persevering dedication to preserving traditional Catholicism and nurturing the spiritual growth of his flock.
Today, Bishop Sanborn continues to be a guiding light, visiting Mass centers in the United States and Europe. His presence and teachings inspire and unite sedevacantist clergy and laity in their shared pursuit of a faith rooted in tradition, reverence, and constant fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Courses featuring His Excellency, Bishop Donald Sanborn:
Apologetics
From the Archives: Fr Donald Sanborn Q&A
The History of Christendom
In Veritate
Popes Against the Modern Errors
